Yesterday’s news of Marvel Universe creator and comic book pioneer, Stan Lee’s passing sent shock waves throughout the world. Often credited with bringing children’s comic books to a mainstream audience, Stan Lee’s infinite world of complex superheroes has transcended generations. Famous characters such as Spider-Man, The Hulk, Captain American and Iron Man have captivated both readers and movie-goers with their unique mixture of relatable human flaws and extraordinary superpowers. Stan Lee’s ingenuity will be missed by everyone. In honor of his legacy, here are some of the most famous female superheroes he created:
1. STORM
Photo Attribution: Marvel Comics Group
The first black female superhero, Storm, is an African princess aptly nicknamed after her weather powers allowing her to create thunder, lightening and of course, storms. She was most recently played by Alexandra Shipp in the 2016 X-Men Apocalypse film. Alongside her is Jean Grey, known for her ability of telepathy and astral projection (aka controlling things with her mind and projecting her body anywhere she wants), and Rogue, who can absorb the powers of other mutants she touches. Talk about a triple threat!
2. BLACK WIDOW
Photo Attribution: Marvel Comics Group
Known for kicking ass and taking names, Black Widow’s origin story is a bit murky. What we do know, is that she is from Russia and has been trained as an assassin. Smart and able to do many different forms of martial arts, she’s currently played by Scarlett Johansson in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And oh yeah, she can fly planes. Multi-talented? I think so.
3. THE WASP
Photo Attribution: Marvel Comics Group
The epitome of the phrase “size doesn’t matter,” The Wasp is actually a founding member of the Avengers in the comic books. While the character played by both Michelle Pfeiffer and Evangeline Lilly in The Ant-Man and The Wasp movie series has a different origin story, the powers of The Wasp haven’t diminished one bit. She can control her size, growing to hundreds of feet tall or so small that the naked eye can’t see her, and she is still being able to maintain super strength. The Wasp is proof that the tiniest packages do pack a punch.
4. SCARLET WITCH
Photo Attribution: Marvel Comics Group
A bad girl gone good, Scarlet (aka Wanda Maximoff) is more than the twin sister of Quicksilver. Her power as a sorceress knows no bounds—she can alter reality, minds and time. Turning the term “witch” on its head, she embodies female empowerment and is played by Elizabeth Olson in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s safe to say that she wasn’t present at the Salem Witch Trials.
5. SHURI
Photo Attribution: Marvel Comics Group
Arguably smarter than Tony Stark (Iron Man), T’Challa’s (Black Panther) little sister is a force to be reckoned with. The African princess of Wakanda has super-speed, enhanced stamina and senses. She is also a gadget guru, mastering all sort of high-tech equipment, including the ever volatile and coveted vibranium. Letitia Wright first brought Shuri’s character to the screen in the 2018 Black Panther film.
Thank you Stan Lee for recognizing that heroes are also SHE-roes. You, Stan, are the ultimate superhero. Excelsior!