Girls Get It Done
When it comes to the world of superheroes, there are dozens of women who have defined the genre. Whether they be heroes, villains, or civilians with an aptitude for trouble—these are the 20 coolest female DC characters ever created.
Photo by Travis Anderson on Pixabay
1. Wonder Woman
When it comes to super-powered women, Wonder Woman takes the cake. She’s part of DC’s main trinity alongside Superman and Batman and is a global name. This Amazonian princess has proven her mettle time and time again, venturing from the island of Themyscira to join the battle for justice.
2. Harley Quinn
Harley Quinn has skyrocketed in popularity, earning multiple movie iterations and becoming a common costume choice for Halloween. She’s a fully realized female character with an aptitude for silly antics and lovable mishaps that make her a fan favorite. After detaching from the Joker, she has become something more all on her own.
3. Black Canary
For fans of animated shows and comic books, Black Canary is another superhero staple. Dinah Drake or Dinah Lance, depending on the version, is gifted with a sonic scream and is skilled in hand-to-hand combat, making her quite the force to reckon with.
4. Zatanna
What makes Zatanna so cool is undoubtedly her powers. She is able to perform magic, as long as she casts all her spells backward, that is. Intertwined in the occult world of DC, Zatanna can often be found putting on magic shows or helping Constantine or Batman on cases.
Marnie Joyce from New York City, USA on Wikimedia
5. Catwoman
While many dismiss Catwoman as nothing more than Batman’s love interest, Selina Kyle is far more complex. She has taken center stage in the Arkham City games and has risen to new heights through The Batman film. Now leading her own comic books and shows, Selina has certified herself as the best thief around.
6. Huntress
Helena Bertinelli, better known as the Huntress, isn’t afraid to bend the rules. More vigilante than a superhero, she’s willing to do whatever it takes to get justice, which she often conflates with revenge. What makes her even more impressive is her lack of powers. All she really needs is her handy-dandy crossbow.
7. Starfire
Many of us fell in love with Starfire during her animated stint, and she continues to steal our hearts through her kind intentions and dedication to her team. A founding member of the Teen Titans, Starfire has forsaken her alien origins and dedicated herself to securing Earth.
8. Lois Lane
Lois Lane is far more than Superman’s wife. In fact, in many iterations, she’s in charge of her own stories, pushing forward plots and pursuing justice as a news reporter. Lois is willing to do anything for the greater good, making her a hero in her own right.
Fleischer Studios on Wikimedia
9. Poison Ivy
Unlike some of the other anti-heroes on this list, Pamela Isley is a pure villain. Although many sympathize with her environmental agenda, this is a villainess who isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty. To the joy of fans around the world, she’s been one of Batman’s toughest rogues.
Miguel Discart & Kiri Karma on Wikimedia
10. Raven
Raven is another superhero who made herself known through the Teen Titans. Unlike the bubbly Starfire, fans fell in love with Raven due to her low energy and ominous attitude. The epitome of goth vibes, she’s also got a demonic secret or two up her sleeve.
Miguel Discart & Kiri Karma on Wikimedia
11. Supergirl
Kara Zor-El may come across as the female version of Superman, but she has a story and world all her own. In fact, some people argue that she’s stronger than Superman, although it’s hard to definitively tell. Unlike Superman who arrived as a baby, Kara was older when she left Krypton, leading to her having stronger ties to the planet of her past.
12. Batgirl
Barbara Gordon represents resilience across the DC universe. When Joker left her disabled, she continued the fight for justice by taking on the mantle of the Oracle, showcasing her dedication to the cause.
13. Vixen
Vixen is another lesser-known hero with a super cool power. Model by day and superhero by night, she’s able to harness the abilities of different animals through her Tantu Totem, making her as fast as a cheetah or as fierce as a bear.
14. Hawkgirl
Hawkgirl has a troubled history, plagued with past lives and an alien overlord that muddles her loyalty to Earth. Despite it all, she has proven herself countless times and is considered a powerhouse in terms of strength and skill.
Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America on Wikimedia
15. Artemis
Fun fact: there are in fact two Artemis’s in DC. However, this listing goes to the green-shrouded archer with the same name. Artemis has proven herself to be a resilient operative, often working in the trenches to gather intelligence and protect her team.
16. Stargirl
Stargirl is a bit of a legacy hero in the sense that she pays homage to both the Star-Spangled Kid and Starman by carrying on their tools. Her staff and belt allow her to access super strength, speed, and the ability to emit shooting stars from her hand. Sparkly and practical.
17. Carol Ferris
Carol Ferris is a complicated character. She starts off as Hal Jordan’s love interest but is quickly corrupted by the Zamarons, who turn her into the Star Sapphire. In some versions, she harnesses the violet energy of love to wreak havoc, while in other versions, she is cured of her alter ego’s villainy.
18. Big Barda
Big Barda started off as a villain; she was a member of the Furies but quickly switched her tune after falling for Mister Miracle. Love changed her into a force for good, and now Big Barda stands out as another DC powerhouse with a super cool set of armor.
William Tung from USA on Wikimedia
19. Amanda Waller
Amanda Waller is neither a hero nor a villain, but she’s certainly complicated. According to her, she just wants to keep Earth safe, especially from super-powered loose cannons. To that end, she has led the creation of manufactured superhero teams and questionable secret projects.
20. Jessica Cruz
Jessica Cruz’s claim to fame is her work as a Green Lantern, and of course, her awesome costume design. Not only is she a member of the Corps and the Justice League, but unlike other lanterns, she had to overcome the malicious control of her ring to become a hero.
