Top 10 Superheroines of All Time

One of the most complex Marvel characters, Elektra is a master of the martial arts and has a tortured relationship with the superhero Daredevil. Although she began her career as an assassin and has used her incredible skills for evil, she has also teamed up with the good guys on many occasions. Elektra is ruthless and cunning, qualities that make her a valued ally and a fearsome opponent. She’s also intensely determined: even death was unable to claim her for long.

Originally an elite Soviet sleeper agent, the Black Widow defected to the West and became one of the most valued members of Nick Fury’s S.H.I.E.L.D. team. Though the Widow’s abilities have been somewhat augmented, it’s her physical prowess and keen strategic intellect that make her a force to be reckoned with. Thanks to her espionage background, the Black Widow can take on any number of roles and play them all convincingly, making her invaluable for infiltrating enemy organizations.

Created back in 1968, Carol Danvers was originally a determined security officer in the United States Air Force who developed super-human powers due to an encounter that fused her DNA with that of an alien from the Kree race. Now blessed with a wide range of powers, including superstrength, flight, superspeed and photonic blasts, she began her heroic career as Ms. Marvel. A member of many incarnations of the Avengers, Carol recently assumed the name of Captain Marvel, with the name of Ms. Marvel being passed onto a teen-aged girl named Kamala Khan.

Until she gained control over her powers, things were rough for Rogue: she couldn’t touch anyone without draining them of their memories, strength and abilities. Once she learned how to control her abilities, things became easier – though not perfect. Along the way, Rogue absorbed Ms. Marvel’s powers and personality – and found herself battling the superheroine for control of her own body. Acting like a sponge for others’ powers, Rogue is not someone to be trifled with.

One of Marvel’s most iconic characters, the Invisible Woman is one of the original members of the Fantastic Four. Participating in an experimental starship flight, cosmic rays gave Susan Storm-Richards the power to turn invisible and to create force fields of amazing strength. Over the years, the Invisible Woman has learned to manipulate her force fields to incredible effect, enabling her to levitate or to cause objects to explode. And, as Sue’s confidence has grown, so has the intensity of her power.

With her ability to totally control the weather, Storm is quite literally a force of nature – and not one to be messed with. Orphaned at an early age, a witch-priestess took Storm under her wing and taught her how to control and use her mighty powers. Storm has been a long-time member and sometimes leader of the X-Men; and it’s her insight and commanding presence, along with her awesome powers, that make her one of the team’s most important members.

Batgirl's cape and cowl have been donned by several people, but Barbara Gordon remains the person most identified with the character. Daughter of Gotham City police commissioner James Gordon, Barbara started her Batgirl career by accident: she was dressed up for a costume party when she encountered a criminal situation. Barbara's Batgirl career was interrupted for several years after she was paralyzed by the Joker; but even then she continued fighting crime behind the scenes as Batman’s technical adviser Oracle. Her subsequent return to the Batgirl mantle promises new heights of glory for the unsinkable heroine.

Whether calling herself Marvel Girl, Red, Ms. Psyche, or White Phoenix of the Crown, Jean Grey has been a starring player in the Marvel Universe for more than five decades. Jean made a definite impression from her debut in the first issue of X-Men, but gained true legendary status during the epic Dark Phoenix storyline. In her experiences – good and bad – with the Phoenix Force, Jean has achieved a level of power that is truly godlike. But even when working without the Phoenix, her telekinetic powers demand respect.

Kara Zor-El, better known as Supergirl, is cousin to the Man of Steel. Like Superman, she is a survivor of the planet Krypton and so the lesser gravity of Earth, combined with solar energy from earth’s yellow sun give her a range of mighty superpowers. The original Supergirl gave her life in the Crisis on Infinite Earths; subsequent versions of the character altered her origin so she was actually no longer actually from Krypton. However, the most recent reboot has returned Supergirl to her rightful Kryptonian heritage.

Before we reveal our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Starfire
DC Universe

Black Canary
DC Universe

Wasp
Marvel Universe

Raven
DC Universe

Emma Frost
Marvel Universe

Along with Batman and Superman, Wonder Woman completes the "Big 3" of DC Comics' most iconic characters. Raised on an isolated island by a race of Amazons, princess Diana assumed the mantel of Wonder Woman when she came to the world of men; here, she fights for justice and liberty for all people. Her super strength, flying ability, and magic lasso, buttressed by her warrior training, make her a formidable opponent; but her greatest asset may be as a cultural symbol who has inspired and empowered countless girls and women.

Do you agree with our choices? Which hiney-kickin’ heroine do you think deserved a spot on this list? For more enthralling top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.