In the past, DC has mostly given the spotlight to their male heroes while the women remained side characters or were reduced to love interests. More recently, the public has seen female heroes and villains take center stage in both movies and comics. As female heroes became more prominent on the screen, their comic counterparts have also started to thrive and gain plenty of more attention.
For example, Harley Quinn was a huge breakout character in Suicide Squad, spawning her own film, animated series, and new comics. There are plenty of other exciting female characters in DC that fans would surely love. Both new and old, here are some of the best comics with female heroes front and center.
Batgirl: The Darkest Reflection by Gail Simone
Batgirl has a long history in the comics, but Gail Simone's run is the perfect place to pick up on her story. This comic follows Barbara Gordon, who was formerly one of Batman's sidekicks, as she returns to being a superhero after a tragic past.
This comic book series gained so much traction that it ended up getting five volumes and really helped to define Barbara Gordon's character and allowed the readers to see her move on from the controversial events that took place in The Killing Joke.
Supergirl: Being Super by Mariko Tamaki
Many fans may know Kara Danvers as Superman's cousin, and from the popular CW show in which viewers get to see her become a hero later in life.
In Being Super, Kara Danvers is a teenage girl that is just starting to develop her new abilities. Just like every other teen girl, she just wants to hang out with friends and celebrate turning 16. After some suspicious events, she abruptly finds herself having to use her new powers to save the world.
Gotham Academy by Becky Cloonan
Taking place in the heart of Gotham City, this comic follows Olive Silverlock as she attends a prestigious academy owned by Bruce Wayne. As she discovers there may be a ghost on the campus, along with a mysterious society, she decides to investigate the odd things occurring.
Even though this comic isn't necessarily about a superhero, Olive is an incredibly smart character that has a lot of potential in the DC universe. Her group of teen detectives is charming and heroic in their own way.
Teen Titans: Raven by Kami Garcia
Raven is an iconic superhero with appearances in two Teen Titans animated series, many video games, including Fortnite, and plenty of Teen Titans comics. While fans may be incredibly familiar with her character, this interpretation of her is entirely unique.
In Teen Titans: Raven, Raven finds herself losing her memory after the loss of her foster parent. Her whole past, knowledge of powers and history is a mystery that she would rather keep covered, until strange darkness haunting her forces her out of ignorance.
Wonder Woman by Brian Azzarello
For fans that are new to Wonder Woman comics, this one is a perfect place for fans to read about the character, without having to worry about knowing all of the history and lore.
One of the most interesting things about this comic is that it uncovers some unknown facts about the origins of Diana Prince and her parentage. It also really delves deep into the mythology side of the character, which is something not seen often.
Catwoman by Joelle Jones
Following shortly after Selina Kyle's wedding with Bruce Wayne, fans get to see her hunt down a new villain who just so happens to be imitating her former heists. In this comic, fans get to see Selina leave Gotham to be closer to her sister.
It's interesting to see Catwoman in a story that doesn't entirely revolve around Batman, and view her in an independent light. Not only is the story entertaining, but the art style is also fantastic.
Birds of Prey by Duane Swiecynski
Birds of Prey is probably the best superhero team to read about for fans of female superheroes because the entire team is made up of women. In this comic, the team consists of Katana, Black Canary, and Poison Ivy.
Following a mismatched group of both heroes and villains, this team is tasked with the job to hunt down a new villain named Choke, who is able to control people's minds and turn them into his minions.
Harleen by Stjepan Šejić
Everyone knows Harley Quinn as the exciting girlfriend of the Joker, but this comic shows how she became the crazed villain that fans know and love.
This origin story is perfect for not only fans of Harley Quinn, but anyone that wants to read an amazing story. Going back to when she was a psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum, fans get to see how her romance with the Joker blossom and how her sanity drifted.
Black Canary and Zatanna: Bloodspell by Paul Zini
Black Canary is often seen with Green Arrow, but in this comic, she's working side by side with Zatanna, tasked with the mission two rescue members of a gang that is being hunted by their former leader, and put a stop to her.
Zatanna is one of the most powerful magicians in the DC Universe, while Black Canary has an incredible supersonic voice. All of the villains and heroes in this comic are powerful women in this fun and lighthearted story.
Starfire: Welcome Home by Amanda Conner
Starfire from the Teen Titans moves to Florida in this interesting take of her origin story. Even though she's a princess on her home planet, she has to learn how to blend in as an ordinary person on Earth.
This comic has a nice balance between Starfire being a superhero, but also trying to figure out how to survive on a completely new planet. It's also fun watching her learn and adapt to the human lifestyle.