Wonder Woman and the 40 greatest female characters in comic book history

26. Catwoman

Comic book to check out: Catwoman (Frank Miller)

Catwoman hasn’t changed much over the years. She’s always walked the line between criminal and hero – and done an excellent job as both. Most characters that don’t change become stale. In this case, however, you simply can’t improve on perfection.

Selina Kyle has always been a strong, fun and engaging character. Her gimmick hasn’t needed any alterations. Her being with Batman made Bruce Wayne more interesting – that’s how amazing she is. She made one of the most popular heroes in any genre better by making him vulnerable and in touch with his emotions. That’s how she helped save Gotham City during The Joker War and City of Bane. Without her, Batman would have remained broken.

Catwoman is more of a hero than many would care to admit. She’s a truly purrfect character.

25. Black Widow

Comic book to check out: Black Widow (Kelly Thompson)

Black Widow is dangerous on a level beyond comprehension. She’s been an assassin since World War 2. The mission in which Captain America met Logan for the first time (Uncanny X-Men No. 268), Natasha wasn’t an innocent little girl. In Wolverine Origins: Our War, we found out she was there to assassinate someone. That means, since the 1940s, she’s been killing people all over the world.

Black Widow isn’t just a killer. Sure, she’s known as one of the premier assassins in the world, but she’s more than that. Natasha Romanoff is an Avenger, an Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. spy, and protector of people. Cross her at your own peril. She has an assortment of ways to hurt and manipulate people.