Cleanse the Palate

OK, I've just plowed my way through many, many women in comics, movies and television. (And I've only done three letters of the alphabet!) Lots of those female characters are clad in such a way that appeals to men, which is to say, scantily. Men are the majority of the comic book buyers, the consumers of action movies, etc., so it does make sense to market to where the dollars are coming from. But it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth...

Rather than take the high road and pontificate on the value of fully-dressed heroines and the illogic of half-naked heroines, let's do a little objectifying of our own, shall we? A few minutes of digging on the internet yielded me a few pages to reference:

Top 10 Sexiest Men in Comics

1. Batman
2. Black Adam
3. Wolverine (specifically the movie version)
4. Ironman (movie version)
5. Superman
6. Green Lantern (specifically Kyle Rayner)
7. The Winchester Brothers (based on the tv show)
8. Gambit
9. Magneto
10. The Darkness

Kudos to Victoria (whose list that is) for including a villain. I confess, some of those guys I've never heard of, particular the Winchesters. Never seen the comic, never watched the show. Not overly excited about those two. Whatever, it's not my list.

Then there's Sexiest Hero Alive, not a ranked list, just a bit of commentary on People Magazine "sexiest man" covers and comic book movie leading men. Mentioned are (in order from the article):

• Johnny Depp/From Hell (not a superhero, but the movie was based on a comic book)
• Ben Affleck/DareDevil
• George Clooney/Batman
• Hugh Jackman/Wolverine
• Ryan Reynolds/Green Lantern and Deadpool (out in 2014)
• Chris Evans/Johnny Storm and Captain America

"Ortegatron" wrote that one, and, as a man, cannot be expected to choose who the ladies might prefer -- but that's not what the article is about. It is an interesting look at the correlation between People's sexiest and comic book heroes on the big screen. For me, the most drool-worthy of that list is Chris Evans, after his Cap transformation. That young man is buff! (Hey, is it hot in here?)

And another ranked list: Top 10 Sexiest Comic Book Guys (with lengthier reasons why):

1. Batman
2. Wolverine
3. Nightwing (Richard Grayson)
4. Red Robin (Tim Drake)
5. Gambit
6. Red Arsenal
7. Superman
8. Midnighter
9. Green Arrow
10. The Flash

Just like the other top 10, there's some unfamiliar faces to me. Interesting that Bats made #1 on both, though, and Wolvie's in the top 3 on both.

There is some significant mancandy there, some of it sweeter than others. There are hundreds of heroes to choose from and I'll be working on my own list, but until I get it finished and polished... I'll be in my bunk.

Heroines and Villainesses: C

This is a very cursory list of good girls and bad girls, some that fall in between, and others who got immortalized in plastic for whatever reason. The photos I've included are from figures in my personal collection; the photos are mine. When I can, the list will be expanded; this is just the basic first go of the Cs. 

Heroines and Villainesses:

An Incomplete List, Including Other Characters with Action Figures

Annalee Call (Alien: Resurrection motion picture)

• Created by: Joss Whedon (screenplay)

• First appearance: Alien: Resurrection 1997

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: yes, by Kenner (1997)

Callisto (Marvel Comics)

• Created by: Chris Claremont and Paul Smith

• First appearance: Uncanny X-Men #169, May 1983

• Super powers: yes, meta-human

• Alter ego: no

• Action figure: no

Callisto (Xena: The Warrior Princess tv series)

• Created by:
• Portrayed by: Hudson Leick

• First appearance: “Callisto” 1996

• Super powers: not initially

• Alter ego: no

• Action figure: yes, more than one, first in 1998 by Toy Biz

Calypso (Marvel Comics)
• Created by: Denny O’Neil and Alan Weiss

• First appearance: Amazing Spider-Man #209, October 1980

• Super powers: yes, through voodoo

• Alter ego: Calypso Ezili

• Action figure: no

Cammy (Street Fighter video game)

• Created by: Capcom

• First appearance: Street Fighter II, 1991

• Super powers:

• Alter ego: no, full name Chun-Li Zang

• Action figure: yes, first (?) in a 2-pack with Gambit, X-Men vs. Street Fighter by Toy Biz (1998)

Aisha Campbell (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers tv series)

• Created by:

• Portrayed by: Karan Ashley

• First appearance: season 2

• Super powers: yes

• Alter ego: Yellow Ranger

• Action figure: yes, several by Bandai (1995)

Captain Marvel (Marvel Comics)

• Created by: Roger Stern and John Romita, Jr.

• First appearance: The Amazing Spider-Man Annual #16, 1982

• Super powers: yes, meta-human

• Alter ego: Monica Rambeau, later Photon

• Action figure:  no

Cassandra Nova (Marvel Comics)

• Created by: Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely

• First appearance: New X-Men #114, July 2001

• Super powers: yes, though not human

• Alter ego: Cassandra Nova Xavier

• Action figure: no

Cassie / Wolf (Animorphs books, tv series)

• Created by: K. A. Applegate
• Portrayed by: Nadia Nascimento (tv series)

• First appearance:

• Super powers:

• Alter ego:

• Action figure: yes, by Hasbro (1999)

Castaspella (She-Ra: Princess of Power animated series)

• Created by:

•Voiced by: Linda Gary

• First appearance: 1985

• Super powers:

• Alter ego: 

• Action figure: yes, by Mattel (1984)

Officer Jane Castle (Space Precinct tv series)

• Created by: Gerry Anderson

• Portrayed by: Simone Bendix

• First appearance: Space Precinct, 1994

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: yes, by Vivid Imaginations (1994)

The Cat (Marvel Comics)

• Created by: Linda Fite, Roy Thomas, and Marie Severin

• First appearance: Claws of the Cat #1, November 1972

• Super powers: no, not as The Cat (would later be mutated and become Tigra)

• Alter ego: Greer Grant Nelson

• Action figure: no

Cat Claw (Dečje Novine, Eternity Comics)

• Created by: Bane Kerac and Svetozar Obradović

• First appearance: YU Strip (magazine) “Bane Claws,” 1981

• Super powers: yes, meta-human

• Alter ego: Carol Hill

• Action figure: no

Catra (She-Ra: Princess of Power animated series)

• Created by:

•Voiced by: Melendy Britt

• First appearance: 1985

• Super powers:

• Alter ego: 

• Action figure: yes, by Mattel (1984)

Catwoman (DC Comics)

• Created by: Bill Finger and Bob Kane

• First appearance: Batman #1, Spring 1940

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: Selina Kyle

• Action figure: yes, several, the first in 1978 by Mego

Celestra (Queen of the Transforming Dolls)

• Created by:

• First appearance: 1986

• Super powers:

• Alter ego: 

• Action figure: sort of… odd doll/robot hybrid by Placo Toys (1986)
Don't believe me? Here's a link, with photos.

Celsius (DC Comics)

• Created by: Paul Kupperberg and Jim Aparo

• First appearance: Showcase #94, September 1977

• Super powers: yes

• Alter ego: Arani Desai; notable because she is (east) Indian

• Action figure: no

Cerise (Marvel Comics)

• Created by: Alan Davis

• First appearance: Excalibur #46, January 1992

• Super powers: yes, though not human (alien)

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: no

Chainsaw (Marvel Comics)

• Created by:

• First appearance:

• Super powers: yes, meta-human

• Alter ego: 

• Action figure: yes, from the Incredible Hulk Outcasts line, by Toy Biz (1997)

Chance (Marvel Comics)

• Created by: Jo Duffy and Kerry Gammill

• First appearance: Fallen Angels vol. 1 #1, April 1987

• Super powers: yes, meta-human

• Alter ego:

• Action figure: no

Nurse Christine Chapel (Star Trek tv series)

• Created by: Gene Roddenberry

• Portrayed by: Majel Barrett

• First appearance: 1966

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: yes, 2, first in the Star Trek basic figures series (1) by Playmates (1996)

Abbey Chase (Wildstorm Productions)

• Created by: J. Scott Campbell, Andy Hartnell and Alex Garner

• First appearance: Danger Girl #0, December 1997

• Super powers:

• Alter ego: Abby Chase

• Action figure: yes, by McFarlane Toys (1999)

Cameron Chase (DC Comics)

• Created by: Dan Curtis Johnson and J. H. Williams III

• First appearance: Batman #550, January 1998

• Super powers: sort of, she negates meta-human abilities

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: no

Cheetah (DC Comics)

• Created by:

• First appearance: Wonder Woman #7

• Super powers: yes, were-cheetah

• Alter ego: Barbara Minerva

• Action figure: yes, several, first in 1998 by DC Direct (this is the 3^rd Cheetah in the DC universe)

Cheetah (Antarctic Press)

• Created by:

• First appearance: Gold Digger #1, September 1992

• Alter ego: Britanny Diggers

• Action figure: yes, by Antarctic Press (2005)

Cheetara (Thundercats animated series)

• Created by: Rankin/Bass
• Voiced by: Lynne Lipton (original series)

• First appearance: Thundercats 1985

• Super powers: yes

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: yes, first by LJN (1986)

with Wilykit

Chell (Portal video game)

• Created by:

• Voiced by: Mary Kae Irvin

• First appearance: Portal, 2007

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: no

Chimera (Marvel Comics)

• Created by:

• First appearance: Wolverine vol. 2 #97

• Super powers: yes, meta-human

• Alter ego: aka Gaslight Frail

• Action figure: no

China (High Impact Entertainment)

• Created by: Ricky Carralero

• First appearance: Double Impact (?)

• Super powers:

• Alter ego: 

• Action figure: yes, by Skybolt Toys (1998)

Christa (Land of the Lost tv series, 1991 remake)

• Created by: Sid and Marty Krofft
• Portrayed by: Shannon Day

• First appearance: 1991

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego:

• Action figure: yes, by Tiger Toys (1992)

Chyna (WWF)

• Created by:

• First appearance: 1997

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: Joan Marie Laurer

• Action figure: yes, more than one, first (?) in 1998 by Jakks Pacific

• Note: Has appeared in a few adult films since 2011.

Chun-Li (Street Fighter video game)

• Created by: Capcom, Akira Yasuda

• First appearance: Street Fighter II, 1991

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: no, full name Chun-Li Zang (Xiang) or Huang

• Action figure: yes, in the GI Joe Street Fighter II series by Hasbro (1993)
• Notable: First playable female character in a fighting game.

Clea (Marvel Comics)

• Created by: Stan Lee and Steve Ditko

• First appearance: Strange Tales #126, November 1964

• Super powers: yes, though not human

• Alter ego: aka Clea Strange

• Action figure: no

Coachwhip (Marvel Comics)

• Created by: Mark Gruenwald and Kieron Dwyer

• First appearance: Captain America #341, May 1988

• Super powers: ?

• Alter ego: Beatrix Keener

• Action figure: no

Coagula (DC Comics)

• Created by: Rachel Pollack

• First appearance: Doom Patrol vol. 2 #70, September 1993

• Super powers: yes, meta-human

• Alter ego: Kate Godwin, notable because she is a male-to-female transsexual

• Action figure: no

Cobweb (America’s Best Comics)

• Created by: Alan Moore and Melinda Gebbie

• First appearance: Tomorrow Stories #1

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: Laurel Lakeland

• Action figure: no

Colt (AC Comics)

• Created by: Bill Black

• First appearance: FemForce #1, January 1985

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: Valencia Kirk

• Action figure: no

Comet Queen (DC Comics)

• Created by: Keith Giffen, Paul Levitz and Larry Mahlstedt

• First appearance: Legion of Super-Heroes vol. 2 #304, October 1983

• Super powers: yes, though not human

• Alter ego: Grava

• Action figure: no

Connie Conehead (Coneheads)

• Created by: Dan Ackroyd

• First appearance: Saturday Night Live, January 1977
• Portrayed by: (in the film) Michelle Burke

• Super powers: no, not human

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: yes, from the 1993 movie by Playmates (1993)

Prymaat Conehead (Coneheads)

• Created by: Dan Ackroyd

• First appearance: Saturday Night Live, January 1977
• Portrayed by: (in the film) Jane Curtin

• Super powers: no, not human

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: yes, from the 1993 movie by Playmates (1993)

Sarah Connor (Terminator movie franchise)

• Created by: James Cameron

• Portrayed by: Linda Hamilton (movies), Lena Headly (tv series)

• First appearance: The Terminator 1984

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: yes, more than one, first in Terminator 2: Judgement Day series by McFarlane Toys (2002)

Betty Cooper (Archie Comics)

• Created by: Bob Montana

• First appearance: Pep Comics #22, December 1941

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: yes, by Marx Toys (1975)

Copycat (Wildstorm Comics)

• Created by: Jim Lee, Brandon Choi and J. Scott Campbell

• First appearance: Gen¹³ vol. 2 #7, 1996

• Super powers: yes, meta-human (through experimentation)

• Alter ego: Gem Antonelli

• Action figure: no

Cover Girl (G.I. Joe)

• Created by:

• First appearance: 1983

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: Courtney A. Krieger

• Action figure: yes, more than one, first in 1983 by Hasbro

Crazy Jane (DC Comics)

• Created by: Grant Morrison and Richard Case

• First appearance: Doom Patrol #19, February 1989

• Super powers: yes, each of her 64 personalities has a different super power

• Alter ego: Kay Challis, notable for suffering from multiple personality disorder

• Action figure: no

Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward (Thunderbirds tv series)

• Created by: Sylvia Anderson

• Voiced by: Sylvia Anderson

• First appearance: “Trapped in the Sky,” 1965

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: yes, by Matchbox (1994)

Crimson Avenger (DC Comics)

• Created by: Geoff Johns and Scott Kolins

• First appearance: Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E. #9, April 2000

• Super powers: yes, meta-human

• Alter ego: Jill Carlyle

• Action figure: no

Crimson Cowl (Marvel Comics)

• Created by: Kurt Busiek and Mark Bagley

• First appearance: Thunderbolts #3, June 1997

• Super powers: yes, with the prehensile cloak

• Alter ego: Justine Hammer

• Action figure: no

Crimson Curse (Marvel Comics MC2) [“Crimson Curse”? Really?]

• Created by: Tom DeFalco and Brent Anderson

• First appearance: A-Next #4, 1999

• Super powers: yes, magic

• Alter ego: Aerika Harkness

• Action figure: no

Crimson Fox (DC Comics)

• Created by: Keith Giffen and Bart Sears

• First appearance: Justice League Europe #6, September 1989

• Super powers: yes, meta-human

• Alter ego: twins Vivian and Constance share the role of Crimson Fox

• Action figure: yes, from the Justice League Unlimited series by Mattel (2011)

Lara Croft (Tomb Raider video game)

• Created by: Toby Gard

• First appearance: Tomb Raider 1996

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: yes, several, first by Toy Biz (1997)

Dr. Beverly Crusher (Star Trek: The Next Generation tv series)

• Created by: Gene Roddenberry

• Portrayed by: Gates McFadden

• First appearance: 1987

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: yes, several, first in the Star Trek: TNG basic figures series (2) by Playmates (1993)

 

Crystal (Marvel Comics)

• Created by: Stan Lee and Jack Kirby

• First appearance: Fantastic Four #45, December 1965

• Super powers: yes, though not human

• Alter ego: Crystalia Amaquelin

• Action figure: no

Vampire Curia (Resurrection of Monstress)

• Created by: Yasushi Nirasawa

• First appearance: 1998

• Super powers:

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: yes, with color variants, by Yellow Submarine (1998)

Cursed Princess (The Mummy motion picture (1999))

• Created by:

• First appearance:

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: yes, by Toy Island (1999)

• Notes: This figure appears to be made as a toy tie-in, based on the movie, but not from the movie. (I don’t remember a “cursed princess with decomposing action” in the movie, anyway…)

Cutie Honey (Akita Shoten)

• Created by: Go Nagai

• First appearance: Weekly Shonen Champion, October 1973

• Super powers: yes, magic

• Alter ego: Honey Kisaragi

• Action figure: yes, by Blue Box Toys (2001)

Cyblade (Top Cow Productions)

• Created by: Marc Sylvestri

• First appearance: Cyberforce #1

• Super powers: yes, meta-human

• Alter ego: Dominique Aurore Marie Thiebaut

• Action figure: no

Cyclone (DC Comics)

• Created by: Mark Waid, Alex Ross, Geoff Johns and Dale Eaglesham

• First appearance: Justice Society of America vol. 3 #1, 2006

• Super powers: yes, meta-human

• Alter ego: Maxine Hunkel

• Action figure: yes, by DC Direct (2010)

Cynder (Immortelle Studios)

• Created by: David and Michael Hernandez

• First appearance: Cynder #1

• Super powers: yes, meta-human

• Alter ego: Cyndi Montgomery

• Action figure: yes, by Skybolt Toys (1998)

Heroines and Villainesses: B

This is a very cursory list of good girls and bad girls, some that fall in between, and others who got immortalized in plastic for whatever reason. The photos I've included are from figures in my personal collection; the photos are mine. When I can, the list will be expanded; this is just the basic first go of the Bs.

Heroines and Villainesses:

An Incomplete List, Including Other Characters with Action Figures

B’Etor (Star Trek: The Next Generation tv series)

• Created by: Gene Roddenberry

• Portrayed by: Gwynith Walsh

• First appearance: Star Trek: TNG, season 4 episode 26, 1991

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: yes, from the Star Trek: Generations line by Playmates (1994)

Gloria Baker (MASK animated tv series)

• Created by:

• First appearance: 1985

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: yes, from Kenner (198?)

Princess Bala (Antz animated movie)

• Created by: DreamWorks

• Voiced by: Sharon Stone

• First appearance: Antz, 1998

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: no

• Action figure: yes, by Playmates (1998)

Ballistic (Top Cow, Image Comics)

• Created by: Marc Silvestri

• First appearance: Cyberforce #1, October 1992

• Super powers: yes, meta-human

• Alter ego: Cassandra Lane

• Action figure: no

Coco Bandicoot (Crash Bandicoot video game)

• Created by: Andy Gavin and Jason Rubin

• First appearance: Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back, 1997

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: no

• Action figure: yes, by ReSaurus (1998)

Jessie Bannon (The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest animated series)

• Created by: Doug Wildey

• Voiced by: Jesse Douglas (season 1)

• First appearance: “Escape to Questworld,” 1996

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: yes, in a 2-pack with Jonny Quest by Galoob (1996)

 

Barb Wire (Dark Horse Comics)

• Created by: Chris Warner and Team CGW

• First appearance: Comics Greatest World: Steel Harbor Week 1, August 1993

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: Barbara Kopetski

• Action figure: no

Barbarella (originally a serialized comic strip in V-Magazine)

• Created by: Jean-Claude Forest

• First appearance: V-Magazine, 1962

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: no (sadly)

Barbarocious (Warriors of Virtue motion picture)

• Created by: Michael Vickerman and Hugh Kelley
• Portrayed by: Ying Qu

• First appearance: Warriors of Virtue, 1997

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: yes, by Play ‘Em (1997)

Baroness (G.I. Joe)

• Created by:

• First appearance: G. I. Joe: A Real American Hero #1 (Marvel Comics), June 1982

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: Anastasia Cisarovna, aka Anastasia DeCobray

• Action figure: yes, several, first in 1984 by Hasbro

Rook Bartley (Robotech animated tv series)

• Created by:
• Voiced by: Susie London

• First appearance: 1985

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: yes, by Matchbox (1986) (reissued by Harmony Gold in 1991)

Batgirl (DC Comics)

• Created by: Bill Finger and Sheldon Moldoff (first incarnation)

• First appearance: Batman #139, April 1961

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: Bette Kane (Bat-Girl, sidekick to aunt, Batwoman), Barbara Gordon, Helena Bertinelli, Cassandra Cain, Stephanie Brown

• Action figure: yes, several, the first by Ideal in their Super Queens line (1967)

 

Batwoman (DC Comics)

• Created by: Bob Kane and Sheldon Moldoff

• First appearance: Detective Comics #233, July 1956

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: Katherine Webb Kane

• Action figure: yes, more than one, first in a Silver Age Bat-Girl and Batwoman boxed set by DC Direct (2004)

Beautiful Dreamer (DC Comics)

• Created by: Jack Kirby

• First appearance: Forever People #1, February 1971

• Super powers: yes, meta-human (though not human)

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure:

Belladonna (Marvel Comics)

• Created by: Roger Stern and Mike Zeck

• First appearance: Spectacular Spider-Man #43, June 1980

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: Narda Ravanna

• Action figure: no

Bella Donna (Marvel Comics)

• Created by: Jim Lee and Scott Lobdell

• First appearance: X-Men vol. 2 #8

• Super powers: yes, meta-human

• Alter ego: Bella Donna Boudreaux

• Action figure: no

Sandra Benes (Space: 1999 tv series)

• Created by: Gerry and Sylvia Anderson
• Portrayed by: Zienia Merton

• First appearance: season 1, 1975

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: yes, by Classic TV Toys (2005)

Helen Bennett (Bionic Six animated series)

• Created by: TMS Entertainment
• Voiced by: Carol Bilger
• First appearance: “Valley of Shadows,” 1987
• Super powers: yes
• Alter ego: aka Mother-1
• Action figure: yes, by LJN (1986)

Meg Bennett (Bionic Six animated series)
• Created by: TMS Entertainment
• Voiced by: Bobbi Block
• First appearance: “Valley of Shadows,” 1987
• Super powers: yes
• Alter ego: aka Rock-1
• Action figure: yes, by LJN (1986)


Berbil Belle (Thundercats animated series)

• Created by: Rankin/Bass

• First appearance: season 1, episode 3, 1985

• Super powers: no, robot

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: yes, by LJN (1986)

Queen Beryl (Kodansha)

• Created by: Naoko Takeuchi

• First appearance: 1992

• Super powers: yes, magic

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: yes, (ok, it’s a doll) by Irwin (1995)

Big Barda (DC Comics)
• Created by: Jack Kirby

• First appearance: Mister Miracle #4, October 1971

• Super powers: yes, meta-human (though not human, she is one of the New Gods)

• Alter ego: Barda Free

• Action figure: yes, several, the first in a boxed set with Mister Miracle and Oberon, by DC Direct (1998)

Big Bertha (Marvel Comics)

• Created by: John Byrne

• First appearance: West Coast Avengers vol. 2 #46, July 1989

• Super powers: yes, meta-human

• Alter ego: Ashley Crawford

• Action figure: no

The Bionic Woman (tv series of the same name)

• Created by: Kenneth Johnson

• Portrayed by: Lindsay Wagner

• First appearance: The Six Million Dollar Man tv series, 1975

• Super powers: yes, cybernetically enhanced

• Alter ego: Jaime Sommers

• Action figure: yes, well, no… it’s a doll, by Kenner (1976)

Black Canary (DC Comics)

• Created by: Robert Kanigher and Carmine Infantino

• First appearance: Flash Comics #86, August 1947; Justice League of America #219, October 1983

• Super powers: Dinah Drake, no; Dinah L. Lance, yes

• Alter ego: Dinah Drake Lance (original), Dinah Laurel Lance (daughter to original Black Canary)

• Action figure: yes, several, (modern age) by DC Direct (2000)

 

Black Cat (Harvey Comics)

• Created by: Al Gabriele

• First appearance: Pocket Comics #1, August 1941

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: Linda Turner 

• Action figure: no

Black Cat (Marvel Comics)

• Created by: Marv Wolfram and Keith Pollard

• First appearance: The Amazing Spider-Man #194, July 1979

• Super powers: yes, meta-human

• Alter ego: Felicia Hardy

• Action figure: yes, several, first by Toy Biz in their Spider-Man line (1996)

Black Lotus (Marvel Comics)

• Created by: Ralph Macchio and George Perez

• First appearance: Marvel Fanfare #11

• Super powers: no, highly skilled martial artist

• Alter ego:

• Action figure: no

Black Mamba (Marvel Comics)

• Created by: Mark Gruenwald and Ralph Macchio

• First appearance: Marvel Two-in-One #64, June 1980

• Super powers: yes, meta-human

• Alter ego: Tanya Sealy

• Action figure: no

Black Orchid (DC Comics)

• Created by: Sheldon Mayer and Tony DeZuniga (Linden-Thorn), Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean (Black, Suzy)

• First appearance: Adventure Comics #428, July 1973 (Linden-Thorne); Black Orchid v. 1 #1, 1988 (Black); Black Orchid v. 1 #2, 1989 (Suzy)

• Super powers: yes, meta-human

• Alter ego: Susan Linden-Thorne, Flora Black, and Suzy

• Action figure: no

Black Racer (Marvel Comics)

• Created by: Mark Gruenwald and Tom Morgan

• First appearance: Captain America #337, January 1988

• Super powers: yes, meta-human

• Alter ego: Ariana

• Action figure: no

Black Queen (Marvel Comics)

• Created by:

• First appearance:

• Super powers: yes, meta-human

• Alter ego: Emma Frost, Jean Grey (others)

• Action figure: yes, more than one, first from Marvel’s Hall of Fame series 2 – She-Force by Toy Biz (1996)

Black Widow (Marvel Comics)

• Created by: Stan Lee, Don Rico and Don Heck

• First appearance: Tales of Suspense #52, April 1964

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: Natalia Romanova

• Action figure: yes, more than one, first from Marvel’s Gold Collector’s Edition by Toy Biz (1998)

Black Widow (Marvel Comics)

• Created by: Paul Jenkins and Jae Lee

• First appearance: Inhumans #5, March 1999

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: Yelena Belova

• Action figure: yes, in Marvel Select by Toy Biz (2003)

Black Widow (Timely Comics)

• Created by: George Kapitan and Harry Sahle

• First appearance: Mystic Comics #4, August 1940

• Super powers: yes

• Alter ego: Claire Voyant

• Action figure: no

Blackarachnia (Transformers)

• Created by: Bob Forward and Larry DiTillio

• First appearance: 1996 (?)

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: yes, Beast Wars by Hasbro (1996)

Blackfire (DC Comics)

• Created by: Marv Wolfman and George Pérez

• First appearance: New Teen Titans #22, August 1982

• Super powers: yes

• Alter ego: Komand’r

• Action figure: no

Blacklight (Marvel Comics, MC2)

• Created by: Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz

• First appearance: A-Next #9, 1999

• Super powers: yes, meta-human

• Alter ego: Kandra Freeman

• Action figure: no

Sonya Blade (Mortal Kombat video game)

• Created by: John Tobias and Ed Boon

• First appearance: Mortal Kombat, 1992

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: yes, 3, the first from Hasbro (1994)

The Blank (Dick Tracy motion picture)

• Created by: John Tobias and Ed Boon

• Portrayed by: Madonna

• First appearance: , 1990

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: Breathless Mahoney

• Action figure: yes, a Canadian Sears exclusive by Playmates (1990) – ridiculously scarce!

Blaze (DC Comics)

• Created by: Roger Stern and Bob McLeod

• First appearance: Action Comics #655, July 1990

• Super powers: no, demon

• Alter ego: Angelica Blaze

• Action figure: no

 

Dr. Blight (animated tv series Captain Planet and the Planeteers)

• Created by: Ted Turner and Barbara Pyle

• Voiced by: Meg Ryan (1990), Mary Kay Bergman (1991-1995)

• First appearance: 1990

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: yes, by Tiger (1994)

Blindspot (Marvel Comics)

• Created by: Tony Bedard and Karl Moline

• First appearance: Rogue vol. 3 #7

• Super powers: yes, meta-human

• Alter ego:

• Action figure: no

Blink (Marvel Comics)

• Created by: Scott Lobdell and Joe Madureira

• First appearance: Uncanny X-Men #317, October 1994

• Super powers: yes, meta-human

• Alter ego: Clarice Ferguson

• Action figure: yes, from Marvel’s Most Wanted by Toy Biz (1998)

 Blonde Phantom (Timely Comics)

• Created by: Stan Lee and Syd Shores

• First appearance: All Select Comics #11, Fall 1946

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: Louise Grant Mason

• Action figure: no

Bloodlust (Marvel Comics)

• Created by: Erik Larsen, Joe Rubenstein and Terry Kavanagh

• First appearance: Marvel Comics Presents #48, April 1990

• Super powers: yes, meta-human

• Alter ego: Beatta Dubiel

• Action figure: no

Blood Queen (Wildstorm)

• Created by:

• First appearance: Wetworks #2, August 1994

• Super powers: yes, hybrid vampire/werewolf

• Alter ego: aka Dragoness

• Action figure: yes, in Wetworks series 2 by McFarlane Toys (1996)

 Bluestreak (Marvel Comics, MC2)

• Created by: Tom DeFalco and Brent Anderson

• First appearance: A-Next #4, 1999

• Super powers: yes, meta-human

• Alter ego: Blue Kelso

• Action figure: no

Bombshell (Marvel Comics)

• Created by: Mark Gruenwald

• First appearance: Hawkeye #3, November 1983

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: Wendy Conrad

• Action figure: no

Boodikka (DC Comics)

• Created by: Gerard Jones and Pat Broderick

• First appearance: Green Lantern #20, March 1992

• Super powers: yes (from the power ring)

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: yes, from the Blackest Night series from DC Direct

Borg Queen (Star Trek)

• Created by: Gene Roddenberry

• Portrayed by: Alice Krige

• First appearance: Star Trek: First Contact motion picture, 1996

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego:

• Action figure: yes, Star Trek Warp Fact 5 series by Playmates (1998)

Goddess of Bornite (Goddess of the Ultra Cosmos)

• Created by: Agglo

• First appearance: 1985

• Super powers: yes

• Alter ego: no

• Action figure: yes, knock-offs of Golden Girl by Agglo (Hong Kong) in 1985

Bride of Frankenstein (Universal Pictures)

• Created by: William Hurlbut
• Portrayed by: Elsa Lanchester

• First appearance: The Bride of Frankenstein, 1935

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego:

• Action figure: yes, more than one, by Sideshow Collectibles (1998)

 Bride of Venom (Marvel Comics)

• Created by: David Michelinie and Mark Bagley

• First appearance: (as Ann) The Amazing Spider-Man #375

• Super powers: yes, from the symbiote

• Alter ego: Ann Weying

• Action figure: yes, in the Spider-Man Venom series by Toy Biz (1997)

 

Brigid the Protector (Avatar Press)

• Created by: Sharon Scott and Steve Firchow

• First appearance: More Than Mortal #1, June 1997

• Super powers: yes, god/elemental

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: yes, by Skybolt Toys (1999)

Bulleteer (DC Comics)

• Created by: Grant Morrison and Yanick Paquette

• First appearance: Seven Soldiers: The Bulleteer #1, November 2005

• Super powers: yes, scientifically enhanced

• Alter ego: Alix Harrower

• Action figure: no

Bulletgirl (Fawcett Comics)

• Created by: Bill Parker and Jon Smalle

• First appearance: Nickel Comics #1, May 1940

• Super powers: yes, scientifically enhanced

• Alter ego: Susan Kent-Barr

• Action figure: no

Bumblebee (DC Comics)

• Created by: Bob Rozakis

• First appearance: Teen Titans #48, June 1977

• Super powers: yes, scientifically enhanced (tied to suit)

• Alter ego: Karen Beecher-Duncan

• Action figure: yes, from the series Teen Titans GO! by Bandai (2004), in a 2-pack with Hot-Spot

Lt. Nara Burns (Exo Squad animated tv series)

• Created by: Jeff Segal

• Voiced by: Lisa Ann Beley

• First appearance: 1993

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: none

• Action figure: yes, by Playmates (1994)

Mel Bush (Dr. Who tv series)

• Created by:

• Portrayed by: Bonnie Langford

• First appearance: “The Trial of a Time Lord: Terror of the Vervoids,” 1986

• Super powers: no

• Alter ego: aka Melanie

• Action figure: yes, by Dapol (in pink or blue blouse, reissued in 1997)

Butterfly Woman (Butterfly Woman)

• Created by: Yla Eason

• First appearance:

• Super powers: yes

• Alter ego: Amina Drake

• Action figure: yes, the Butterfly Woman series (3 figures) by Olmec (1986)