Superheroines and the Epic Journey: Mythic Themes in Comics, Film and Television

In the heroine’s journey, the young woman protagonist confronts her dark side and emerges stronger. This quest is a recurring theme in comic books and their screen adaptations. Batgirl, Wonder Woman and Black Widow each find their greatest enemy is their dark mother or shadow twin—the savagery they’ve rejected in themselves. Supergirl, in her latest television incarnation, strives to restore her bonds with her sister. This book explores the popular mythos of comics heroines like Jessica Jones, Catwoman, Harley Quinn and the new superwomen of webcomics, who all endure great personal struggle or sacrifice before emerging as female warrior-saviors.