10 Most Powerful (Fictional) Women Of 2015
Forget Forbes, this is the list that matters.
Earlier this week, Forbes released their annual list of the 100 most powerful women in the world. Predictably, the list included everyone from Beyonce and Taylor Swift to Queen Elizabeth II and Angela Merkel. But what about the most powerful fictional women in the world? Why should they be snubbed?
Strong female characters go back to the mists of time, with mythical characters like Penelope and Artemis proving themselves just as witty, intelligent, and capable as their male counterparts. More recently, comic books have given us modern day heroines whose sales success pours water on the established myth that superheroism is just a boys' club. Companies like Disney and Fox have long understood the advertising potential of a strong female character, too, and the inclusion of female characters to Fifa has been considered by many to be a watershed moment for the games.
While the entertainment industry may still favour male over female characters, there are many women who deserve recognition for the impact they have had on the lives of millions. However, many lists of female characters, particularly for comic books and film, simply rank them on their sex appeal, without bothering to look any deeper into the characters themselves. As a result, some of the most interesting - and influential - characters get passed over.
Whether it's because of their in-world power, their popularity with fans, or simply their ability to make millions in merchandise sales, here are 10 of the most influential women in fiction today.
10. Scarlet Overkill
If there's one place where you're likely to find a woman as the main villain, it's children's films. Since the early days of Disney animation, characters like Ursula, the Evil Queen, and Maleficent have had the corner in terrifying, if undeveloped, animated villains. While she may have the name of a second-rate Bond girl, Scarlet Overkill has proven to be one of the strongest female villains in recent years, at least in a family film.
Overkill stars in this year's Minion, the prequel to Despicable Me, and is voiced by Sandra Bullock. Appearing as the mistress of the yellow blobs in the 60's, Overkill has a very clear mission; to break through her industry's glass ceiling and become the first female super-villain in history.
From stylish clothing and the latest tech (her arsenal includes lava guns and hypno-helmets) to her brilliant brain and irresistible charm, Overkill combines all the best elements of seductress and mastermind.