15 Comic Book 'Firsts' You Didn't Know
2. Sheena - First Superheroine
Wonder Woman has consistently been the most popular superheroine since she debuted in 1941. Because she has been a staple in DC Comics for nearly 80 years, many people assume she was the first superheroine.
But Sheena, Queen of the Jungle debuted four years prior in the comic, Wags #1. She was devised by Jerry Iger and Will Eisner. Eisner created the character, The Spirit (which was adapted into a mind-numbingly terrible film), and he is one of the most beloved comic writers in history.
Much like Tarzan, Sheena is an orphan who was brought up in the jungle. As she adapted to her surroundings, she learned to communicate with animals, traverse the wilderness with ease, and use makeshift weapons like spears and bows. In her adventures, she usually battled slave traders, hunters, and savages.
According to the creators, she was inspired by Rima the Jungle Girl; the protagonist of the 1904 novel, Green Mansions. (Audrey Hepburn played the role in the 1959 adaptation.) Sheena was so popular, she spawned a slew of "jungle women" stories including Marvel's Shanna the She-Devil.