10 Most Powerful (Fictional) Women Of 2015

8. Black Widow

Furiosa Mad Max Fury Road
Marvel Studios

When Natasha Romanoff was introduced to audiences in 2010's Iron Man 2, she was the strong, confident female lead that the Marvel Universe needed to counterbalance an otherwise testosterone-heavy cast. With her combination of wit, battle prowess and super-spy skills, Black Widow proved herself more than an equal to her teammates in Avengers Assemble. Her third appearance in Captain America: Winter Soldier kept true to form, leaving many fans wondering why she was one of the only characters not to star in a film of her own.

The character's portrayal in Age of Ultron proved less popular, with fans arguing that Joss Whedon's film reduced Black Widow to little more than a cross between maid and nanny for the male characters. Because developing a female character by giving her human feelings is a sin. Apparently. In reality, the emotional depth that the film gave the character by exploring her past in the Scarlet Witch's fever-dream only made her stronger in many viewer's eyes.

But Marvel's apparent reluctance to give Black Widow her own film, and her lack of power next to the likes of Thor or Iron Man, means that she can't rise higher on the list just yet.

Contributor
Contributor

With a (nearly) useless degree in English literature and a personal trainer qualification he's never used, Freddie spends his times writing things that he hopes will somehow pay the rent. He's also a former professional singer, and plays the saxophone and ukulele. He's not really used to talking about himself in the third person, and would like to stop now, thanks.