I’m always inspired by Black Warrior Women, especially in Science Fiction and Fantasy. These sisters are action-packed, tough, and no nonsense. I admire the way they fight—some of them to the death.
Here’s the six women that are my sheroes:
1) Gina Torres as Zoe Washburne
Gina Torres established Zoe as one of television’s greatest female fighters of all time in Firefly and Serenity. I sometimes miss her playing the role and wish they’d bring Firefly back. (Crying a little for the return of Firefly)
2) Renée Elise Goldsberry as Quellcrist Falconer
Renée Elise Goldsberry plays the revolutionary in Altered Carbon. I wanted to scream, “Quellcrist Falconer lives! “ So sad that NetFlix has decided not to renew this series, clearly, it was an impactful show and Goldsberry played the revolutionary role very well.
3) Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie
So Tessa Thompson isn't the blonde, white goddess of Marvel's comic book mythology and that’s what I love about her character. Valkyrie is a fighter and she is constantly evolving. I can’t wait to see the future for her character in the Thor series.
4) Hannah John-Kamen as Dutch
Hannah John-Kamen plays the complicated and deadly Dutch in Killjoys. She has this incredibly dark secret past and is one of the greatest action heroes out there. Literally, she is a kick ass fighter. I love her brains, strength and nerve.
5)Toya Turner as ShotGun Mary
I posted about Toya Turner in Warrior Nun. Shotgun Mary is a strong character who fights. I love that fact that she’s a crusader and is on mission and target. She also has a dark past but she works through her issues and stands up as a leader. Yes, I only watch Warrior Nun to see what happens to her character.
6) Kiki Layne as Nina in the Old Guard
Kiki Layne is a new comer but when I saw her playing Nina in the Old Guard, I was riveted. First of all she’s a Marine (Ooh-rah) and she had the best airplane fight scene I’ve ever seen. I liked her character from the beginning and can’t wait to see more of her no nonsense fighting style. She truly played the role of a brave warrior and hero.
There’s the six Black women warriors in Science Fiction & Fantasy who give me inspiration as I work on my upcoming superhero series. Do you have a Black woman warrior that you love? Feel free to share!
Also check out Why I Write Black Women Superheroes.
I’m author Alicia McCalla. Sign-up for my newsletter to get updates, learn about my latest projects and purchase my Sistas with Skills, Swords, and Superpowers Stories and Merchandise!
Zoe is one of my favorites!
Zoe was too cool! I miss Firefly
I love all your picks, but the one that did it for me was Brenda "Mace" Mason. Angela Basset's character from the movie Strange Days. I'm not sure if this movie totally fits ,and it was only the one movie, but she was a great character, who I would love to see in another movie or two. Perhaps Kiki Layne could start a franchise focusing on Mace's exploits.
Yes!
Please forgive my gaffe. Angela Bassett's characters name was Lornette Mason in Strange Days.(aka Mace)
I had to look it up! Yes I remember that movie. It was good. I love Angela!
Thandie Newton in various movies. Recently in Westworld.
Zoe Saldana in Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Trek and Avatar.
I love Thandie and Zoe! Thandie did damage in the Westworld series. She was on my short list...