We're proudly supporting International Women's Day with a special reading guide! Curating hand-picked graphic novels and comics from the inspiring women on the Dark Horse Comics staff, we've created a female-focused reading guide that empowers and inspires! 

We all love a great story with a powerful message. With such a diverse range of talents, tastes, and experiences, the women of Dark Horse each have a unique perspective on what makes for a great read. Below are some Dark Horse staff favorites that feature strong women on a mission. Find a story that inspires you! Join the International Women's Day campaign theme #PressforProgress! Collectively, we can all play a part to make a positive difference for women!


"We need more comics like Mata Hari in the world. Strength and fearlessness radiate from the very first page as Mata Hari writes, "I have sinned. I do not deny it. I am a woman who has enjoyed herself a great deal. For that, I make no apology." And so begins this superbly structured, elegantly written and drawn tale of the enigmatic "stripper spy" in the early 1900's. There's something undeniably timeless about her struggle for autonomy in an oppressive world. With an all-female creative team including writer Emma Beeby and artist Ariela Kristantina, edited by one of my personal comics heroines, Karen Berger, Mata Hari #1 is an empowering and thoroughly hypnotic read!" —Kelly, Marketing Specialist 

Catch issue Mata Hari #2 in comic shops March 21st!






























"If you fell in love with the Avatar universe in the same way I did, I’m confident you will fall in love with The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars. The Avatar world, along with Korra’s passionate, headstrong persona is showcased spectacularly in comic book form, making a smooth transition from the animated world to the printed one. The creators do a beautiful job of representing its LGBTQ themes and create a story that is accessible and filled with new conflicts. Fans of the franchise (and Korrasami!) will not be disappointed." —Sarah, Graphic Designer

 









"Bridget Lee is my hero. She's not a soldier; she's a medical officer who's been sucked into the center of an intergalactic war between humans and an alien race called the Marauders. Despite having been to hell and back a couple of times, losing her husband in the war and protecting a group of human orphans, Bridget puts her prejudices aside to work with whoever will help her end the war. She's not without her own demons, but she never lets them get in her way for long." —Jenny, Assistant Editor

Be sure to check out The Battles of Bridget Lee Volume 2: The Miracle Child in comic shops May 9th!
 













“For International Women’s Day, my recommendation is Tomb Raider. Lara Croft is one of the strongest female characters in comics and I’m thrilled that her story continues to inspire readers. As a female editor, having the opportunity to work on a series with such a strong female leading character is an honor and a privilege and I hope you all enjoy reading her adventures as much as I enjoy helping put them together! Make sure to put our next series, Tomb Raider: Inferno (on-sale: June 13) on your reading list, you won’t want to miss it!" —Megan Walker, Associate Editor
 
"I remember when I first read an issue of this comic, having heard of neither Erika Alexander or Tony Puryear, and I was dazed by its complexity, its biting humor, and the freshness of the storyline. I've become a big fan of Ms. Alexander since then, and have been wildly enjoying her work on the new Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Giles miniseries, especially her song listings! Anyone who combines Liszt, Stevie Wonder, and Tupac on a listening guide is my kind of writer." —Jemiah, Proofreader 


6.) Henchgirl

"My tastes in comics and books tend to run a bit dark. But I also enjoy good satirical humor, and Henchgirl manages to combine all of these elements in one excellent story. Written and illustrated by Kristen Gudsnuk, this series is witty and delightful. Our heroine, Mary Posa, is an underachiever in a world where superpowers are common. She works as a henchgirl for a villainous gang, just trying to make ends meet and aspiring to do more. The characters in this series are well-developed and real, and although the series deals with real issues such as body image, it never gets weighed down by them. The soft, colorful art style helps give Henchgirl a sense of levity throughout, though this is an adult graphic novel with adult themes. It’s funny, smart, and celebrates friendship, overcoming self-destructive tendencies, and dealing with the fact that the world is not always black and white. Give it a try, and I think you’ll be hooked." —Cara, Social Media Coordinator