We would love to see these SA women immortalised as comic book superheroes like one of our fave young icons, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

U.S. congresswomen, representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, or AOC as she has come to be known as, has made it in the history (comic) books as a “promising wrestler”.

Comic book publisher Devils Due Comics is publishing the story Alexandria? Ocasio-Cortez and the Freshman Force: New Party Who Dis? The publishers says the creators came together “to celebrate the election of the most diverse group of freshman congresspersons in history”.

In one cover, AOC is pictured wearing the all-white suit she had on when she was sworn into U.S congress this January, which – according to Refinery29 – is a nod to the women of the suffragette movement who came before her. The creators say the comic book is printed on recycled unpaid medical bills, acknowledging AOC’s political position of a “democratic socialist”. 

Speaking to TMZ, Rep. Alexandria humbly responded to the comic book news saying: “I’m just a normal person doing her best. If I can be that for a little girl somewhere where she can see herself being a superhero, I think that’s important for all of us to see we all have a superhero inside of us.”

These comic book news reminds us of the book Femme Magnifique: 50 Magnificent Women Who Changed The World that includes a comic of Breda Fassie alongside the stories of other iconic women. City Press reported that Femme Magnifique contains “50 comic book stories that salute women of pop, politics, arts and science” including stories about Michelle Obama and Nina Simone.

This got us thinking about other iconic South African women we would like to see ‘kick butt’ in a comic as the same way they've done or are doing in real life.

READ MORE: Babes Wodumo's reaction to getting shushed at the airport is about the continued silencing of black women

Michelle Nkamankeng

Charming young author Michelle Nkamankeng is one person who definitely deserves a comic dedicated to her. The 10-year-old prodigy published her first book Waiting For The Waves in 2016. This author is really good with her written words but she is also such a good speaker.

We can already tell that great wisdom is brewing in her young mind. In an interview Michelle said she likes encouraging other children to read as well because “reading is the most important weapon which can be used to change the world”. Someone give this girl a cape! 

Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela

The historic picture of Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Nelson Mandela in 1990 with their fits up is featured in Brenda Fassie’s comic. Mam’Winnie is a seasoned politician and celebrated freedom fighter, not to mention that she inspires an array of super powers to choose from. 

READ MORE: Things we love about Winnie Mandela

A few hints are from her own words in 1996: “I am the product of the masses of my country and the product of my enemy,” and in 1987 “There is no longer anything I can fear. There is nothing the government has not done to me. There isn't any pain I haven't known.”

Mamokgethi Phakeng

Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear bright lipsticks and crunch numbers like Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng (or the Fab Academic if you wish). This mathematics enthusiast has taken expertise in the subject around the world and settled at the University of Cape Town first as professor of Mathematics Education and is now the vice chancellor.

READ MORE: UCT Vice Chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng shouldn't ruffle any feathers when she wears a plunging neckline or shows off a tattoo

She has already planted a seed to better the work the world through her community projects Adopt-A-Learner and Tsoga o Itirele Matamanyane. Her goal? “To recognise, promote and encourage learner excellence in mathematics and science in black schools.” 

Mam’Gcina Mhlophe

Another wonderful icon we would like to see be the subject of great superhero comic book is the gifted poet, author and overall storyteller Mam’Gcina Mhlophe. Her animated facial expressions, magnificent storytelling techniques, unique set of talent and her way with language – she is a sure case for liberating superpower.

READ MORE: Catching up with Gcina Mhlophe

Speaking of language she is also multilingual, listing Zulu, Xhosa, English, Afrikaans and Sesotho as the languages she is proficient in. To be honest, her poem title Armed for success would be a great start for a superhero story.

Mam’ Dorothy Masuka and Mama Miriam Makeba

These two would make the most dynamic duo as comic superheroes, don't you think?

READ MORE: The most wonderful tributes to Dorothy Masuka celebrate her legacy, style and grace

Great harmonies, dashing fashion sense and strong desire to build a better world, these two icons have, in their own ways, saved the world and can do it again in form of graphic novels.

Do you have a local icon whose story you would like to see adapted into comic books, novels or movies? Share your thoughts with us here.

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