Strong Female Characters

Credited as the first female writer to write Wonder Woman, Mindy Newell's writing brought about a much needed change to DC comics in the 80s. But what could have been a long career was cut short due to sexism and harassment.

Quentin Tarantino is hailed as one of the most distinctive storytellers of his generation thanks to his nonlinear style and aesthetic. But everything that gave a Tarantino movie its trademark edge was thanks to his long-time editor, the late Sally Menke.

This week, Cher, Preeti and Courtney get pulled back in by the Ghostbusters, say thank god for Emma Thompson, and celebrate today's Forgotten Woman of Genre: Helen Gibson.

Alfred Hitchcock is hailed as one of the most influential filmmakers in cinema history. And it was his wife Alma Reville who often worked tirelessly alongside her husband as his cowriter, co-director, editor, and script doctor who is chiefly responsible for making Psycho one of the most famous movies ever made. But history may have given her the rawest deal.

The final girl trope has become synonymous with the horror genre. We take a closer look at the trope and the woman who coined the phrase, Carol Clover.

1977's Star Wars is one of the biggest movies of all time. It changed the film industry and pop culture forever. But if it weren't for creator George Lucas' ex-wife and partner Marcia Lucas, the world may have never known the epic saga that took place in a galaxy far, far away.

By all accounts, ET is the movie that made Steven Spielberg a king of the film industry. But not enough people know about the woman who helped place the crown on his head. This is the story of Melissa Mathison, an exceptional screenwriter who gave sci-fi it's heart and whose influence and legacy are reflected on big and small screens to this day.

Science fiction finally evolved from a niche genre into a mainstream staple. But the women who have been instrumental in creating and shaping the nerdverse have largely gone unrecognized. Until today. Forgotten Women of Genre tells the stories of the women who helped some of the most famous fantasy worlds become a reality. New episodes of this series will be released each day in the month of March, in addition to regularly scheduled episodes of STRONG FEMALE CHARACTERS.

This week, Cher, Preeti and Courtney drink fanboy tears over Captain Marvel, mourn Jessica Jones and Punisher, bust some "vengeful woman" tropes, and play a Spring edition of Frak, Marry, Kill.

This week, the grrl gang's all here as Preeti, Cher and Courtney discuss Vic Mignogna, bid a not-so-fond farewell to Jared Leto's Joker, play a horrific game of Reboot, Remake, Ruin, and talk to Nafessa Williams aka Black Lightning's Thunder, TV's first black lesbian superhero. 

This week, Cher and returning guest co-host and fellow FANGRRL Courtney Enlow are joined by a very special third guest co-host, American Gods star Yetide Badaki to discuss sex gods, the male counterpart to the Manic Pixie Dream Girl, and even get a little bit Wicked.

This week, Cher and returning guest co-host and fellow FANGRRL Courtney Enlow thaw from the polar vortex, rant about anti-vaxxers, and Cher plays an '80s-themed Frak Marry Kill with Deadly Class star Lana Condor.

This week, Cher and returning guest co-host and fellow FANGRRL Courtney Enlow discuss the chilling expose on Bryan Singer, followed by a much-needed palate cleanser of Japanese mascot culture, and Preeti talks to New York Times best-selling author Holly Black about the power of female anger.

On this week's Strong Female Characters, Cher, Preeti and Courtney discuss Preeti's big Spider-Man novel news, the (other) Ghostbusters reboot, and celebrate John Wick—both the new Parabellum trailer and the first film in the franchise.

On this week's Strong Female Characters, Cher and Courtney talk about infuriating John Lasseter news, the nauseating Chris Pratt engagement announcement, share their favorite GOATs, and play a game of Reboot, Remake, Ruin.

Cher & Courtney breakdown their favorite Golden Globes moments and some crazy news stories, and Battlestar Galactica's Tricia Helfer shares what it's like to watch BSG 15 years later.

2018 is nearly, finally, over, and Strong Female Characters is looking back over the year to settle some very important debates. Cher, Preeti, and guest co-host Courtney Enlow, get the definitive answer on who was the biggest thirst trap, who wins best Chris, and who walks away as Shero of the Year, with a little help from our fellow FANGRRLS, of course.

This week on Strong Female Characters we’re sitting down with Christina Hodson, the writer of Bumblebee, to talk about her love of Transformers, the power of female protagonists, and her advice for young writers looking to break in. Plus, with the release of two big Marvel trailers, we break down our first impressions of Captain Marvel and Avengers: Endgame, and mourn the death of Cap’s Beard.

This week on Strong Female Characters, we're sitting down with Sana Amanat and Judy Stephens of the Women of Marvel podcast to discuss all things Marvel, creating your own space in a male dominated industry, and being stronger than you think you are. Plus, Cher and Preeti discuss some of the latest headlines, including the Handmaid's Tale sequel, a live-action Cowboy Bebop, and some very specific questions we have about Captain America.

This week on Strong Female Characters, we're talking to the Boulet Brothers, who have made a name for themselves in the LA drag scene for their horror infused performance. They talk to us all about how they got started, what drag and horror mean to them -- and the similar space they share -- and how they've introduced some of their favorite horror films to their television show, Dragula. Plus, Cher and Preeti discuss the latest news, including a ballet that doesn't -- but definitely should -- star a space werewolf named Channing Tatum.