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Super Visible: The Story of the Women of Marvel Comics
Inspired by the hit podcast The Women of Marvel and cowritten by the #1 New York Times bestselling coauthor of Beautiful Creatures , this eye-opening and engaging book celebrates the women who have helped make Marvel one of the most successful comics and entertainment companies in the world.
What does a hero’s journey look like when the hero in question happens to be a girl? #1 New York Times bestselling author and Marvel creator Margaret Stohl ( The Life of Captain Marvel , Black Forever Red ) along with Judith Stephens, producer and cocreator of the Women of Marvel podcast, interviewed more than 120 women and nonbinary Marvel contributors in search of the answer to that question.
With one shared goal—to make the historically invisible work of women visible—and with unprecedented access to Marvel creators, writers, actors, and more, Stohl and Stephens set out to tell the story of the women of the “House of Ideas” from 1939 through today, and along the way, to find the meaning of their own Marvel stories. Packed with biographies and illustrations of creators, graphical reprints and excerpts of historic Marvel comics, and exclusive interviews from award-winning actors including Brie Larson, Scarlett Johansson, Ming-Na Wen, Elizabeth Olsen, Evangeline Lilly, Zoe Saldana, and Elizabeth Henstridge; acclaimed directors like Chloé Zhao, Anna Boden, Cate Shortland, and Gillian Jacobs; lauded writers such as Kelly Sue DeConnick, Eve Ewing, Rainbow Rowell, Nic Stone, G. Willow Wilson, Tini Howard, Maurene Goo, and Charlie Jane Anders; top artists like Jen Bartel, Peach Momoko, and Tamra Bonvillian; and influential producers like Victoria Alonso and Sana Amanat, Super The Story of the Women of Marvel is an essential read for fans of all ages.
What does a hero’s journey look like when the hero in question happens to be a girl? #1 New York Times bestselling author and Marvel creator Margaret Stohl ( The Life of Captain Marvel , Black Forever Red ) along with Judith Stephens, producer and cocreator of the Women of Marvel podcast, interviewed more than 120 women and nonbinary Marvel contributors in search of the answer to that question.
With one shared goal—to make the historically invisible work of women visible—and with unprecedented access to Marvel creators, writers, actors, and more, Stohl and Stephens set out to tell the story of the women of the “House of Ideas” from 1939 through today, and along the way, to find the meaning of their own Marvel stories. Packed with biographies and illustrations of creators, graphical reprints and excerpts of historic Marvel comics, and exclusive interviews from award-winning actors including Brie Larson, Scarlett Johansson, Ming-Na Wen, Elizabeth Olsen, Evangeline Lilly, Zoe Saldana, and Elizabeth Henstridge; acclaimed directors like Chloé Zhao, Anna Boden, Cate Shortland, and Gillian Jacobs; lauded writers such as Kelly Sue DeConnick, Eve Ewing, Rainbow Rowell, Nic Stone, G. Willow Wilson, Tini Howard, Maurene Goo, and Charlie Jane Anders; top artists like Jen Bartel, Peach Momoko, and Tamra Bonvillian; and influential producers like Victoria Alonso and Sana Amanat, Super The Story of the Women of Marvel is an essential read for fans of all ages.
400 pages, Hardcover
Published June 24, 2025
21 people are currently reading
3856 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Stohl
117 books6,029 followersMargaret Stohl is the #1 New York Times, PW, USA Today, LA Times and Internationally bestselling co-author or author of twelve books, including the BEAUTIFUL CREATURES NOVELS, the DANGEROUS CREATURES NOVELS, the ICONS NOVELS, MARVEL'S BLACK WIDOW NOVELS, ROYCE ROLLS & CATS VS ROBOTS THIS IS WAR (forthcoming!) She writes the MIGHTY CAPTAIN MARVEL comic for Marvel Comics (ongoing) and has contributed to countless videogames; currently, she is a Narrative Director at Bungie.
From the author:
Goodreads Peeps! Please note I no longer review the books on my shelf, "stars"-wise. I do list books I read, and they're all automatically marked as 5 stars. That's because a) I don't list books that I didn't like enough to finish and b) I didn't want to delete the ratings I had already given. If I particularly love a book and feel inclined to comment, you'll still see the comments here. Sadly, I have to ask: please don't reproduce these comments on book jackets, websites, or in any other medium for the marketing of books. They're only meant for fellow goodreaders. Thanks so much!
ABOUT ME:
Writing has gotten me in and out of trouble since I was 15 (back then, mostly just in trouble.) For 10 years, I designed &/or wrote for lots of video games, one of which was nominated for “Most Innovative Game Design,” but I lost to a rapping onion. If you know games you get why my two bad beagles are named Zelda and Kirby.
From the author:
Goodreads Peeps! Please note I no longer review the books on my shelf, "stars"-wise. I do list books I read, and they're all automatically marked as 5 stars. That's because a) I don't list books that I didn't like enough to finish and b) I didn't want to delete the ratings I had already given. If I particularly love a book and feel inclined to comment, you'll still see the comments here. Sadly, I have to ask: please don't reproduce these comments on book jackets, websites, or in any other medium for the marketing of books. They're only meant for fellow goodreaders. Thanks so much!
ABOUT ME:
Writing has gotten me in and out of trouble since I was 15 (back then, mostly just in trouble.) For 10 years, I designed &/or wrote for lots of video games, one of which was nominated for “Most Innovative Game Design,” but I lost to a rapping onion. If you know games you get why my two bad beagles are named Zelda and Kirby.
School: I spent more years in it than a person ever should, because let’s face it, reading books is so much better than having a job. I fell in love with American literature at Amherst and Yale, earned an MA in English from Stanford, and studied creative writing under the late great poet George MacBeth at the University of East Anglia, Norwich. I taught Intro to Film as a TA at Yale and Romantic Poetry as a TA at Stanford. Don’t tell the people at Yale but sometimes I taught the section before I’d seen the movie it was about...
I live in Santa Monica, CA, with my family, most of whom were enslaved into working with me in one form or another on my first YA book for Little, Brown. I’m not kidding; when my daughters wanted to go to school I said “Why are you so selfish? Get back in there and edit,” and by said I mean yelled and maybe threw things, it’s all a haze. Now the Beautiful series has wrapped, but you can see the movie on February 13, 2013 or read my new book ICONS on May 7th. Nothing gold can stay, Ponyboy.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
August 19, 2025
2.5 stars
"[Writing and illustrating] comic books is not an easy way to make a living. It's a fun way [.], if you love doing it. It's not for the faint of heart. But I love it." -- writer / editor Louise 'Weezie' Simonson, page 74
Super Visible is one of those books with an interesting topic but resulting in an uneven execution. It works in its initial 100 or so pages when discussing (and interviewing, when possible) the vanguard of women at Marvel Comics in the 60's / 70's / 80's, those trailblazers such as, but not limited to, Flo Steinburg, Marie Severin, Virginia Romita, Louise Simonson, and Ann Nocenti who variously worked 'in the bullpen' as writers, editors, and/or illustrators. However, once the focus shifts to the modern-day staffing the narrative thrust falters, as many of the interviewees repetitiously seem to mention how they either are the first 'Eskimo / Jedi / Rod Stewart fan / whatever' to write for the comics, OR are the first to depict such a character. (Perhaps most infamously, one of these writers quipped "If you don't like my politics, don't buy my book. I'm going to make the book I'm going to make, and if you don't want to read them, don't read them." in 2017, which sounds bold, but alienated some of the longtime readers and resulted in mediocre sales.) While there is a place at the table for everybody, I'm not sure how much of their presented activism / agenda-based characters or storylines are really succeeding for a niche audience in the midst of this troubled industry. However, the book rebounds somewhat in the final chapters when discussing the arrival and popularity of Kamala Khan a.k.a. Ms. Marvel, as - just in my opinion - I thought she was one of their better characters of the 21st century.
"[Writing and illustrating] comic books is not an easy way to make a living. It's a fun way [.], if you love doing it. It's not for the faint of heart. But I love it." -- writer / editor Louise 'Weezie' Simonson, page 74
Super Visible is one of those books with an interesting topic but resulting in an uneven execution. It works in its initial 100 or so pages when discussing (and interviewing, when possible) the vanguard of women at Marvel Comics in the 60's / 70's / 80's, those trailblazers such as, but not limited to, Flo Steinburg, Marie Severin, Virginia Romita, Louise Simonson, and Ann Nocenti who variously worked 'in the bullpen' as writers, editors, and/or illustrators. However, once the focus shifts to the modern-day staffing the narrative thrust falters, as many of the interviewees repetitiously seem to mention how they either are the first 'Eskimo / Jedi / Rod Stewart fan / whatever' to write for the comics, OR are the first to depict such a character. (Perhaps most infamously, one of these writers quipped "If you don't like my politics, don't buy my book. I'm going to make the book I'm going to make, and if you don't want to read them, don't read them." in 2017, which sounds bold, but alienated some of the longtime readers and resulted in mediocre sales.) While there is a place at the table for everybody, I'm not sure how much of their presented activism / agenda-based characters or storylines are really succeeding for a niche audience in the midst of this troubled industry. However, the book rebounds somewhat in the final chapters when discussing the arrival and popularity of Kamala Khan a.k.a. Ms. Marvel, as - just in my opinion - I thought she was one of their better characters of the 21st century.
June 30, 2025
Mostly a collection of interview segments with women who have worked/are working for Marvel. Interesting topic for sure, but not a well written book. There is no clear structure, and it got boring after a while because it was all the same. The audiobook is also a bit confusing.
October 12, 2025
I picked up Super Visible: The Story of the Women of Marvel Comics by Margaret Stohl, Jeanine Schaefer, and Judith Stephens from my local library because I thought the topic was interesting and I've watched many Marvel movies and shows. Overall, I think this is a good book, but I also think it could have been better.
The book's artwork and design is great. It was interesting to read about the individual women at Marvel and how they expanded their reach and influence over time. It was cool to see how they got started at Marvel and recruited others to join. However, the story is a little muddled. It starts strong with looking at the women who worked at Marvel in the early years. Once it moves to the more modern era, it begins to feel a little repetitive and surface level. Basically, I wanted more details, context, and analysis. For example, the authors talk about taking a character like Captain Marvel and what it meant for a female author to re-invent the character. They don't include how the character was re-invented. How did they decide to update the character? What were the discussions like? How did they incorporate female experiences? Was there pushback? They do this a little with Ms. Marvel towards the end, but I would have liked to see them do it with some of the older female comic characters who already had a history in comics. Also, the book jumps around chronologically, which makes it a little confusing when trying to keep track of which women were at Marvel at one time. I kinda wish they had included a list of the main artists in the front or back of the book with their time at Marvel listed. Finally, Stohl, Schaefer, and Stephens repeatedly emphasize the importance of female support amongst the women at Marvel and how the comic book industry can be hostile to new voices in the creative space. While it is great to read about women supporting women, the absence of negative experiences was noticeable. The authors don't include many details on what the women needed support against. Was there harassment? Sexual harassment? Denied promotions? Why did so many women leave Marvel to pursue other careers? Different incomes? I don't know if the lack of negative experiences/perspectives at Marvel was due to Marvel's involvement in the project. I assume so.
Stohl, Schaefer, and Stephens conducted 300 hours of interviews for this book. There is a list of contributors included in the front of the book. Individuals include editors, colorists, artists, writers, actors, management, and others. There are 17 oral history sections throughout the book. The oral history sections are interview excerpts with women such as Louise Simonson, Margaret Loesch, Kelly Thompson, and Angelique Roche. In addition to including official Marvel artwork, the book also includes photographs from personal collections.
The art and design for Super Visible is awesome! Emma A. Van Deun, who designed the cover, and Laura Palese, the interior designer of the book, did an amazing job. They captured the look and feel of a comic book.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Marvel comics and or women in comics.
The book's artwork and design is great. It was interesting to read about the individual women at Marvel and how they expanded their reach and influence over time. It was cool to see how they got started at Marvel and recruited others to join. However, the story is a little muddled. It starts strong with looking at the women who worked at Marvel in the early years. Once it moves to the more modern era, it begins to feel a little repetitive and surface level. Basically, I wanted more details, context, and analysis. For example, the authors talk about taking a character like Captain Marvel and what it meant for a female author to re-invent the character. They don't include how the character was re-invented. How did they decide to update the character? What were the discussions like? How did they incorporate female experiences? Was there pushback? They do this a little with Ms. Marvel towards the end, but I would have liked to see them do it with some of the older female comic characters who already had a history in comics. Also, the book jumps around chronologically, which makes it a little confusing when trying to keep track of which women were at Marvel at one time. I kinda wish they had included a list of the main artists in the front or back of the book with their time at Marvel listed. Finally, Stohl, Schaefer, and Stephens repeatedly emphasize the importance of female support amongst the women at Marvel and how the comic book industry can be hostile to new voices in the creative space. While it is great to read about women supporting women, the absence of negative experiences was noticeable. The authors don't include many details on what the women needed support against. Was there harassment? Sexual harassment? Denied promotions? Why did so many women leave Marvel to pursue other careers? Different incomes? I don't know if the lack of negative experiences/perspectives at Marvel was due to Marvel's involvement in the project. I assume so.
Stohl, Schaefer, and Stephens conducted 300 hours of interviews for this book. There is a list of contributors included in the front of the book. Individuals include editors, colorists, artists, writers, actors, management, and others. There are 17 oral history sections throughout the book. The oral history sections are interview excerpts with women such as Louise Simonson, Margaret Loesch, Kelly Thompson, and Angelique Roche. In addition to including official Marvel artwork, the book also includes photographs from personal collections.
The art and design for Super Visible is awesome! Emma A. Van Deun, who designed the cover, and Laura Palese, the interior designer of the book, did an amazing job. They captured the look and feel of a comic book.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Marvel comics and or women in comics.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2025
“𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘯𝘺 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘥𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨.”
Mega thanks to Gallery Books for a gifted finished copy- pub day is June 24th! 💥 I don’t typically rate nonfiction books but this one gets a full 5 🌟 from me!
This deep dive into Marvel history and comic fandom focuses primarily (obviously) on the women who shaped Marvel Comics and later its expanded entertainment. We learn how Marvel Comics came to be, its growth, the development of different characters, the driving female forces behind designs, executive decisions, and the risks that were taken, even still today. We’re also given looks into how comics has influenced pop culture and community via comic conventions, cosplay, and other media.
There are archival photographs, interviews with various women who held different positions throughout the decades (and how many moved on to continued success in the comic, writing, media fields) and their stories; the influence they had on creating content that had substance others could relate to.
Maybe I’m just a nerd but I loved this. Some may think “oh this is going to be so feminist” but it wasn’t like that at all; it rightfully highlights the women who should be credited for their contributions and talent in a realm where for a long time was a male-dominated space, empowering female creatives in the arts, and is a tribute to those who have made Marvel the powerhouse it has become, applauding their persistent efforts to ensure representation for all while also not diminishing the value of the men who contributed as well; both playing key roles in Marvel’s history.
“𝘒𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭. 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 - 𝘪𝘧 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘰 𝘪𝘵, 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘰 𝘪𝘵.”
Also, the design team for this book totally nailed it! 💥 The formatting and layout, the graphics, fonts, everything was perfect. If you enjoy comics, Marvel, storytelling, film and entertainment history, this one is highly enjoyable.
Mega thanks to Gallery Books for a gifted finished copy- pub day is June 24th! 💥 I don’t typically rate nonfiction books but this one gets a full 5 🌟 from me!
This deep dive into Marvel history and comic fandom focuses primarily (obviously) on the women who shaped Marvel Comics and later its expanded entertainment. We learn how Marvel Comics came to be, its growth, the development of different characters, the driving female forces behind designs, executive decisions, and the risks that were taken, even still today. We’re also given looks into how comics has influenced pop culture and community via comic conventions, cosplay, and other media.
There are archival photographs, interviews with various women who held different positions throughout the decades (and how many moved on to continued success in the comic, writing, media fields) and their stories; the influence they had on creating content that had substance others could relate to.
Maybe I’m just a nerd but I loved this. Some may think “oh this is going to be so feminist” but it wasn’t like that at all; it rightfully highlights the women who should be credited for their contributions and talent in a realm where for a long time was a male-dominated space, empowering female creatives in the arts, and is a tribute to those who have made Marvel the powerhouse it has become, applauding their persistent efforts to ensure representation for all while also not diminishing the value of the men who contributed as well; both playing key roles in Marvel’s history.
“𝘒𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭. 𝘙𝘦𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 - 𝘪𝘧 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘰 𝘪𝘵, 𝘐 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘰 𝘪𝘵.”
Also, the design team for this book totally nailed it! 💥 The formatting and layout, the graphics, fonts, everything was perfect. If you enjoy comics, Marvel, storytelling, film and entertainment history, this one is highly enjoyable.
September 28, 2025
This is really 3.5 stars.
I did overall enjoy the book, and the hardcover is beautiful. My main issue was that about 1/3 of the way in, it lost its steam and became kinda repetitive.
I did overall enjoy the book, and the hardcover is beautiful. My main issue was that about 1/3 of the way in, it lost its steam and became kinda repetitive.
November 9, 2025
Not as good as I wanted it to be, but it at least inspired me to renew my Marvel Unlimited account.
May 2, 2025
My thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for an advance copy of this book that looks at the role of women in Marvel Comics, from behind the scenes, to writers, illustrators, inkers and letterers, their long history and how much of their heroic works have not been told, until now.
My grandmother started me early on comics, always leaving a brand new issue of whatever was at the candy shop around the corner in a special drawer that was just for me. My father had also been a comic reader, and a big fan of pulp magazines, something that came in handy when at the end of Star Wars, my Dad said, wow that was like Flash Gordon, which set me up as a science fiction nerd early. What surprised me was that my Mom was a comic book reader. I don't know why, my Mom had a love of reading that she passed to her children. Mom had two older brothers who shared their reading material with her. Mom liked Shazam, wasn't a fan of Batman, read Millie the Model, enjoyed a comic series about a nurse, and of course Little Lulu. Growing up I didn't know any women who read comics, even my cool cousin who I played Gi Joe and Barbie with. However like with all things, I wasn't really paying attention. Women have always been present, maybe not celebrated, maybe not even acknowledged, but without them, the comic landscape, the entire media system based on comics would be different. This book is teir origin story. Super Visible; The Story of the Women of Marvel Comics by author, podcaster Margaret Stohl with Judith Stephens tells the story of women in the House of Ideas, from the beginning with Stan Lee, to the numerous creators working today.
The book is a look at Marvel, with some mentions of Warren, DC and other companies. Based on the The Women of Marvel podcast, the book features, comic panels, many photos, transcripts and much more detailing the lives of people who were there for so many important events in Marvel, but that history has omitted. Flo Steinberg, who was Stan Lee's assistant, a woman who opened the door for many women at Marvel, mentoring and teaching how to work in a creative industry that might not be kind to women. Virginia Romita, the wife and mother of two of Marvel's greatest artists,a women who made sure that books were coming together, and woe be to the editor who was running late. There are editors, writers, colorists and inkers, all with stories to share, some good, a lot bad. The importance of the woman's restroom is stated, a place to hide, to bond, and to share things good and bad. How a woman executive gave rise to one of the great X-Men animated cartoons. The rise of fandom, and of course the rise of Marvel on the big screen.
Reading this book reminded me of the fact that I knew many of these women from my reading of their works, but I never gave thought to the fact that they were women. Jo Chase, Ann Nocenti, Louise Simonson, they were writers and creators, and people I envied for their jobs. I loved the stories they shared about creating, and disliked much of the stuff they had to put up with. As politics turned ugly, so has the vision that men have of women in their sacred space of comics. Which are really power fantasies for children, but I won't go there. These stories are the ones that really got to me. The everyday misogyny. People meaning well and still belittling the talent these women have. There are a lot of good stories too, and I loved the traipsing through my childhood these creators had so much a part in.
A book for comic fans, comic historians, and something for women to read before entering any business. I owe my love of comics to my Grandmother, and much of my love of reading to my mother. Now I know how much I owe the women of Marvel for the long love I have had for so many characters. Highly recommended.
My grandmother started me early on comics, always leaving a brand new issue of whatever was at the candy shop around the corner in a special drawer that was just for me. My father had also been a comic reader, and a big fan of pulp magazines, something that came in handy when at the end of Star Wars, my Dad said, wow that was like Flash Gordon, which set me up as a science fiction nerd early. What surprised me was that my Mom was a comic book reader. I don't know why, my Mom had a love of reading that she passed to her children. Mom had two older brothers who shared their reading material with her. Mom liked Shazam, wasn't a fan of Batman, read Millie the Model, enjoyed a comic series about a nurse, and of course Little Lulu. Growing up I didn't know any women who read comics, even my cool cousin who I played Gi Joe and Barbie with. However like with all things, I wasn't really paying attention. Women have always been present, maybe not celebrated, maybe not even acknowledged, but without them, the comic landscape, the entire media system based on comics would be different. This book is teir origin story. Super Visible; The Story of the Women of Marvel Comics by author, podcaster Margaret Stohl with Judith Stephens tells the story of women in the House of Ideas, from the beginning with Stan Lee, to the numerous creators working today.
The book is a look at Marvel, with some mentions of Warren, DC and other companies. Based on the The Women of Marvel podcast, the book features, comic panels, many photos, transcripts and much more detailing the lives of people who were there for so many important events in Marvel, but that history has omitted. Flo Steinberg, who was Stan Lee's assistant, a woman who opened the door for many women at Marvel, mentoring and teaching how to work in a creative industry that might not be kind to women. Virginia Romita, the wife and mother of two of Marvel's greatest artists,a women who made sure that books were coming together, and woe be to the editor who was running late. There are editors, writers, colorists and inkers, all with stories to share, some good, a lot bad. The importance of the woman's restroom is stated, a place to hide, to bond, and to share things good and bad. How a woman executive gave rise to one of the great X-Men animated cartoons. The rise of fandom, and of course the rise of Marvel on the big screen.
Reading this book reminded me of the fact that I knew many of these women from my reading of their works, but I never gave thought to the fact that they were women. Jo Chase, Ann Nocenti, Louise Simonson, they were writers and creators, and people I envied for their jobs. I loved the stories they shared about creating, and disliked much of the stuff they had to put up with. As politics turned ugly, so has the vision that men have of women in their sacred space of comics. Which are really power fantasies for children, but I won't go there. These stories are the ones that really got to me. The everyday misogyny. People meaning well and still belittling the talent these women have. There are a lot of good stories too, and I loved the traipsing through my childhood these creators had so much a part in.
A book for comic fans, comic historians, and something for women to read before entering any business. I owe my love of comics to my Grandmother, and much of my love of reading to my mother. Now I know how much I owe the women of Marvel for the long love I have had for so many characters. Highly recommended.
June 17, 2025
Written by Margaret Stohl, novelist and comic book writer (The Life of Captain Marvel, Black Widow: Forever Red), with Jeanine Schaefer and Judith Stephens, Super Visible: The Story of The Women of Marvel Comics is an essential record of Marvel from its Mad Men 60s to its more diverse and never more popular present. Thanks to the oral histories interspersed within the book from dozens of key female figures, you get a front-row seat to the mythic origins of Marvel.
Many comic book fans pride themselves on their knowledge of comic lore, but even the most Jeopardy-ready superfans will find this essential text illuminating and rewarding. You simply can't put the book down. As soon as Stohl delivers a peek into the famed Marvel Bullpen - The Virginia Schedule, for example - you're pulled into the advent of the X-Men, and then their pop culture explosion in animation and beyond.
The book gives a long overdue look behind the comic book page to reveal how instrumental women have always been to the publisher. The book begins with a bang: Patricia Highsmith, the legendary writer probably best known for The Talented Mr. Ripley and The Price of Salt, the basis for the movie Carol, worked for Timely Comics in the 30s before Marvel was truly Marvel. While some names are likely familiar to comic book fans, many are not, but in quick, effortless fashion, the book introduces figures who feel like old friends.
Women responded to fan mail as Stan Lee, wrote the Bullpen Bulletin famous for its direct address from Stan to the reader, and also ran interference - literally - at the office door. As women became more creatively involved in the 1980s, with Ann Nocenti and Louise Simonson among those whose contributions were legendary for X-Men fans, Marvel Comics began to distinguish itself in the industry.
Nocenti, who elsewhere has spoken of the fight scene in superhero comics as a 'tumor,' laments in her comments that she felt as though she couldn't be pigeonholed as a 'female writing female characters.' That led her to write several (amazing!) runs on very masculine titles like Daredevil and The Punisher. The same goes for Louise Simonson, who avoided the trap many female-led titles fell into, being canceled after only a few issues by focusing on group books. Her efforts were essential to the X-Men's 80s and 90s legacy.
The book also establishes that women's contributions in the indie scene benefited Marvel and the industry. Trina Robbins, among others, were instrumental in bringing women into the creative fold and then the spotlight with Big Apple Comix and other titles. Robbins' ability to move back and forth between New York and California, as well as bring established creators with her into the indie space, had a profound influence on the 80s indie boom that eventually yielded Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, among others.
The book is a welcome insight into an aspect of comic book history many are unlikely to know much about, but everyone should.
Many comic book fans pride themselves on their knowledge of comic lore, but even the most Jeopardy-ready superfans will find this essential text illuminating and rewarding. You simply can't put the book down. As soon as Stohl delivers a peek into the famed Marvel Bullpen - The Virginia Schedule, for example - you're pulled into the advent of the X-Men, and then their pop culture explosion in animation and beyond.
The book gives a long overdue look behind the comic book page to reveal how instrumental women have always been to the publisher. The book begins with a bang: Patricia Highsmith, the legendary writer probably best known for The Talented Mr. Ripley and The Price of Salt, the basis for the movie Carol, worked for Timely Comics in the 30s before Marvel was truly Marvel. While some names are likely familiar to comic book fans, many are not, but in quick, effortless fashion, the book introduces figures who feel like old friends.
Women responded to fan mail as Stan Lee, wrote the Bullpen Bulletin famous for its direct address from Stan to the reader, and also ran interference - literally - at the office door. As women became more creatively involved in the 1980s, with Ann Nocenti and Louise Simonson among those whose contributions were legendary for X-Men fans, Marvel Comics began to distinguish itself in the industry.
Nocenti, who elsewhere has spoken of the fight scene in superhero comics as a 'tumor,' laments in her comments that she felt as though she couldn't be pigeonholed as a 'female writing female characters.' That led her to write several (amazing!) runs on very masculine titles like Daredevil and The Punisher. The same goes for Louise Simonson, who avoided the trap many female-led titles fell into, being canceled after only a few issues by focusing on group books. Her efforts were essential to the X-Men's 80s and 90s legacy.
The book also establishes that women's contributions in the indie scene benefited Marvel and the industry. Trina Robbins, among others, were instrumental in bringing women into the creative fold and then the spotlight with Big Apple Comix and other titles. Robbins' ability to move back and forth between New York and California, as well as bring established creators with her into the indie space, had a profound influence on the 80s indie boom that eventually yielded Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, among others.
The book is a welcome insight into an aspect of comic book history many are unlikely to know much about, but everyone should.
April 13, 2025
(Got this as an ARC from net gallery, all opinions are my own.)
I think this book might be a full circle moment for me.
many years ago, as a child my parents bought me a black widow prose novel eBook, (forever red) I'd seen a few of the avenger's movies but it didn't really click with me. The combination of that novel and the captain marvel movie is what got me into comics, now I've finished a book by the same author. This book has changed my perspective again.
The novel book starts off being a basic history of the few women in the white male dominated world of comic books, being a great filler for the hole that is women in the history of marvel comics. Later the book talks about more about The MCU and women's part within the franchise (fictional and real)
The book also in addition to women it also talks about nonbinary people, people of color, disabled people and many others and how everyone needs to be represented in comics, created by people who actually understand these things through experience. As a non-binary person, it was really great to see this.
I never liked classic comics or even some of the early marvel movies, I know why now. I grew up with strong women characters in comics, Kate bishop, Ms. marvel, America Chavez, storm, and so many more. I could see parts of myself in there more than the average white guy superhero They felt like someone I could be/try to be.
This book isn't just a story about people who helped pave the way for women in comics
It's a love song about people needing to find themselves in comics and characters to be able to inspire the next generation. I think we're in good hands if these are what's being used to inspire them.
I think this book might be a full circle moment for me.
many years ago, as a child my parents bought me a black widow prose novel eBook, (forever red) I'd seen a few of the avenger's movies but it didn't really click with me. The combination of that novel and the captain marvel movie is what got me into comics, now I've finished a book by the same author. This book has changed my perspective again.
The novel book starts off being a basic history of the few women in the white male dominated world of comic books, being a great filler for the hole that is women in the history of marvel comics. Later the book talks about more about The MCU and women's part within the franchise (fictional and real)
The book also in addition to women it also talks about nonbinary people, people of color, disabled people and many others and how everyone needs to be represented in comics, created by people who actually understand these things through experience. As a non-binary person, it was really great to see this.
I never liked classic comics or even some of the early marvel movies, I know why now. I grew up with strong women characters in comics, Kate bishop, Ms. marvel, America Chavez, storm, and so many more. I could see parts of myself in there more than the average white guy superhero They felt like someone I could be/try to be.
This book isn't just a story about people who helped pave the way for women in comics
It's a love song about people needing to find themselves in comics and characters to be able to inspire the next generation. I think we're in good hands if these are what's being used to inspire them.
January 1, 2026
Everyone knows (or at least has heard of) Marvel Comics! Spider-Man, Captain America, The X-Men, She-Hulk, Black Widow, and The Mighty Avengers, right!? And of course Stan Lee! But how much do you know of the writers, the colorists, the letters, the cover designers? Pulling back part of the curtain on those unsung workers is what Super Visible does.
As the authors are quick to show, women were on scene and working at Marvel back in the 1960's and before. Stan Lee would not have been able to function without Flo Stanberg among unnamed other women who inked the comics, did lettering, drew the art, and the like. And over the years as Marvel grew in size, so has the number of women involved and so has has their impact on Marvel comics and the broader pop culture. Super Visible is an outgrowth of the podcasts and panels that talk about the role of women in the Marvel Comic Universe - comics, books, movies, and television. As they state at the beginning of the book, this is an examination of the role of women in the history of Marvel Comics told by the women in the room. So there is straightforward narrative sections intermingled with oral history interviews. Plus plenty of visual elements to highlight those present and bring the reader inside.
Super Visible provides a side of comic book history not often discussed with the story of women in comics being front and center. If you want to explore Marvel Comics's full history, you will want to peruse this title!
Thanks Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for the chance to read this title!
As the authors are quick to show, women were on scene and working at Marvel back in the 1960's and before. Stan Lee would not have been able to function without Flo Stanberg among unnamed other women who inked the comics, did lettering, drew the art, and the like. And over the years as Marvel grew in size, so has the number of women involved and so has has their impact on Marvel comics and the broader pop culture. Super Visible is an outgrowth of the podcasts and panels that talk about the role of women in the Marvel Comic Universe - comics, books, movies, and television. As they state at the beginning of the book, this is an examination of the role of women in the history of Marvel Comics told by the women in the room. So there is straightforward narrative sections intermingled with oral history interviews. Plus plenty of visual elements to highlight those present and bring the reader inside.
Super Visible provides a side of comic book history not often discussed with the story of women in comics being front and center. If you want to explore Marvel Comics's full history, you will want to peruse this title!
Thanks Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for the chance to read this title!
January 4, 2026
I wanted to love this, I have been a comic book fan for years and I love commentary on and highlighting what women did behind the scenes. This book unfortunately is a disappointment. It's disjointed and confusing at many points. The oral history sections were the best part and the book should have relied on them more. If this book was painting a picture of what things looked like then transitioning into a bunch of small chapters of interviews with these women and the people who knew her it would have been amazing. that's not this book and it makes me sad. This book claims it is pulling a curtain back to reveal the women there all along but I don't know any more about these women besides their positions in the company and what they worked on. This book is lacking depth at best and saying nothing substantial at worst.
It takes a lot of work to create this and I recognize that work and want to honor it best I can, however this book while a labor of love doesn't hit the mark despite the work that went into it. With a heavy heart I can't bring myself to rate this higher than a star.
It takes a lot of work to create this and I recognize that work and want to honor it best I can, however this book while a labor of love doesn't hit the mark despite the work that went into it. With a heavy heart I can't bring myself to rate this higher than a star.
June 13, 2025
Super Visible by Margaret Stohl is a fascinating firsthand look at the invaluable role women played in the popularity and growth of Marvel Comics, from the comic books to TV and film.
This is a great mix of history and personal anecdotes, helping the reader to both appreciate the importance of these women as well as the humanity of everyone involved. The pictures and images are a lot of fun as well, so you are entertained while learning a great deal. Even those of us who know a few of the names likely didn't fully grasp the degree to which they informed the direction of Marvel.
Highly recommended not just for those interested in the Marvel universe but also those interested in women's history and social history more generally.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
This is a great mix of history and personal anecdotes, helping the reader to both appreciate the importance of these women as well as the humanity of everyone involved. The pictures and images are a lot of fun as well, so you are entertained while learning a great deal. Even those of us who know a few of the names likely didn't fully grasp the degree to which they informed the direction of Marvel.
Highly recommended not just for those interested in the Marvel universe but also those interested in women's history and social history more generally.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
August 11, 2025
I want to be super clear that I love the conceit of this book. There was clearly so much care put into the conception, research and curation of this project, and there are stretches that are pure magic to listen to. I just wish it amounted to more.
The sections which detailed the Marvel offices of the 1960s and 70s are FASCINATING, shining a light on the women behind-the-scenes who essentially kept the company from imploding. Virginia Romita, you are the coolest forever.
Unfortunately, all of the historical discovery went out the window when the timeline shifted forward to present day. The interviews became much more focused on namedropping creators and a lot less interested in sharing an account of the incredible work they did and have done at the company, with the exception of a deep-dive into Kelly Sue DeConnick's work on revitalizing Captain Marvel, which was sick. I also loved hearing from Iman Vellani and reading about Ms. Marvel.
It's totally inoffensive reading, but I wish it went Higher, further, faster (so to speak) into the history of the characters and how the women of Marvel invented and/or reinvented them.
The sections which detailed the Marvel offices of the 1960s and 70s are FASCINATING, shining a light on the women behind-the-scenes who essentially kept the company from imploding. Virginia Romita, you are the coolest forever.
Unfortunately, all of the historical discovery went out the window when the timeline shifted forward to present day. The interviews became much more focused on namedropping creators and a lot less interested in sharing an account of the incredible work they did and have done at the company, with the exception of a deep-dive into Kelly Sue DeConnick's work on revitalizing Captain Marvel, which was sick. I also loved hearing from Iman Vellani and reading about Ms. Marvel.
It's totally inoffensive reading, but I wish it went Higher, further, faster (so to speak) into the history of the characters and how the women of Marvel invented and/or reinvented them.
Read
July 30, 2025From its STELLAR design to its phenomenal content, this book really does tell the story of the women—both fictional and real—of Marvel.
My fave moments
1. When they talk about how many people it took to be Stan Lee
2. When they go over Marvel’s creative rules: heroes with feet of clay living in the world outside your window, whose fights break out into a soap opera. (Stan famously said that DC, on the other hand, was a soap opera interrupted by a fight).
My fave moments
1. When they talk about how many people it took to be Stan Lee
2. When they go over Marvel’s creative rules: heroes with feet of clay living in the world outside your window, whose fights break out into a soap opera. (Stan famously said that DC, on the other hand, was a soap opera interrupted by a fight).
October 2, 2025
More of an oral history than a formal history, so it's not always clear who was there when. As an official Marvel publication, it also seems likely that the book is a little kinder to Marvel management than it would be otherwise. Still, this gives a strong feeling for the times it portrays and the most influential figures within it. The pictures of office life during the various eras of Marvel are worth the read all by themselves.
November 12, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up, because, women.
I loved the premise and the overall message. The history was also fascinating. I do think, however, the timeline and narratives were often lost or felt disjointed because of the mix of oral history and narrative nonfiction. I think if either of these formats were done in full, it could have been stronger. I do, however, love the empowering message, female friendships, and the stories behind some iconic characters.
I loved the premise and the overall message. The history was also fascinating. I do think, however, the timeline and narratives were often lost or felt disjointed because of the mix of oral history and narrative nonfiction. I think if either of these formats were done in full, it could have been stronger. I do, however, love the empowering message, female friendships, and the stories behind some iconic characters.
July 3, 2025
Not many books I read could be called life changing, but this might be one. Certainly eye opening at least. Even if you’re not interested or have a background in comics this book will affect your outlook on life and employment as well as gender roles. Be careful, though, it’ll make you think.
September 29, 2025
Highlighting the work of women in comics at Marvel and how they've always, always been there, just not always credited, and how so many women who pushed through the door into comics held the door open for the women who came after her
August 31, 2025
An excellent look at the women of Marvel since it began. Total kismet - found it in the new book shelf of the library.
September 2, 2025
It had a lot of pictures, so this book was like reading a magazine. Was a relaxing read between other books. Nice if you want to look at a lot of shiny marvel covers and put faces to names.
September 4, 2025
wish they spent more time on early marvel but an interesting read. felt like they had too much interview material to create a proper narrative
October 29, 2025
3.5 rounded down
interesting and beautifully presented, but I wish the book focused slightly more on the intricacies of the modern industry in the way the early chapters were for the early stages
interesting and beautifully presented, but I wish the book focused slightly more on the intricacies of the modern industry in the way the early chapters were for the early stages
April 28, 2025
I am a huge Marvel fan! This is a fantastic read for people who want to learn more about the women who helped to build and to expand Marvel publications. There is a plethora of resources, such as interviews, magazine articles, personal letters, personal sketches, and the list continues on. Super Visible reads like a genre-blend of memoir and reference book. The tone is casual, but the depth is immense. This is not a quick read; it is the type of read that you want to let it soak in, then place it on the coffee table to pick up and read from daily.
Thank you #NetGalley, #MargaretStohl, and #GalleryBooks for my eARC. This review is my honest opinion.
Thank you #NetGalley, #MargaretStohl, and #GalleryBooks for my eARC. This review is my honest opinion.
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