Top 5: Longest Running Female-Led Marvel Comics

While DC Comics has been busy blazing the trail with its long-running female-led comics like Wonder Woman and Birds of Prey, its rival Marvel has struggled to save its heroines from the cancellation heap.  From titles like Black Widow to X-23, most of Marvel's women fail to make it past two years of solo publication. Even still, there have been some superheroines that have managed to defy this and have gone on to have successful comic runs.

Below are the top five longest running comic book series starring women as published by Marvel.

05. She-Hulk, Volume 2

Lasted For: 38 Issues

As the Hulk's loquacious cousin, She-Hulk is no stranger to the solo hero circuit. She's had a handful of series and has proven to be a viable commodity for Marvel. The eponymous She-Hulk was her fourth series, but is one of the longer lasting ones.

Originally written by Dan Slott, She-Hulk followed the misadventures of the green-skinned heroine as she navigated the world of law and order. Over the course of its 38 issues, the series tied in with many of Marvel's most notable storylines such as "Civil War" and "Secret Invasion." Despite bringing aboard fan-favourite Peter David to write the book, She-Hulk wrapped up its run in the spring of 2009.

04. Dazzler, Volume 1

Lasted For: 42 Issues

Spinning out of her appearance during the iconic "Dark Phoenix Saga," Dazzler depicted the life and times of Marvel's most famous singer turned hero. It followed her ascension to superstardom and the many obstacles she had to surpass along the way. The series was brilliant mix of superhero action and soap opera drama, highlighting the character's turbulent family life and her constant struggle with the responsibility of being a mutant.

Even though the series concluded after only 42 issues, Dazzler continues to be one of the most iconic comic books of the 1980s and led directly into her becoming a member of the X-Men. Sadly, the character has fallen into the D-list since then and is in dire need of a boost in popularity.

03. Spider-Woman, Volume 1

Ms. Marvel, Volume 2

Lasted For: 50 Issues

It seems fitting that Spider-Woman and Ms. Marvel would share the number three spot. In addition to their long-standing friendship, Jessica Drew and Carol Danvers debuted in solo series around the same time in the 1970s. While Carol's Ms. Marvel title was cancelled after two years of publication, Jessica's Spider-Woman ran for an astounding 50 issues. Not one to be outdone, Carol tied Jessica's record with her second Ms. Marvel series in 2006.

Spider-Woman told the solo adventures of Jessica Drew as she sought to create a life for herself in America. Early on the book focused on dark, magic-based foes, but would later become a more traditional superhero title.

Ms. Marvel spun directly out of Marvel's "House of M" event and dealt with Carol Danvers establishing herself as Earth's Mightiest Hero. In this ground-breaking series, Carol survived a superhero civil war, multiple alien invasions, having her identity stolen, and the schemes of the nefarious shapeshifter Mystique. This was truly one of Marvel's most remarkable titles and is one of my personal favourites.

02. The Sensational She-Hulk, Volume 1

Lasted For: 60 Issues

After a successful tenure with the Fantastic Four, John Byrne launched She-Hulk's second solo title in the late-'80s. Irreverent and sharply written, The Sensational She-Hulk was an astonishing series that broke all the comic book rules. For the first time ever, the character was aware of her status as a comic book superhero and frequently broke through the fourth wall to talk to the readers.

Following his departure from the title in 1993, The Sensational She-Hulk lasted only ten more issues before being cancelled. Well over twenty years later, this title continues to make waves due to its unique mix of slapstick humour and superhero action.

01. Spider-Girl, Volume 1

Lasted For: 100 Issues, Plus Two Special Issues

Marvel's longest running female-led title by a mile is the Spider-Man spin-off Spider-Girl. Written as an imagined future world for the web-slinger, this title placed Peter Parker and Mary Jane Watson's daughter May Parker as the heir to the Spider-Man mantle. Lasting for a whopping 100 issues, Spider-Girl broke records and continues to be Marvel's most successful female franchise to date. Oddly enough, it also happens to be the only book on this list that exists outside of the company's mainstream universe.