So the new Ultimate Spider-man series has taken a new spin on the female character. While they've continued with the whole, all super-hero women and their potential lovers must be well endowed, they've also made significant changes to attract a female audience. Mary-Jane Watson for one is no longer a struggling actress who won't fight against the powers that be, come they in the form of Super villain, government organization, or the news medias. Watson in the first few episodes makes it clear that she wants to be a reporter and fight the good fight by getting the real truth to the people. This is a lot like DC's Louis Lane, but Louis in her own right has been celebrated by many as being a super-powerless woman who still can command the masses.
Another addition to the spider-man set up is Spider-man's need for allies. Of his allies there is a specific White Tiger, who is a teen girl. While White Tiger is the only girl in the group of super heroes, she is also the only voice of reason. Instead of being controlled by her emotions as is typical of the female archetype, White Tiger is motivated by success and logos.
There's certainly a lot of ways in which this show can improve the way it portrays women, but I think its a step in the right direction. Especially for a cartoon aimed at prepubescent boys.
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