International Women’s Day: Geek Edition!

By: EyeSpyeAlexInternational Women’s Day is a day in which we celebrate the achievements of women around the world currently and throughout history. For far too long, the accomplishments of women have been overlooked and underappreciated, and I think it’s incredible that there is now a day devoted to recognizing real women. Still, I think it’s important to recognize the place fictional heroines hold in teaching us all how badass women can be.For me personally, the first woman I can remember fighting for what’s right is Sailor Moon. Not only does Sailor Moon fight for love and justice, she is an extremely loyal and devoted friend. She is also unafraid of admitting when she needs help or showing her emotions, making her an extremely relatable character. She and the rest of the Sailor Scouts did a great job of teaching me to stick up for the people I care about and to stand up for what I believe in.I asked some of my friends here at The Geekly Grind which female character was their favorite. Below are the characters the admire, respect, and think are fierce.RogueSymbiote - Major General Olivier Armstrong and Izumi Curtis (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)When asked to choose a female character to spotlight for International Women’s Day, I immediately thought of Major General Olivier Armstrong and Izumi Curtis from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. I couldn’t decide between the two so I’m just going to talk about both… because they are the epitome of badass female protagonists. Olivier serves as the commanding officer of Fort Briggs which defends the Northern Border of Amestris. Her power and fortitude cultivate a loyalty and strength in her soldiers unlike any other military force in the series. Her cold demeanor may be more impenetrable than Fort Briggs itself, but she will go to any length to protect those she loves.Izumi Curtis is… A HOUSEWIFE! But more importantly, she is a powerful alchemist who shaped the Elric brothers into the men they would become. Without her influence and teachings, Edward and Alphonse would not have developed such advanced fighting or alchemy skills. When military forces were being devastated by Sloth, Izumi came in and swatted him like a fly. Her devotion to friends and family is awe-inspiring. With unrivaled strength and subtle love, Olivier and Izumi are two of my favorite female characters of all time.v.o.lynn - Chell (Portal)Chell, for all of her quiet determination, is definitely worth celebrating as a fictional character. Although we don't get to hear her speak, we do get to control her through a labyrinth of puzzles and mazes, first for escape, second for closure. Although her Frienimies standpoint with Glados is tenuous at best, Chell is an iconic part of Portal Lore, and so on. God bless her, and her silence, for god knows how GLADOS reacts to people telling her to shut up. Beware the quiet ones, for their strength comes not from their words, but their actions.Mithrandiel - Princess Nausicaa (Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind)Since my early years of anime fandom, I've always been an admirer of Hayao Miyazaki's work. Watching Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind for the first time, I was introduced to this fierce, female protagonist that was able to challenge my ideas of what it meant to be the hero of the story. Sure, she's a princess. She's emotional and rash at times...but she's also a curious and adventurous spirit.She's able to navigate an immensely dangerous world with skill and courage, and maintains her role as as the leader of her people against the forces of a menacing Empire and a stampede of devastating monsters. Others came before her, and certainly after, but Nausicaä continues to be a prominent fixture in my "Hero Hall of Fame", and is a kick-ass lady to boot!Which female character holds a revered place in your heart? Feel free to comment below!