Science fiction and fantasy are often thought of as stereotypically male genres, yet both have a long and celebrated history of female creators, characters, and fans. In particular, the science fiction and fantasy heroine is a recognized figure made popular in media such as Alien, The Terminator, and Buffy, The Vampire Slayer. Though imperfect, she is strong and definitely does not need to be saved by a man. This figure has had an undeniable influence on The Hunger Games, Divergent, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and many other, more recent female-led book and movie franchises.Despite their popularity, these fictional women have received inconsistent scholarly interest. This collection of new essays is intended to help fill a gap in the serious discussion of women and gender in science fiction and fantasy. The contributors are scholars, teachers, practicing writers, and other professionals in fields related to the genre. Critically examining the depiction of women and gender in science fiction and fantasy on both page and screen, they focus on characters who are as varied as they are interesting, and who range from vampire slayers to time travelers, witches, and spacefarers.

INTO EVERY GENERATION A SLAYER IS BORN Before Buffy, the world has been protected by Chosen Ones with the strength and spirit to fight evil in every form it takes. For the first time ever, discover the untold origin stories of some of the most important Slayers in history from all around the world...and the secret that changes everything you ever thought you knew about Buffy! Acclaimed creators including award-winner Nilah Magruder (Marvel Rising), Mairghread Scott (Batgirl), Celia Lowenthal (Over The Garden Wall: Hollow Town), Alexa Sharpe (Rolled and Told) and more join forces to reveal the Slayers of times past - and how they forever change Buffy’s future. Collects Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Chosen Ones #1 and Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Every Generation #1.

Series creator Joss Whedon brought Buffy the Vampire Slayer back to life with this comics-only follow-up to Season 7 of the television show. This hardcover edition contains the first two arcs of the series, plus two one-shots, written by Joss Whedon and Brian K. Vaughan (Y: The Last Man, Runaways), with art by the acclaimed Georges Jeanty!

The first battle in the war for Earth was badly lost by humanity, and Nightwing and his vampire hordes have covered the Earth in permanent darkness. But hope is not lost, as an unlikely rebellion has emerged with a desperate and suicidal plan to save the world…Will it be enough? The second volume of the shocking, bestselling series collects DC vs. Vampires #7-12.

This collection of irreverent and surprising essays about the popular television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer includes pieces by leading science fiction and fantasy authors. Contributors include bestselling legend David Brin, critically acclaimed novelist Scott Westerfeld, cult-favorite vampire author Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, and award-winner Sarah Zettel. The show and its cast are the topics of such critical pieces as Lawrence Watt-Evans's "Matchmaking in Hellmouth" and Sherrilyn Kenyon's "The Search for Spike's Balls." An informed introduction for those not well acquainted with the show, and a source of further research for Buffy buffs, this book raises interesting questions concerning a much-loved program and future cult classic.

Moving to a new school and making new friends will create anxiety for any teenage girl. But when you're Buffy Summers, a vampire slayer - the Chosen One (with all that entails) - building a new life can be overwhelming. A group of nerdy vampires, shunned by their cooler brethren, decide to climb the vampire social ladder by taking out the Slayer. They play on Buffy's insecurities, wearing her down until she is full-on distracted by the mental warfare. But in addition to her Watcher, Giles, this Slayer has a couple of new friends, Willow and Xander, to cheer her on.

Reprints issues from the Dark Horse comic book series Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Nine.