Shelf Help: Leading Ladies Take Center Stage

Is your bookshelf feeling a bit barren? Has it been collecting more cobwebs than comics? Are you so paralyzed by indecision due to the sheer amount of amazing comics coming out each and every month that you're at a complete loss over what to buy and binge on? Fear not, overwhelmed readers! Shelf Help is here to help point you in the direction of what may potentially be your next favorite series! In each column we'll highlight a handful of titles in line with our given topic. But as we're only able to cover a small sampling of what's currently available, be sure to pop by your local comic shop to see what else is out there!

For this edition of (and our first ever!) Shelf Help we're looking at titles where female characters take center stage! Whether it's superpowers, superior technology, the supernatural, or good-ole-fashioned grit and gusto, these ladies are ready for any and everything. So tune your guitar, suit up, blast off into space, and say your prayers—these women are here to help.

Not all heroines can be made of sugar, and spice, and everything nice. Dark Horse's newest manga series Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt TPB (JAN150172, $9.99) features two good girls gone bad as the two titular angels must earn their way back into heaven after getting the boot for an over-indulgence in the seven deadly sins. To do that the pair must take down the demonic forces that threaten to take-over Daten City—and attempt to behave themselves under the watchful eye of their boss, Garterbelt. Based on the hit anime by Gainax Animation Studio, this comic features all-new, original adventures for the angelic duo. Despite it's cute aesthetic, this title is decidedly for adults and should prove to be a sinful treat for anyone looking for irreverent action.

Missed out on one of the most exciting comic comebacks of 2014? Eager to relive Barbara Gordon's all-new adventures as a caped crusader of Gotham? You're in luck! DC Comics is releasing Batgirl Hardcover Volume 1: The Batgirl Of Burnside (JAN150364, $24.99) on May 27. This hardcover edition collects Batgirl issues #35–40, which marks the start of an entirely new era for the character helmed by writers Brendan Fletcher and Cameron Stewart and up-and-coming artist Babs Tarr. From her redesigned costume and Tarr's exciting interiors, to Fletcher and Stewart's distinct story-direction, this new Barbara Gordon has been the talk of the town since her debut. Burnside's Batgirl combines smarts, savvy, and a slick style that's sure to please any reader interested in a fresh take on the superhero genre.

If you're in the mood for something truly outrageous, look no further than Jem & The Holograms #1 (JAN150430, $3.99). Based on the hit 80s animated tv show, this new monthly series from comic rockstars Kelly Thompson and Ross Campbell brings the glamor and glitter for a whole new generation. In this latest iteration of the franchise, spotlight-shy singer Jerrica Benton overcomes her stagefright with the help of a super-computer named Synergy whose holographic projections turn Jerrica, her sister Kimber, and best friends Aja and Shana into the rock sensation Jem & The Holograms! But they're not the only band vying for the top of the charts—they'll have to go toe-to-toe with their punk rock rivals, The Misfits. This series promises to serve up some serious fun, fashion, and fierceness.

It's not easy being the new kid. It's especially not easy being the new kid in a foreign country filled with spirits and shadowy creatures that want to cause no end of trouble for you and your loved ones. Rori is finding that out the hard way after she moves from Ireland to Japan to reunite with her mother. Culture shock isn't the only thing she has to deal with in her new home as her budding supernatural abilities land her right in the middle of mystical scuffle. Wayward TP Volume 1: String Theory (JAN150664, $9.99) collects the first five issues of writer Jim Zub and artist Steve Cummings original series. With a story that combines frenetic action, a keen wit, and elements of folklore and some truly superb interior illustrations, Wayward should provide a dark fairytale that will make your eyes widen in wonder and leave your nails gnawed to bits.

There are few modern science-fiction characters out there that embody perserverance quite the way Princess Leia does. Despite being captured by the Empire, witnessing firsthand the destruction of her homeworld, and overwhelming odds against the Rebels, she remained resilient. Princess Leia #1 (JAN150727, $3.99) is a new limited series from Marvel that follows the Princess after her victories against the Empire as she attempts to rebuild and begin anew. Acclaimed comic creators Mark Waid and Terry Dodson are joining forces to bring this exciting new chapter in the Star Wars comic universe to life, and fans of the character and the franchise itself will not want to miss out on Leia Organa's latest adventures. Star Wars lovers will also want to take note of this series, as it should help bridge the gap between the events of Episodes IV–VI and the upcoming Episode VII.

In another corner of the galaxy, a new space saga is brewing with Halogen #1 (JAN151145, $3.99). This new limited sci-fi series stars Rell, an agent of the HaloGen organization who must investigate a rumor circulating through Cityship Q that the massive corpse of a dead god has been floating through space. If true, she must locate the body and bring it back by any means necessary—even if it means she's not coming back with it. Luckily, Rell has the ability to form hyperrealistic holograms at her disposal, but it may not be enough to complete her mission. Backed by the all-star team of Josh Tierney, Afu Chan, and Giannis Milonogiannis, Halogen is shaping up to be another stellar creator-owned series that should give readers an engrossing intergalactic tale and some truly awe-inspiring artwork.

Some are born gods, some achieve godhood, and some have godhood thrust upon them inadvertantly after their father racks up a huge gambling debt. Kamisama Kiss's Nanami Momozono falls into that last category after her father skips town to avoid loan sharks and gets turned out her her apartment. Homeless and more than a little hopeless, Nanami's fortunes turn around after she "saves" a man from a dog and receives his empty home as a reward. The catch (there always is one)? His "home" is actually a local shrine, and now Nanami is tasked with becoming the new Earth Diety to both upkeep it and answer the people's prayers. Lucky for Nanami, the shrine comes equipped with plenty of familiars ready to help her address her new Earth Diety duties... sort of. This humorous shoujo manga from creator Julietta Suzuki offers a supernatural bent on the "fish out of water" premise, and the series has also been adapted into a popular animated series—the second season of which is set to begin shortly. Readers can join Nanami on her journey to become a goddess with Kamisama Kiss GN Volume 1 (SEP101176, $9.99).