One of our top picks is “A History of Women’s Boxing,” a groundbreaking book written by Malissa Smith. Released in 2014. The ...

And they still don’t bring women anywhere close to parity: Females 2 make up about one in four comic book characters. Among comic-creators, the numbers are even more discouraging.

But women, though small in number, have always had a place in the comic book industry, from “Kewpie Doll” illustrator Rose O’Neill to “Wonder Woman” editor Alice Marble.

If fans believe that comics tend to reflect the society in which they represent, the portrayal of men and women offers a unique insight into what is particularly valued with each gender. For women ...