The release of “Ant-man and the Wasp” on Friday marks a major moment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe: after 10 years and 19 films, one of them finally features a female hero in the title. Between this and the release of DC’s “Wonder Woman” last year it’s about time that the wealth of female heroes in Marvel’s arsenal were used to their full value. Moments like these are always met with opposition from certain, fanatical misogynists, but we shouldn’t let those voices silence the range and depth of stories on offer from Marvel. So, here are 5 female characters deserve a solo film.

1. She-Hulk-Jenifer Walters

First Appearance: Savage She-Hulk #1 (February 1980)

After a life-saving blood transfusion from her cousin (Bruce Banner/The Hulk), lawyer Jennifer Walters is suddenly given powers of superhuman strength, speed, agility. Think of the Hulk, but more athletic, skilled and intelligent. Created by Stan Lee, an essential member of the Avengers, close friends with Hawkeye, breaking the 4^th wall since long before Deadpool. It is baffling that this character has not appeared in live-action. The film could even be used as a Segway for the rumoured “A-Force” movie, an all-female branch of the Avengers, of which she is the leader.

2. Echo/Ronin- Maya Lopez

First Appearance: Daredevil Vol. 2 #9 (December 1999)

Deaf from birth, Maya Lopez is one of a handful of Native American Marvel heroes. She witnessed her father, a gangster, die at the hands of his partner in crime, the notorious Wilson Fisk. Fisk then raised her to be one of his henchmen. She remained this way until a number of encounters with Daredevil turned her to the side of the heroes, though she remains guilt-ridden from the life of crime she led prior. With photographic reflexes and the uncanny ability to mimic the movements of others exactly, she is a formidable foe for anyone hand to hand and absolutely begging for a John Wick-esque action-flick.

3. Squirrel Girl- Doreen Green

First Appearance: Marvel Super-heroes Vol. 2 #8 (Winter 1991)

Squirrel Girl has been the butt of many jokes in the superhero community for years. What do you expect of a hero whose power is communication with squirrels and a massive squirrel tail? Yet, with the publication of “The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl” in 2015, all that changed. Suddenly, she was a comedic college student who seemed to succeed despite all odds. Now universally she is seen as a self-aware, silly breath of fresh air. The perfect candidate for a more comedic take on the superhero genre.

4. Viv- Vivian Vision

First Appearance: Vision Vol. 2 #1 (January 2016)

Viv, a synthetic human created by the Vision to be his daughter, has similar powers to her father: ability to change her density, a supercomputer as a brain and holographic projection. The stories that surround the Visions usually ask one question: what does it mean to be human? Viv is essentially human, she talks, thinks, feels like a human and yet she is usually not treated as such by the society around her. There is space here for a more explorative story about the human condition through this pair, Viv and the Vision.

5. Ms. Marvel- Kamala Khan

First Appearance: Captain Marvel #14 (August 2013)

Kamala Khan has been described as a “Spider-man for modern times”. She is a teenage Muslim girl living in Jersey City, New Jersey. Suddenly, latent Inhuman genes are activated within her, allowing her to lengthen her limbs and change her shape at will. She is charming, funny and unapologetically teenage. Her story of balancing her duty to justice with her duty to her family with just trying to be a teenage girl is one that has resonated with audiences worldwide. With the success of “Spider-man: Homecoming”, this must be in the pipeline as a coming-of-age drama.

With “Captain Marvel” (the 2019 female led Marvel film, starring Brie Larson) on the horizon, the future looks bright for female superheroes. The stage is set for Marvel to take a chance on some slightly lesser known characters. Think, only 3 years ago everyone laughed at the concept of “Ant-Man” and now it’s gearing up for the big budget sequel, a key member of the Avengers, and widely beloved. The 5 I’ve listed above have that same potential, as long as they’re given the chance.