So, I do a google search for “fantasy women art” and this shit pops up:

We’ve all seen it before, and it’s fucking absurd. Do any three of those women look like they’re ready to take a sword-swing from those angry warriors behind them? Do they look like they could stand any sort of a chance in a pitted battle against even a moderately armed and armoured child?

No, no they do not.

So, in comes one of my new favourite websites: Women Fighters In Reasonable Armor. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a collection of artwork from around the web that features female characters wearing reasonable, functional and cool looking outfits. Like, you know, the kind that you generally find on male characters?

Art by Alex Alice:

Art by Jason Chan:

Art by Wayne Reynolds:

Art by Marek Okon:

Art by Alex Pascenko:

Art by Christopher Miscik:

The About page on the website explains the ideal:

Nothin’ wrong with sexy! Cheesecake has its place. But I like pictures of women who look like they are legitimately bad-ass. Women that don’t fight in high heels. Women that clearly give a shit about the practicalities of getting in a lethal situation. Women who could most definitely kick my ass. Women fighters in reasonable armor.

I think we can all agree and appreciate the sentiment, no? What are your favourite images (painting, illustration, photograph, or even film) of female characters who’re dressed like they’re ready for a fight or to save some lives, and not an orgy?

One thing that I feel obliged to point out is that the majority of the artists of the images on Women Fighters In Reasonable Armor are male, including all of the images above. I’m not laying blame on the editor, who has the best of intentions, but it is a curiousity, especially when you consider that all of the professional artists on this year’s Hugo ballot are also male.

So, who are your favourite female Fantasy and Science Fiction artists?

For further discussion of the role of women in Fantasy and Science Fiction, make sure to check out my coverage of Women in Science Fiction and Fantasy, and the current “Women in SF&F Month” at Fantasy Cafe.