Angela is a superhero featured in American comic books originally published by Image Comics and later by Marvel Comics. She was created by writer Neil Gaiman and artist Todd McFarlane, debuting in Spawn #9 (March 1993). Initially introduced as an angelic bounty hunter working for Heaven against Spawn, Angela eventually became a key figure in the Marvel Universe.
Over the years, Angela has been part of several superhero teams, including the Guardians of the Galaxy, Asgardians of the Galaxy, Strikeforce, and A-Force. Her abilities include superhuman strength, agility, speed, stamina, flight, immortality, healing factor, and mastery in hand-to-hand combat. In Marvel continuity, she is revealed as Aldrif Odinsdottir, the long-lost daughter of Odin and Freyja, and the sister of Thor and Loki.
Publication History
Image Comics Era
In 1993, Todd McFarlane invited acclaimed writers Alan Moore, Dave Sim, Frank Miller, and Neil Gaiman to contribute single issues to his Spawn series. Gaiman introduced three characters: Angela, Cogliostro, and Medieval Spawn. Angela first appeared as a hunter trying to kill Spawn.
Her popularity led to a three-issue Angela miniseries (1994–1995), written by Gaiman and drawn by Greg Capullo, in which she reluctantly allied with Spawn. Later reprints retitled it Spawn: Angela’s Hunt. Angela continued to appear throughout Spawn, crossovers, and spinoffs like Angela & Glory and Aria/Angela.
A legal battle followed when Gaiman argued he retained creator rights, while McFarlane claimed all creations were work-for-hire. In 2002, Gaiman successfully sued, gaining co-ownership of Angela and other characters. In 2012, they settled, granting Gaiman full ownership. He then sold Angela’s rights to Marvel Comics.
Marvel Comics Era
Angela officially entered Marvel Comics in 2013 during the Age of Ultron storyline. Her first Marvel redesign was revealed by artist Joe Quesada. By 2014, in the Original Sin crossover, Angela was revealed as Aldrif Odinsdottir, Odin’s lost daughter and Thor’s sister.
Angela later starred in her own solo title, Angela: Asgard’s Assassin (2014), and appeared in team books like Guardians of the Galaxy, Asgardians of the Galaxy, and Strikeforce.
Fictional Biography
Image Comics Storyline
Angela, an angel and Heaven’s bounty hunter, first fought Spawn but was later defended by him during her trial in Heaven. They briefly developed a romantic relationship. Angela was eventually killed in battle against Malebolgia, but her body was returned to the angels, suggesting a possible resurrection.
Marvel Storyline
- Age of Ultron (2013): Angela is pulled into the Marvel Universe due to Wolverine’s time-altering actions. She clashes with the Guardians of the Galaxy but later joins them.
- Original Sin (2014): Revealed as Aldrif Odinsdottir, Odin’s daughter. Kidnapped as an infant during Asgard’s war with the Angels of Heven, she was raised as one of them under the name Angela. Banished after her true identity was revealed, she set out to explore the realms.
- Angela and her lover, Sera, played major roles in rescuing Odin’s newborn daughter from being possessed by Surtur. Later, Angela sought to free Sera from Hel, eventually conquering Hel itself and becoming the Queen of Hel, before abdicating.
- She later returned to Earth, continuing adventures with the Guardians, the Asgardians, and as part of Strikeforce.
Powers & Abilities
Angela is an Asgardian goddess with immense power:
- Super Strength & Durability: Comparable to Thor, capable of fighting Gamora, Drax, and other cosmic heavyweights.
- Super Speed: Moves faster than lightning.
- Flight & Healing: Capable of rapid regeneration and sustained aerial combat.
- Immortality: Unlike other Asgardians, Angela does not need the Golden Apples of Idunn to sustain her youth. She has lived for eons without sustenance.
- Combat Mastery: Highly skilled in armed and unarmed combat.
Reception
Angela has been praised as one of Marvel’s strongest female characters. She often appears in rankings of “Most Powerful Asgardians” and “Best Female Heroes.”
- Screen Rant listed her among the Top 10 Thor Characters Not in the MCU and Most Powerful Asgardians.
- CBR.com ranked her among Marvel’s Strongest Female Heroes.
- Autostraddle placed her 2nd in “7 LGBT Women Who Should Appear in the MCU.”
Accolades
- Wizard Fan Awards (1995): Nominated for Favorite Villainess, Character Most Deserving of Own Title, and Favorite Miniseries.
- Wizard Fan Awards (1996): Nominated for Favorite Heroine.
Sales & Critical Response
Angela: Asgard’s Assassin #1 (2014) debuted as the 15th best-selling comic of December 2014. Critics praised its artistry, depth, and portrayal of a complex female hero.
- CBR highlighted its “stunning visuals” and layered storytelling.
- The Mary Sue praised its refreshing depiction of Angela as powerful and non-sexualized, as well as the inclusion of Sera, a woman of color and Angela’s love interest.
Legacy
Angela’s journey from Image Comics adversary to a full-fledged Marvel superhero and Asgardian princess demonstrates her unique place in comics history. With connections to Spawn, Thor, and the Guardians, she bridges universes and genres, becoming one of Marvel’s most intriguing female warriors.