The problem with comic books is that artists tend to differ how they draw characters. There was a time during X-Force that the women all had Double D's and had waists that were like 14 inches.
I remember one of the first comments my older brother ever made about women in comic books: "They all defy gravity." It took me awhile to understand that one. :smile:
For me the artist is the key because if the art sucks, the story doesn't hold my attention.
I've been a comic collector for over 25 years. Two characters I really, really, really liked were: Iceman from the X-men and Cosmic Boy from the Legion of Super-Heros (the very first series not all the re-inventions of that series). I have always liked Iceman because of his powers. Growing up in Alaska, I wanted that power so bad! Cosmic Boy from the Legion of Super-Heros was just very nice to look at.
Personally, I'm NOT a big fan of Christopher Reeves. I liked the first 2 Superman Movies but DISPISED the other two. Brandon Routhe (sp) did a fairly good job in this incarnation of Superman movies and I hope it did well enough for a sequel.
I really wish people would stop comparing him to Reeves.
As for Women, I think why people like Jean Grey so much is she really did suck as Marvel Girl. It wasn't until she became Phoenix and got that cool green costume (and later red) and the Phoenix Effect that she even developed a personality more than a wall flower. Of course, that's how marvel protrayed all women that were heros. The super villians could have personality and do cool things but not a hero. Just look at the evolution of the Invisible woman. it wasn't until Chris Claremont changed her name from Invisible Girl to the Invisible Woman, that she finally came into her own and became the most powerful member of the Fantastic Four.
As for strong Women, I'm suprised no one has mentioned Xena or her sidekick Gabrielle.
Nightwing is also one of the best look characters that DC has. The Kyle Rayner Green Lantern is very hunky, too.
FYI, there is going to be a Legion of Super Heros Saturday morning cartoon coming out fairly quickly too.