Many early comic characters, and even some modern creations, draw inspiration from various mythology and folklore. One such comic character was influenced by the British folk hero and queen of the British Celtic Iceni tribe, Boudica. How much do you know about her?
Created by Gerald Jones, Pat Broderick, Romeo Tanghal, Albert De Guzman, and Anthony Tollin, Boodikka made her first appearance in Green Lantern Vol. 3 #20. The tall, well-muscled humanoid alien from the planet Bellatrix was 300 years old when she was recruited by the then-reconstituted Green Lantern Corps. Prior to this recruitment, Boodikka was a member of the “Bellatrix Bomber,” a group of women mercenaries hired by planets to clear space of hostile forces. Boodikka’s inherently aggressive attitude initially put off Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern. Kilowog, resident Corps trainer, on the other hand was only too eager to train such a worthy challenger. She quickly proved herself a formidable asset and was utilized in a battle with Star Sapphire.
Boodikka, along with the rest of the Corps, later joined in the fight against Jordan’s former love/mercenary Flicker and the entire Teban convoy. Although she was a skilled power ring wielder, her problem with authority and authority figures posed a continuing problem. Through training with Kilowog, as well as “guest lecturer” and former Green Lantern John Stewart, Boodikka learned cooperation and tolerance. While she never lost her love of battle, Boodikka proved to come a long way in terms of working as a team player. She went on to investigate threats across the galaxy, including the apparent mass suicides of multiple alien races along with the universe-threatening invasion by the Ophidians.
In a later outing, Boodikka became a member of the policing force, Alpha Lanterns, this group worked to make sure that no Corps member performs an illegal action using a power ring. During the Reign of Doomsday, Boodikka was tasked with a follow-up inspection of the recently destroyed planet New Krypton. While here, she encounters Justice League members, Batman and Supergirl. The heroes all suffered a surprise attack at the hands of Doomsday, with Boodikka receiving the worst of it. Supergirl manages to rescue Boddikka and teleport her to the JLA Watchtower to treat her injuries. Shortly thereafter, Doomsday comes crashing in and captures Supergirl and Cyborg Superman.
These events spawned a long battle between Cyborg Superman and Doomsday, but Boodikka was not shown again. Her fate remains to be seen, but as DC’s Extended Universe continues to grow, who knows if the Bellatrix Warrior will be making a return appearance.
