Vixen is one of the most iconic and influential African female superheroes in DC Comics. She can mimic any animal’s ability using a mystical artifact called the Tantu Totem. She has been a member of various superhero teams, such as the Justice League, the Suicide Squad, and the Birds of Prey. She has also appeared in multiple media, such as animated shows, live-action shows, and video games. In this blog post, we will explore the comic book history of Vixen, from her creation to her latest adventures.

## Creation and Debut

Vixen was created by writer Gerry Conway and artist Bob Oksner in 1981. She was intended to be the first African female DC superhero to star in her series, but the first issue was canceled in the DC Implosion in 1978, never to be released. The story was subsequently printed in Cancelled Comic Cavalcade.

Vixen made her official debut in Action Comics #521 (July 1981), where she was introduced as Mari McCabe, a successful fashion model who used the Tantu Totem to fight crime as Vixen. She was also revealed to be from Zambesi, a fictional African nation, where she inherited the totem from her father, Reverend Richard Jiwe, who was killed by his half-brother, General Maksai, who wanted the totem for himself.

## Justice League and Suicide Squad

Vixen joined the Justice League of America in Justice League of America Annual #2 (1984), where Aquaman recruited her as part of his new team of heroes. She became a loyal and valuable team member, forming close friendships with others such as Steel, Gypsy, and Vibe. She also developed a romantic relationship with Bronze Tiger, a former member of the Suicide Squad.

Vixen briefly left the Justice League to join the Suicide Squad in Suicide Squad #16 (1988), where Amanda Waller blackmailed her into infiltrating a cult led by her uncle, General Maksai. She escaped from the cult and rejoined the Justice League, but not before killing Maksai in self-defense.

## Birds of Prey and Justice League Task Force

Vixen later became a member of the Birds of Prey, an all-female team of operatives led by Oracle. She worked alongside heroines like Black Canary, Huntress, and Lady Blackhawk. She also joined the Justice League Task Force, a covert team of heroes led by Martian Manhunter. She participated in several missions with both teams, using her animal abilities to aid her allies.

## Identity Crisis and One Year Later

Vixen’s life was shaken by the events of Identity Crisis (2004), where she learned that her memories and personality had been altered by Zatanna, a fellow Justice Leaguer, as part of a mindwipe on several villains who had discovered the secret identities of the heroes. Vixen was one of the heroes who voted in favor of the mindwipe but later regretted her decision.

One year after the events of Infinite Crisis (2005), Vixen reappeared as a member of a new Justice League of America led by Black Canary. She also discovered that her powers had changed: instead of mimicking animal abilities, she could mimic the capabilities of other superheroes. She later learned that this was caused by Anansi, the trickster god who created the Tantu Totem.

## Anansi’s Game and Return of the Lion

Vixen confronted Anansi in Justice League of America Vol 2 #23 (2008), revealing that he had altered her powers and reality to test her and teach her a lesson about heroism. He also claimed that he was her ancestor and that he had given the Tantu Totem to Tantu, the first hero of Africa. Vixen managed to outsmart Anansi and restore her powers and reality to normal.

Vixen returned to Zambesi in Vixen: Return of the Lion (2008), a five-issue limited series written by G. Willow Wilson. There, she faced Aku Kwesi, a warlord who had killed her mother and taken over her village. She also learned more about her family history and connection to the Tantu Totem. She defeated Kwesi and liberated her town, becoming a hero to her people.

## Media Appearances

Vixen has appeared in various media adaptations of DC Comics, such as:

– The animated series Justice League Unlimited (2004-2006), where Gina Torres voiced her. She was depicted as a member of the Justice League and the love interest of John Stewart, the Green Lantern.
– The animated series Batman: The Brave and the Bold (2008-2011), where she was voiced by Cree Summer. She was depicted as a Justice League International member and B’wana Beast’s partner.
– The animated web series Vixen (2015-2016), where Megalyn Echikunwoke voiced her. She was depicted as the granddaughter of Amaya Jiwe, the original Vixen, and a member of the Legends of Tomorrow. She was also the protector of Detroit and an ally of the Flash and the Arrow.
– The live-action series Arrow (2016), where Megalyn Echikunwoke portrayed her. She reprised her role from the animated web series and helped Oliver Queen and his team against Damien Darhk.
– The animated film Justice League: Doom (2012), where Kari Wuhrer voiced her. She was depicted as a member of the Justice League and Superman’s love interest.
– The video game Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham (2014), where Kari Wahlgren voiced her. She was depicted as a playable character and a member of the Justice League.