In a society dominated by male superheroes, it's not that often that a female character is able to step forward and defend the world. There have been many female superheroes throughout the ages of popular culture, including Marvel's Canadian superhero, Aurora ("Marvel"), and the DC Comic character, Black Canary (Kanigher and Infantino). Yet for every female superhero she encounters, there are at least a dozen more male superheroes standing around – and often in front of – her. Even more frustrating, female superheroes are often simply there to be the gendered counterpart to the much more powerful and dominant male superheroes. Few women have stood out as independent and admirable sources of female empowerment for their fans across generations of superheroes. Perhaps one of the biggest cultural sensations that does just that is Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the show's main character, Buffy Summers herself. However, is Buffy really as admirable as she appears to be at first glance? The fact is that for all the good Buffy seems to do for her fans, there have been some very crucial issues in women's studies to which she has failed to lend her empowering nature. This article will discuss the powerful influence Buffy the Vampire Slayer has on its viewers, as well as some of the problems that arise from this power. First of all, the question must be asked: what is Buffy the Vampire Slayer? To summarize as simply as possible, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a television series created by Joss Whedon. It was originally created as a relatively unsuccessful film in 1992, then adapted for television in 1997 (IMDB). From then on, it became a popular culture phenomenon, gath...... middle of paper ......eams, 2009. Web. March 16, 2011. .Levine, Elana and Lisa Parks. “Buffy and the New Girl Order.” Undead TV: Essays on Buffy the Vampire Slayer (2007): 168-190. Internet. March 16, 2011. .Samanta, Anamika and Erin Franzman. “Women in action”. Hues 4.3 (1998): 28. Web. March 16, 2011. .Schudt, Karl. "Also Sprach Faith: The Happy Rogue Slayer Problem." Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Philosophy: Fear and Tremor in Sunnydale. “Ed.” James B. South. Illinois: Open Court Publishing Company, 2003. “Welcome to Hellmouth” print. Buffy the Vampire Slayer. March 10, 1997. Television. March 16 2011.