Operating in a dystopian future, Amanda Shane is an African-American lesbian bounty hunter aided by her talking gun.

Appropriately named Gunn, the weapon can speak courtesy of advanced artificial intelligence programming. Officially designated a “superhero,” future speak for hired operative, Amanda sports a closely shaved head but also favors pink blouses with ribbons on them. Somehow it all works to establish a unique character who clearly operates on her own terms even in challenging times. Her story was initially told in Cyberzone, a small independent press operation owned by Shane creator, writer and artist, Jimmie Robinson.

Amanda and Gunn, subsequently published by Image Comics in collaboration with Robinson, features the continuing adventures of the lesbian heroine in Montana of all places. Of course, that’s the Montana of the year 2036, still rustic after all the years. Both series featured black and white interiors.

Amanda Shane is an appealing character who deserved a longer shelf life. Robinson went on to create the equally appealing and ultimately more successful Bomb Queen. Amanda Shane is noteworthy for featuring a Black lesbian heroine in 1994 long before Batwoman was a gleam in DC’s eyes.

For DC’s actual first lesbian heroine, see Maggie Sawyer.