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The Femmes Invisible DatabaseA quick look at some women you can't see."I can show my true self to the world without anyone actually seeing!" — Linda Twist |
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The Femmes Invisible DatabaseA quick look at some women you can't see."I can show my true self to the world without anyone actually seeing!" — Linda Twist |
In print
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Stella HolliesType: TFI Disappearing in: Stella, 1898 novel by C. Howard Hinton Note 1 How she got that way: Philosopher Michael Graham persuades her that being invisible is being perfect Permanent? There is a countermeasure, but Stella vows to never be seen Remarks: Stella lashes out at women who "dress and paint", but it doesn't discourage suitor Hugh Churton; acclaimed (at least in some circles) as the first FI story
Myra RoderichType: TFI Disappearing in: The Secret of Wilhelm Storitz, short story by Jules Verne, published posthumously in anthology Yesterday and Tomorrow, 1910 How she got that way: The Prussian chemist Wilhelm Storitz becomes obsessed with Myra, demanding that she forsake her fiance and marry Storitz instead; when she refuses, Storitz slips her an invisibility drug with no known antidote Permanent? The invisible Myra marries her fiance anyway; he eventually impregnates her, somehow; when Myra gives birth to a normal male child, she regains visibility Remarks: Verne is not explicit about the details of a visible foetus gestating inside an invisible woman; this story was filmed in 1967 for French television with Pascal Audret as Martha Roederich
Lua, of the Korlu TribeType: FFI Disappearing in: The Valley of Invisible Men, short story by Edmond Hamilton, published in Amazing Stories, March 1939 Note 2 How she got that way: Stood in front of the "Shining God", a ten-foot-high crystalline radioactive mass, hidden in a cave deep in the jungles of Brazil Permanent? The effect wears off in two moons Remarks: Story runs like an Indiana Jones movie, complete with happy ending
Scarlet O'NeilType: FFI Disappearing in: Invisible Scarlet O'Neil, 1940-54 comic strip by Russell Stamm How she got that way: Exposed to mysterious ray; she vanishes when she touches a nerve in her wrist Permanent? Touching the nerve again makes her reappear; she didn't vanish at all during the later years of the strip Remarks: Also featured in 1943 and 1946 novelizations by Stamm; revived in graphic novel (2008) by Russell Stamm, Jr.
Susan Storm (later Richards)Type: TFI if she's out of uniform Disappearing in: Fantastic Four, comic magazine published by Marvel Comics Group, 1961-present, played by Rebecca Staab in 1994 movie directed by Oley Sassone, and played by Jessica Alba in 2005 movie directed by Tim Story How she got that way: Exposed to cosmic radiation during space travel Permanent? Can turn it on and off as needed Remarks: Can also radiate force field; married FF leader Reed Richards in 1968 (timelines, of course, shift); for some reason known as Janet Storm in France
Hirriwi and Keyaira, daughters of the Snow KingType: TFI Disappearing in: Stardock, short story by Fritz Leiber, published in Fantastic, September 1965 Note 3 How they got that way: It runs in the family Permanent? Definitely; if they want to be seen, they have jars of some greenish unguent Remarks: Their father demands offspring, and Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser happen to be halfway up the mountain
Elizabeth "Liz" TrainType: TFI Disappearing in: See Me Not, short story by Richard Wilson, published in sf Impulse, February 1967 Note 4 How she got that way: Asks the scientists at Lindhof Laboratories to make her invisible after her husband Avery takes two of Lindhof's invisibility pills Permanent? Liz finally convinces Avery to go to Lindhof's to become visible again Remarks: Always check your drugs; the invisibility drug was mixed up with a supply of sleeping pills
Barby AshingtonType: FFI Disappearing in: The Girl Who Looked Like Barby, short story by Ernest Corbyn, published in The Sixth Ghost Book, edited by Rosemary Timperley, 1970 How she got that way: Died before her time — the recording angel forgot about leap years — so she had to return to Earth to reenact her death at the correct time Permanent? "Off and on. As I wish." Remarks: Doesn't make much use of her invisibility after using it to convince her old boyfriend that she's now a ghost
Lucy PhillipsType: TFI Disappearing in: Oh Say Can You See?, short story by Lester del Rey (writing as Erik Van Lhin), published in Worlds of Fantasy, Number 2, 1970 How she got that way: Buys a jar of vanishing cream from Dr. Aracelsus, who is selling his product to women's clubs Permanent? She can reappear if she concentrates hard enough Remarks: "Out of sight isn't always out of mind — though it's a good way to lose your mind."
Ozawa AmiType: TFI Disappearing in: Alabaster, 1971 manga (later anime) by Tezuka Osama How she got that way: Born with it: she is the granddaughter of Dr F., inventor of an invisibility ray that is usually lethal to life forms Permanent? Yes, and the evil Alabaster, now in control of the ray, has forced her into a life of crime Remarks: Is eventually overwhelmed by guilt; story summary here
Maire ní DonnallType: FFI Disappearing in: Too Long a Sacrifice, 1981 novel by Mildred Downey Broxon How she got that way: Given the gift by the King of Faerie Permanent? She can reappear at will Remarks: With her husband, the bard Tadhg MacNiall, they find themselves immersed in the conflict over Northern Ireland
Veronica (last name not given)Type: TFI Disappearing in: Veronica The Invisible Woman, 1983 twelve-panel comic written by Harvey Kurtzman and drawn by Sarah Downs, published in Playboy, July 1983 How she got that way: Living by Three Mile Island Permanent? "The EPA says it's temporary!" Remarks: Boyfriend Victor seems to appreciate her more when she's dressed
Susan (Sue) KewleyType: FFI Disappearing in: The Glamour, 1985 novel by Christopher Priest How she got that way: Side effect of the growth process Permanent? She can turn it off if she so desires Remarks: And she wants to turn it off for her new boyfriend, Richard Grey — to the annoyance of her previous boyfriend
Stella (last name not given)Type: Transcends mere categorization Disappearing in: The Invisible Woman, short story by Rosaleen Love, published in Writing Women 6, 1988 Note 5 How she got that way: She is a woman, and her light makes her transparent — or at least capable of infinite shading and nuance Permanent? Think of it as a lifelong adventure Remarks: Sometimes we can't even see the evidence before our eyes
Athaya TrelaneType: FFI Disappearing in: Call of Madness, 1990 novel by Julie Dean Smith How she got that way: Hitherto-undiscovered (and undesired) powers of wizardry, inherited from her father, Kelwyn, King of Caithe Permanent? Spell summoned as needed Remarks: Followed by Mission of Magic, in which brother Durek, succeeding to the throne, seeks to rid the land of magic |
Kiki ShawType: FFI Disappearing in: Now You See Her, 1994 novel by Whitney Otto How she got that way: Being ignored all those years starts to take its toll Permanent? Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all Remarks: Some women — but apparently no men — could detect her
Clair CorwinType: FFI Disappearing in: The Invisible Woman, short story by Thomas M. Disch, published in Asimov's Science Fiction, January 1995 How she got that way: It just sort of happened after no one noticed her anymore Permanent? True Love cures more than heartache Remarks: Just ask her boyfriend
Vanessa SteeleType: TFI Disappearing in: The Woman Between the Worlds, 1995 novel by F. Gwynplaine MacIntyre How she got that way: All persons from her parallel universe are apparently invisible in this one Permanent? Unless she moves back home Remarks: Seeks out a London tattoo artist to render her visible in this world, thus invisible to the evil-doers she left behind
Elisa Cameron, also known as GhostType: Either, depending on circumstances Disappearing in: Ghost, comic magazine published by Dark Horse Comics, 1995-2000 How she got that way: Apparently killed at the behest of a mogul named Crux, for sticking her reportorial nose into his business Permanent? She can materialize or dematerialize almost at will Remarks: But nothing is permanent in Arcadia, except chaos
Dr. Lois DobermanType: Sort of FFI Disappearing in: The Lady Vanishes, short story by Charles Sheffield, published in Science Fiction Age, November 1996 How she got that way: Developed a computerized bodysuit and cap to feed the image behind her to a liquid-crystal array in front of her Permanent? Only so long as she keeps it on and the computer doesn't crash Remarks: And this was her ticket out of the American intelligence community
Melisa (last name not given)Type: TFI Disappearing in: Slippery Woman, feature by Eduardo Risso, Carlos Trillo and Sebastian Izaguirre, published in Heavy Metal, September 1997 How she got that way: Doesn't say Permanent? Seems that way Remarks: And once you, er, see her, nothing else matters; men have spent their lives in search of her
Vanessa LightfootType: TFI Disappearing in: The Invisible Woman's Clever Disguise, short story by Elizabeth Ann Scarborough, 2000 Note 7 How she got that way: A "gradual fading that happened over the years" Permanent? Apparently, but it may not matter so much in New Orleans Remarks: The Krewe of Melusine, who requests her presence at a Mardi Gras fest, consists largely of people who can see — and presumably appreciate — the invisible
Kelly GordonType: TFI Disappearing in: The Bod, comic series by Larry Young and John Heebink, half of Double Image comics, 2001 How she got that way: Accident during a Hollywood special-effects gig Permanent? Certainly, um, appears to be Remarks: Apparently was originally going to be named Jenny White
Joseph Thomas "Josie" EverettType: TFI Disappearing in: Invisible Woman, novel by Elizabeth Kingsbury, 2001 How she got that way: Appropriates invisibility experiment conducted by snippy fiancé Larry Laws Permanent? She thinks so, but she has a delightful surprise coming Remarks: Her parents wanted a boy, hence the name; the author would like to see Sandra Bullock star in the presumably-inevitable movie version
Sheila BordenType: TFI Disappearing in: Things Not Seen, novel by Andrew Clements, 2002 How she got that way: Strange defect in a Sears electric blanket Permanent? It doesn't have to be, but she prefers it this way Remarks: The story is told by teenager Bobby Phillips, who has the same model blanket, and who, in an effort to find other invisible persons, traces Sheila, living in Florida and in no further need of blankets
Logan GriffinType: TFI Disappearing in: Out of Sight, novel by T. J. MacGregor, 2002 How she got that way: Combination of technology and Ecuadorian herbs administered to her and her husband Tyler as part of the mysterious Tesla Project Permanent? Were it easily reversible, there would be no plot Remarks: An effort to extend the process to an entire village also "shrouds" a family of three
Amanda DouglasType: FFI Disappearing in: Dancing with the Devil, novel by Jacqueline Silvestri, 2004 How she got that way: Comes with being dead and ghostly and all Permanent? She can briefly materialize Remarks: Having been killed (defenestration) by then-husband John, she vows revenge upon him and his previously-undisclosed array of girlfriends
Princess Mei LingType: FFI Disappearing in: Wei Lu and the Mysterious Mushrooms, novel by M. J. Isham, 2004 How she got that way: Given a cup of mysterious-mushroom tea by the intrepid Wei Lu, who seeks her help to rescue children held captive by the evil Zu Bing Permanent? One trip to the toilet and it's gone Remarks: And all the children get tea, to facilitate their escape
SlyType: TFI Disappearing in: StrykeForce, comic series by Jay Faerber and Tyler Kirkham, characters created by Marc Silvestri, Top Cow comics, 2004 How she got that way: Never really explained Permanent? Can usually switch it on and off as needed, but fades out when she's nervous or scared Remarks: "Her outgoing personality is ofen at odds with her stealthy abilities."
Madison BlueType: TFI/FFI Disappearing in: Phantom Jack, comic series by Michael San Giacomo, Image comics, 2004; reissued in "Absolute Edition" by AtomicPopArt Entertainment, 2007 How she got that way: No information presently available Permanent? Invisibility has become her natural state; can appear visible but it takes concentration Remarks: Last of a series of invisible agents working for "Miscellaneous"; teams up with "Phantom Jack" Baxter on his mission; her invisibility is a risk factor for liver disease
Lusinda HavershawType: TFI Disappearing in: The Trouble with Moonlight, novel by Donna MacMeans, 2008 How she got that way: Inherited from her mother's side; she was born during a full moon while her mother was in "full phase" Permanent? Gradually reappears as the moonlight diminishes Remarks: James Locke catches her in a petty theft, and trains her in the fine art of espionage on behalf of the Crown | |
On screen:
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Marion Kerby
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Cindy Worth and Amanda Worth (aka Mr Tendyck)
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The Junior Division:
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Mabel Prowse, about 11Type: FFI, although her clothing appears when removed, and her shadow remains visible Disappearing in: The Enchanted Castle, 1907 novel by Edith Nesbit How she got that way: Accidentally putting on a magic ring while dressing up as a princess Permanent? Only until she takes off the ring, which can be done only at intervals of seven hours (she winds up taking 21) Remarks: A woman named Eliza turns invisible later, but only for seven hours; the ring also has the power of bringing statues to life; complete text is available here
Mavis Desmond, about 12, and Kathleen Desmond, about 7Type: FFI Disappearing in: Wet Magic, 1913 novel by Edith Nesbit How they got that way: They rescue a captive mermaid, who turns out to be a princess; the queen temporarily enlists them in her underwater forces and gives them enchanted coats which will make them invisible at the touch of a button Permanent? Touching a different button returns them to visibility; yet another button makes them intangible Remarks: Brothers Bernard and Francis are also along for the adventure; a drink from the Oblivion Cup makes them forget anything ever happened; complete text is available here
Dina Din, looks about 14Type: Possibly TFI How she got that way: Like her cousin Dani Din, she drank of the Violet Water invented by Professor Katros Permanent? Apparently not Remarks: Introduced in issue #21 of Dani Din, circa 1970, written by Shraga Gafni as "On Sarig," disappeared after issue #27; details here
Ada Garcia, 10Type: FFI
Disappearing in: The Invisible Girl, 1974 short story by Pamela Sargent, from collection The Killer Plants and Other Stories, edited by Roger Elwood How she got that way: She bumps into an invisible man, making him temporarily visible, and asks if she could try it, since nobody would miss her anyway Permanent: It wears off at the exact moment she realizes that they would too miss her Remarks: A small but heartfelt tale by a writer who usually works in serious grownup SF
Mildred Hubble and friend Maud, each about 10Type: FFI Disappearing in: The Worst Witch, 1974 novel by Jill Murphy How they got that way: Accidentally made invisibility potion instead of laughing potion Permanent? It starts wearing off after a few minutes — "a very slow process." Remarks: The rest of the story is about other witchcraft powers; later filmed with Fairuza Balk in the title role
Violet (last name not given), 8 or soType: FFI, except that rubber objects like boots and elastic don't fade Disappearing in: Now You See Me, Now You Don't, 1979 short story by Marjorie Darke, from collection The Cat-Flap and the Apple Pie, edited by Lance Solway Note 6 How she got that way: Sniffing oil for cleaning horses' hooves Permanent? She appears and disappears at random until it wears off Remarks: Being invisible won't stop her from winning the gymkhana
Vicki Bates, 13Type: TFI at first, until the stuff really starts to spread Disappearing in: Vanishing Vicki, 1980s graphic novel, Judy Picture Story Library for Girls (UK) How she got that way: Trying an experimental range of beauty products invented by her uncle's company Permanent? It wears off after a couple of weeks — until then she can be seen in dim light, but disappears in bright light Remarks: Her uncle has sent out free samples to various people, and an invisible girl is just what's needed to get them back before anyone else disappears...
Disappearing Trix (last name not given), 13 or soType: FFI, with the odd exception Disappearing in: Buster Comics, British series, middle 1980s How she got that way: It happens in the blink of an eye, usually if she's being pestered by some yob of a boy Permanent? A second blink brings her back Remarks: A typical British schoolgirl, except for this disappearing business; vaguely reminiscent of Val's Vanishing Cream, which originated in Cor!! in 1973 and moved to Buster the following year
Sheila (last name not given), 14ish
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Cassandra Ann "Casey" Granger, 11Type: TFI Disappearing in: The Invisible Kid and Dr. Poof's Magic Soap, 1993 novel by Terry and Wayne Baltz How she got that way: Dr. Poof's Magic Soap (duh) Permanent? It wears off at irregular intervals, or if enough water is applied Remarks: She was at least smart enough to wash her clothes in the stuff; two sequels followed
Cleara Glass, sweet 16 or thereaboutsType: TFI, mostly Disappearing in: Various Sabrina the Teenage Witch issues from Archie Comics, beginning circa 1993 How she got that way: Just about everyone in Gravestone Heights has some unusual characteristic Permanent: No doubt Remarks: One of many characters that didn't get picked up for the TV series
Marcie Ross, about 17
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One-shots:
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Suzie (last name not given)Type: TFI Disappearing in: Issue #49 of Suzie, published by MLJ/Archie Comics, Spring 1945 How she got that way: While temping as a lab assistant to Professor Boltzenutz, samples his "vanishing cream" Permanent: It washes off in the shower Remarks: Although numbered #49, this was the first issue of Suzie, which continued through the 1950s
Maria Rodriguez
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Shirley Manson
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Explanations and acknowledgements: |
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Why does this page exist in the first place? TFI versus FFI:Watch as she disappears. Notes:1. Collected in Scientific Romances (Second Series), 1898, reprinted 1976 Links:The original Femmes Invisible Web site, created by Dennard Summers, is where it all began, and it remains the definitive source of FI information. For story buffs, Paul Cwick has opened up an Invisible Woman Story Archive. Credits:This page is a service of dustbury.com. Send updates and suggestions for this page to chaz@dustbury.com. In memory of Dennard Summers (1967-2005) Femmes Invisible, the title, was created by Mike B. Logo by Mike B., based on a possibly-recognizable theme. Ghost tm is copyright © by Dark Horse Comics, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Photography by Imagemakers. Scene from The Invisible Woman copyright © 1940, renewed 1968, by Universal Pictures. Oscar® is a registered trademark of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Levi's® is a registered trademark of Levi Strauss & Co. Double Image is copyright © 2001 by Image Comics. All rights reserved. The Bod is copyright © 2001 by Larry Young and John Heebink. All rights reserved. Smallville and Clark Kent are trademarks of DC Comics Inc., a Time Warner company. StrykeForce is copyright © 2004 by Top Cow Productions, Inc. All rights reserved. The Incredibles is copyright © 2004 by Disney Enterprises, Inc./Pixar Animation Studios. All rights reserved. Nikki the Invisible Girl is copyright © 2007 by Tall Tales Audio. All rights reserved. Descriptions for Stella Hollies, Lua, Liz Train, Lucy Phillips, Terry Vance, Maire ní Donnall, Dawn Mills and Athaya Trelane researched and mostly written by Bill Bonfili. Descriptions for Barby Ashington, Mabel Prowse, Violet, Mildred Hubble and Vicki Bates by Paul Ingerson. Description and video captures for Sheila, Cam and Dr Canyon by Paul Cwick. Description for Elvira Condomine by Miss Pippa Moran. Scans for Cleara Glass by Dale Jackson. Photo manipulation and video captures for Sabrina Spellman by Paul Cwick. Video captures for Barbara Richards and Buffy Summers by Paul Cwick. Video captures for Yin Chu produced by Mike B. and provided by Dennard Summers. Video captures for Shirley Manson produced by Mike B. Description for Vanessa Cleveland suggested by Marsqurine. Research and description for Myra Roderich and Marjorie Reynolds, research and linkage for Mavis and Kathleen Desmond, and linkage for Mabel Prowse provided through the kindness of F. Gwynplaine MacIntyre. Research and description for Maria Rodriguez and Fran Drescher by Gabe with the assistance of McGillustrations. Scans for Suzie by Paul Cwick. Research and description for Madison Blue by Patrick Caratan. Your pagekeeper would like to thank Rosaleen Love for kindness beyond the call of duty. This page would not have been possible without the kind assistance of the Hole in the Air Gang, whose members have changed greatly over the years but whose devotion remains constant. This compilation and all tabular descriptions except as otherwise noted copyright © 1997-2008 by Charles G. Hill. All other photographs and related indicia are trademarked and/or copyrighted by the respective owners of same. We celebrate; we do not snitch. The latest invisibility developments are reported at Kitty-Carroll.org, an affiliate of this page.
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Most recent update: 9 June 2008
