Razorgirl

Some older drawings of one of my favorite literary characters, Molly from William Gibson's cyberpunk novel "Neuromancer." An augmented "street samurai" with retractable razor claws under her finger nails and silver lenses fused over her eyes (with night vision and a digital clock), Molly is simultaneously the protector, lover and mentor of the protagonist Case.

Molly is credited with launching the "razorgirl" archetype in cyberpunk, and specifically providing inspiration for Major Kusanagi from "Ghost in the Shell" and Trinity from "The Matrix." But what's truly stunning about this character is how she is so fantastical and fun while simultaneously being so human and believable; Gibosn doesn't treat Molly with the stereotypes that many other male authors, especially back in the '80s, would have for a female action hero, love interest, and former prostitute.