Comics: Not just a boy thing?!

[Lucky6]

Okay so i wasn't sure where to put this, but seeing as it's a discussion that doesn't really fit anywhere else, so admins if you want to move it you can do. on with disscussion!

okay so bassically i'm thinking of writing an article on girls reading superhero comic books, and just doing a bit of audience research, there's only me and one other girl that actually like them and the guys i know aren't really into it either. so...i want to know what you think.

are you a girl and like comics?
if so why do you think that is? what your favourite comic?
what do you think of the representation of women in comics?
is sexism an issue?
should there be more titles for women? (by this i mean titles being centered around superheroines in general, and also titles that women can write, as the industry itself seems to be not willing to let female writers in.)
boys what do you think of this stereotypical that boys only like comics? - girls can answer this too if they like.

*EDIT: Do you think male superheroes overpower the female ones? if so how? if not why?
Also, with more and more superhero movies coming out, and more titles being bought out such as Minx by DC, how much do YOU think the female audience will expand? is this a good thing?

oh if it's okay i may use quotes with your permission, so if you don't want me to use them tell me and i'll respect that.

ps. i'd like to say hello to all you hypers again, so i havn't been on for while, but now i'm back Yah!

so discuss. ( i would have put a poll on but i'm not sure how? not that i really need it)

 

[Logan's Lady]

are you a girl and like comics? YES

if so why do you think that is? because I like fantasy and that's what comics are.

what your favourite comic? Wolverine and Uncanny X-Men

what do you think of the representation of women in comics? They're all the hot woman that all men wanna be with (in looks). I mean you see the BLOB but he's a guy. I don't think we're ever gonna see a woman that's that large in the comics.

is sexism an issue? I don't think so... they do the same to the guys. I mean almost all the guys are ripped and make the girlies drool also.

should there be more titles for women.
More titles for women? Do you mean more comics centered on Heroines? Because I am female and enjoy the titles with the males more than like the "Rogue" books I have.

 

[Lucky6]

hey, thanks for the reply Logans Lady, just thought of a few more q's. do you think male superheroes overpower the female ones? if so how? if not why?

Also, with more and more superhero movies coming out, and more titles being bought out such as Minx by DC, how much do YOU think the female audience will expand? is this a good thing?

also, um...would it be okay if i include your name and age in the article as i might use some of that? you can pm me if you like. if not its okay. (just sounds more...human? rather than syaing Logan's Lady on SHH! forum if you know what i mean lol) that also goes for everyone else, if you want me to quote you, could you pm me you name and age? thanks and greatly apreciated.

 

[Logan's Lady]

do you think male superheroes overpower the female ones? if so how? if not why?
No, though there are more Male superheroes, I am not at all bothered by it. I think if there was 50/50 of male and female superheroes it would just be too mach female (don't know why, but that's just my opinion)


Also, with more and more superhero movies coming out, and more titles being bought out such as Minx by DC, how much do YOU think the female audience will expand? is this a good thing?

I don't think the female audience will expand due to there being more titles. I believe the women that are into comics are more likely to watch the films. A woman not into comics is less likely to watch a comic movie even if it does have some great actors/actresses.
I think that a lot of women think of comics and comic movies on the same level as cartoons and legos. They think they're for kids. So I don't think more movies are going to change their opinions.

As for my name, no sorry, you can't use my real name. You can use the name LoLa (for LOgan's LAdy) and my age is 31

 

[Lucky6]

Thankyou that's ace, i think that's enough for now at least, there's alot of good stuff in there, and you make some good points.

it's nice to know there are adults out there like me who like comics and not just kids. I like what you did with the name btw, that's absolutely fine.

 

[AndThePickles]

are you a girl and like comics? Yes.
if so why do you think that is? I've always enjoyed reading and fantasy. When I was a child, I loved superhero cartoons. I think that translated into enjoying comic books when I got older and was introduced to them.
what your favourite comic? My favorite comics include various X-Men titles, Thor, Hercules, Runaways, and Ms. Marvel.
what do you think of the representation of women in comics? I think that they are often represented as shallow characters used to back up the men. They are often drawn with impossibly perfect figures that would snap in half if they were real people, and it's not uncommon to see frames showcasing a booty or cleavage.
is sexism an issue? It certainly is. However, I do think there are writers and artists out there who are working to change the stereotypical comic book heroine, and flesh out female characters. We are now seeing more women as leaders and with a wider range of personalities. Sadly, a lot of the really well-written books centered around a strong heroine are doing poorly in terms of sales. I think this proves that it is still a male-dominated market out there.
should there be more titles for women. How so? As in, ones centered around a female character? I do think there is a potential market for such a thing. It's not just a matter of a book being mainly about heroines, however; it depends on the way they're written. The most recent Heroes for Hire, for example, centered around women who were drawn very "****ty." Although the art got a lot of attention, the book itself failed.
boys what do you think of this stereotypical that boys only like comics? Sorry, is this question for the men or women? I'll answer either way I've never met another woman who liked comic books.

oh if it's okay i may use quotes with your permission, so if you don't want me to use them tell me and i'll respect that. You may use my quotes.

do you think male superheroes overpower the female ones? if so how? if not why? As in, are there more of them? There are definitely more male superheroes in terms of numbers.

Also, with more and more superhero movies coming out, and more titles being bought out such as Minx by DC, how much do YOU think the female audience will expand? is this a good thing? I don't read any DC titles, so I'm unaware of the Minx line. It would be nice to see the female audience expand, though.

also, um...would it be okay if i include your name and age in the article as i might use some of that? Andrea, age 22

Good luck with your article!

 

[Dew k. Mosi]

Q.are you a girl and like comics?
A. Yes, and I have been since I was 6 years old.

Q.if so why do you think that is? what your favourite comic?
A. Comics are epic poetry in a modern presentation. I like being able to identify the same thematic elements of bravery, sacrifice, redemption, and the morality lessons, in an entertaining and intriguing way. I am an X-Men girl, which is practically a soap opera.

Q.what do you think of the representation of women in comics?
A. There are actually few female characters that are written well. They are ice princesses or ****s, most of them.

Q.is sexism an issue?
A. Yes, and not just IN the books. In the reading public, it is somehow wrong for a girl to read a superhero comic.

Q.should there be more titles for women.
A. Yes, but girls' comics don't have to be romantic sluff. Strong feminine heroes who are not "mannish" or "sexpots" would be awesome.

Q.what do you think of this stereotypical that boys only like comics?
A. It's ridiculous.

Q.do you think male superheroes overpower the female ones? if so how? if not why? As in, are there more of them? There are definitely more male superheroes in terms of numbers.
A. Comics are geared towards the readers, and since it is cultural, in America, at least, that comics are for boys, then there are more male heroes so that the readers can identify. Male characters, though, rarely beat the women up. They are forced to trick or trap them, unless the male is a villain. A man hitting a woman, superhuman or no, is still fairly taboo in comics. In Watchman, they broke that rule, and gave women the same sort of consideration as a hero, and the audience gasped every time.

Q. Also, with more and more superhero movies coming out, and more titles being bought out such as Minx by DC, how much do YOU think the female audience will expand? is this a good thing?
A. I think comics need to bring in new readers in anyway they can.

Q. also, um...would it be okay if i include your name and age in the article as i might use some of that?
A. Heather, age 37

 

[SuperFerret]

Is this survey for those with two X chromosomes, or can I get my Y on in here?

 

[November Rain]

all x-men fans huh

either soppy gambit lovers or ororro/phoenix worshipping feminists or psylocke/rogue emos....

x-men has it all folks...

 

[AndThePickles]

all x-men fans huh

either soppy gambit lovers or ororro/phoenix worshipping feminists or psylocke/rogue emos....

x-men has it all folks...

Har har. I don't like any of those characters. I liked Storm and Jean in UXM. I hate 616 Storm now, and never had much of a chance to read 616 Jean due to the fact that she was already dead when I started reading comics.

 

[Watson]

are you a girl and like comics?
Hell yea I am!

if so why do you think that is?
I've liked comics ever since I was a little kid, though I didn't get into serious collecting until about 14. I'm into comics for various reasons. I like the fantasy/scifi genre for one. I was sick a lot when I was little, so I always liked the idea of the nerdy weak teen getting super powers and becoming cool

what your favourite comic?
My favourite superhero is Batman. Most of the comics I like are about him. Otherwise, I tend to follow authors and artists rather then particular heroes. Darwyn Cooke, Neil Gaiman, Brian K Vaughn, and Jeph Loeb are amongst my favourites.

what do you think of the representation of women in comics?
I think generally the representation of women in comics is poor, both in the females that appear in comics and the fact that there are so few female writers and artists (which is a damn shame). In comics, my biggest problem is that female characters are rarely fully fleshed out characters. They are either simpering damsels that need to be saved by the hero (moving the plot along) like Mary Jane Watson (in some comics), or they are the epitome of perfection, like Wonder Woman. As a female, I don't feel like I can relate to either of those types. I have flaws, but I'm not helpless. That said there are some really good representation of women in comics. I thought Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale did a really great job of portraying Catwoman in TLH, DV, and Catwoman: When in Rome. Catwoman moved past being Batwoman's femme fatale and her own motivations. I also liked the potrayal of the various female cops in Gotham Central. Again, these were complicated well fleshed out women whose plotlines were well written. "Half a life" is well deserving of its Eisner award.

I don't have an answer for why so few women are involved in the creation of comics aside from the fact that our society isn't too keen on females who are into comics. I think it ties into a bigger problem of why women don't fill more creative roles in the entertainment industry. Maybe the big comic labels need to start focusing their strategies on expanding their market? Comics are often given to young boys to encourage them to read. Maybe a similiar program needs to be enacted for young girls.

is sexism an issue?
Yes. I think comics can definitely be seen as a boys club of types. I think this board is even an example of that. When someone on this board is revealed to be a female, the reaction is typically "OMG!!! Post a pic!!!" etc. It's not necessarily the most inviting atmosphere for some women.

How do we stop this? Primarily, the more positive and fully developed female characters that are featured in comics the more accepting folks will be with women on the comics scene in general. There also need to be more opportunities created for female artists and writers. Lastly, and most importantly, girls need to see comics are for them too, and be encouraged to read them from a young age.

should there be more titles for women.
I would be down with more titles about female characters. But again, it depends on how these characters are written.

 

[Sawyer]

Women..... can read?

 

[Watson]

Women..... can read?

they only teach us so we can differentiate the labels on beer bottles when we buy them for our men

 

[Sawyer]

they only teach us so we can differentiate the labels on beer bottles when we buy them for our men

I knew there had to be a reason.

 

[Metamorpho1977]

what do you think of the representation of women in comics? They're all the hot woman that all men wanna be with (in looks). I mean you see the BLOB but he's a guy. I don't think we're ever gonna see a woman that's that large in the comics.

Normally, I wouldn't call anyone on something, but there are a couple. There's Granny Goodness and Stompa of the New Gods. But I wouldn't be a good comic geek if I didn't.

 

[SuperFerret]

Normally, I wouldn't call anyone on something, but there are a couple. There's Granny Goodness and Stompa of the New Gods.

And Big Bertha, who's pretty much a parody of that stereotype of unbelievably hot super-women.

 

[Metamorpho1977]

I believe that girls not being into comics is a stereotype into itself. However, it does seem that there are more now than their used to be, or they are being more open about it. I go to Dragoncon in Atlanta every year and I've been going several years now and there are really hot girls showing up more and more.

 

[POWdER-man]

what do you think of the representation of women in comics? They're all the hot woman that all men wanna be with (in looks). I mean you see the BLOB but he's a guy. I don't think we're ever gonna see a woman that's that large in the comics.

You missed one...link

 

[WompuM]

And Big Bertha, who's pretty much a parody of that stereotype of unbelievably hot super-women.

You mean Big Barda? Big Bertha is a golf club isn't it?

Don't all chicks dig Ghost World?

 

[SuperFerret]

Nope, Big Bertha. Check Powder-man's link above. Thin supermodel by day, fat superheroine by night.

 

[Logan's Lady]

Normally, I wouldn't call anyone on something, but there are a couple. There's Granny Goodness and Stompa of the New Gods. But I wouldn't be a good comic geek if I didn't.

You missed one...link

Thanks for the edumacation comic geeks

then again Big Bertha is a supermodel by day?
Why if you're hot during the day would you go huge at nighttime?

 

[Lucky6]

wow, fantastic guys (n girls obviously) didn't know this would be as big a hit for discussion lol keep it coming!

Is this survey for those with two X chromosomes, or can I get my Y on in here?

yes deffinately guys can answer the questions and share their opinion too! in fact the more balanced the better.

do you think male superheroes overpower the female ones? if so how? if not why? As in, are there more of them? There are definitely more male superheroes in terms of numbers.

Actually i was more talking about the actions that male heroes do, if you think they overpower the women, as in my opinion, what Dr. Watson said was spot on. The male heroes always seem more superior to the female characters, even if that character if a superheroine herself, as if females with super powers still can't take care of themselves.

I believe that girls not being into comics is a stereotype into itself. However, it does seem that there are more now than their used to be, or they are being more open about it. I go to Dragoncon in Atlanta every year and I've been going several years now and there are really hot girls showing up more and more.

Why do you think this is? do you think that movies have helped gain a wider female audience?

thanks again for all your replies, keep 'em coming :-D

 

[Watson]

Normally, I wouldn't call anyone on something, but there are a couple. There's Granny Goodness and Stompa of the New Gods. But I wouldn't be a good comic geek if I didn't.

The original Etta Candy too, though I suppose she's not a superhero.

 

[Metamorpho1977]

Why do you think this is? do you think that movies have helped gain a wider female audience?

I think the movies have helped. I think that the writing in comics has helped too.

 

[Metamorpho1977]

Thanks for the edumacation comic geeks

then again Big Bertha is a supermodel by day?
Why if you're hot during the day would you go huge at nighttime?

I think every comic geek has a secret inner attraction to extra cushioning. Check the Thick girls appreciation thread in the Celebrity section of the Hype.

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