Are you stressed out over the fact that San Diego Comic-Con is only a month away? This music video may be just what you need to remember the all the things you (mostly) love about it. See you at SDCC!
Moving Beyond Outrage: The Real Solution to Women In Comics
a open letter from a comic book professional[Note: This letter expresses my own personal opinion and not that of any of my employers or professional partners past or present. ]
“We need more women in comics!” Such has been the…
Some very excellent points here.
“Fiction, or, Why I’m A Cartoonist, and/or Why It’s So Hard For Me To Make Friends”, a story I’ve been meaning to tell for a long time.
Since only 10 images are allowed in a photoset, here’s the cover (bigger image here):
Such a great comic. I know that feel, man.
![kellysue:
I’ve got three things I’ve got to get turned in today, two kids to get fed and dressed and a bag to pack and a flight to catch, so I can’t respond to this the way I’d like, but I’m putting it here so I don’t forget.
I also need to let my temper subside a bit. If I were to reply right now I’d resort to name-calling and insults and we all know there’s no ground to be gained there.
Instead, when I’m not shaking anymore, I’ll recount my career trajectory AGAIN. [Magazine writer/research assistant—>comic reviewer—>7 years /10K+ pages adapting manga into English—>anthology shorts—>co-writing gigs—>one-shots—>minis—->ongoings]
Maybe I’ll get Alejandro Arbona to attest—AGAIN!—that I was blind-submitted for my first gig at Marvel. I’ll offer that if you’re looking for Men to Credit for My Career, you should look first to Neil Gaiman, Warren Ellis, Peter Rose, Steve Niles and Jamie Rich — all of whom were responsible for making introductions or getting me chances to submit my work well before Matt Fraction had any pull in the industry. (I’ll also state in no uncertain terms that I wasn’t sleeping with any of those men, because I know, dear Anon, that is your next assumption.) Or Brian Bendis, who had championed my work in a way I will never be able to adequately thank him for. (Ditto Steve Wacker.)
(Also not sleeping with Brian or Steve, just so we’re clear.)
Maybe I’ll ponder why it isn’t Fraction who’s considered to have benefited from nepotism. After all, more than 10 years ago now, Matt Fraction was my plus one to Joe Quesada’s 40th birthday party and it was me who sent copies of Last of the Independents to Joe and Axel. I mean, clearly, it was those gestures that got Fraction his career — certainly not the merit of his work, right? I mean, come on — those Hawkeye Eisner noms are part mine, right?
(I can’t imagine how sick Fraction must be of hearing me tell that story. But I bet it’s not half as sick of it as I am.)
(The first person I met in the industry was Wil Rosado. Through him, the first editors I met were Andy Ball, who’s since moved on, and Joey Cavalieri. Just in case anybody wants to make a chart. This would be… maybe 4 years before I met Fraction, Gillen, Ellis, McKelvie et al on the WEF.)
Okay, deep breath.
Bendis is going to tell me that I shouldn’t acknowledge this, that I’m feeling trolls, but here’s the pickle: people deny that this happens. We’re told that the insults to our dignity working women face are in our imagination, that it’s a thing of sexy Mad Men past. It’s WOMEN who make this a thing, right? (Hysterical, don’t you know.) We’re to the point where I meet young women who won’t identify as feminists because the struggle is over and it’s only a thing if you make it one.
Bullshit.
It’s not a natural assumption to leap to the conclusion that I got my job because of my marriage. It’s the product of deeply-ingrained sexist thinking. I can name for you a half a dozen men who did, in fact, get their first big two gigs because of who they knew and their dignity and their qualifications have never been called into question. I’m lucky if I go a week.
I was recently directed to a post on a snake pit of a message board (what was I thinking, even going to look?) by a man I’d known as long as I’d known my husband, a man I’d met at the same time—a man who had felt free to ask professional favors of me on multiple occasions—who was lamenting how “easily” I’d gotten to where I was because of Fraction. When friends of mine pointed him to my CV, he half-apologized because he had no idea. Apparently he thought Marvel—a publicly-owned company—was in the habit of handing out gigs to freelancer’s wives just for kicks. Then he threw up the bit about it being a natural assumption.
I would say simply ‘fuck that guy’ and chalk it up to his not being half as smart as he thinks he is, but here’s the thing:
That guy has daughters.
For them, and for my daughter and for your daughter, I am going to occasionally shine a light on these things… even though it both enrages and embarrasses me.
I don’t know if it’s the right call, but I know that ‘ignore it and it’ll go away’ isn’t working.
I need to figure out a way to contain my outrage enough to talk about it in a way that doesn’t attack, but invites dudes like Anon to rethink their ‘natural assumptions’ without setting myself up as an uppity bitch that they’re invested in proving wrong.
I… I clearly don’t know how to do that right now. But I’m going to figure it out.
Later.
Right now, the kids need breakfast and my son has questions about the xenomorph that can’t wait another second.
I’m out.
Reblogging for everyone who wonders why the conversation about women in comics is still going on. This is why.](http://24.media.tumblr.com/a3cfbe2a1267a921453de6ee843d613d/tumblr_mntqhqzpKe1qz6egko1_500.png)
I’ve got three things I’ve got to get turned in today, two kids to get fed and dressed and a bag to pack and a flight to catch, so I can’t respond to this the way I’d like, but I’m putting it here so I don’t forget.
I also need to let my temper subside a bit. If I were to reply right now I’d resort to name-calling and insults and we all know there’s no ground to be gained there.
Instead, when I’m not shaking anymore, I’ll recount my career trajectory AGAIN. [Magazine writer/research assistant—>comic reviewer—>7 years /10K+ pages adapting manga into English—>anthology shorts—>co-writing gigs—>one-shots—>minis—->ongoings]
Maybe I’ll get Alejandro Arbona to attest—AGAIN!—that I was blind-submitted for my first gig at Marvel. I’ll offer that if you’re looking for Men to Credit for My Career, you should look first to Neil Gaiman, Warren Ellis, Peter Rose, Steve Niles and Jamie Rich — all of whom were responsible for making introductions or getting me chances to submit my work well before Matt Fraction had any pull in the industry. (I’ll also state in no uncertain terms that I wasn’t sleeping with any of those men, because I know, dear Anon, that is your next assumption.) Or Brian Bendis, who had championed my work in a way I will never be able to adequately thank him for. (Ditto Steve Wacker.)
(Also not sleeping with Brian or Steve, just so we’re clear.)
Maybe I’ll ponder why it isn’t Fraction who’s considered to have benefited from nepotism. After all, more than 10 years ago now, Matt Fraction was my plus one to Joe Quesada’s 40th birthday party and it was me who sent copies of Last of the Independents to Joe and Axel. I mean, clearly, it was those gestures that got Fraction his career — certainly not the merit of his work, right? I mean, come on — those Hawkeye Eisner noms are part mine, right?
(I can’t imagine how sick Fraction must be of hearing me tell that story. But I bet it’s not half as sick of it as I am.)
(The first person I met in the industry was Wil Rosado. Through him, the first editors I met were Andy Ball, who’s since moved on, and Joey Cavalieri. Just in case anybody wants to make a chart. This would be… maybe 4 years before I met Fraction, Gillen, Ellis, McKelvie et al on the WEF.)
Okay, deep breath.
Bendis is going to tell me that I shouldn’t acknowledge this, that I’m feeling trolls, but here’s the pickle: people deny that this happens. We’re told that the insults to our dignity working women face are in our imagination, that it’s a thing of sexy Mad Men past. It’s WOMEN who make this a thing, right? (Hysterical, don’t you know.) We’re to the point where I meet young women who won’t identify as feminists because the struggle is over and it’s only a thing if you make it one.
Bullshit.
It’s not a natural assumption to leap to the conclusion that I got my job because of my marriage. It’s the product of deeply-ingrained sexist thinking. I can name for you a half a dozen men who did, in fact, get their first big two gigs because of who they knew and their dignity and their qualifications have never been called into question. I’m lucky if I go a week.
I was recently directed to a post on a snake pit of a message board (what was I thinking, even going to look?) by a man I’d known as long as I’d known my husband, a man I’d met at the same time—a man who had felt free to ask professional favors of me on multiple occasions—who was lamenting how “easily” I’d gotten to where I was because of Fraction. When friends of mine pointed him to my CV, he half-apologized because he had no idea. Apparently he thought Marvel—a publicly-owned company—was in the habit of handing out gigs to freelancer’s wives just for kicks. Then he threw up the bit about it being a natural assumption.
I would say simply ‘fuck that guy’ and chalk it up to his not being half as smart as he thinks he is, but here’s the thing:
That guy has daughters.
For them, and for my daughter and for your daughter, I am going to occasionally shine a light on these things… even though it both enrages and embarrasses me.
I don’t know if it’s the right call, but I know that ‘ignore it and it’ll go away’ isn’t working.
I need to figure out a way to contain my outrage enough to talk about it in a way that doesn’t attack, but invites dudes like Anon to rethink their ‘natural assumptions’ without setting myself up as an uppity bitch that they’re invested in proving wrong.
I… I clearly don’t know how to do that right now. But I’m going to figure it out.
Later.
Right now, the kids need breakfast and my son has questions about the xenomorph that can’t wait another second.
I’m out.
Reblogging for everyone who wonders why the conversation about women in comics is still going on. This is why.
Doodling again now that I’ve finished my roughs for the new book. Saga is brilliant. Lying Cat is brilliant.
Fiona Staples did a signing at our shop last year just before Thought Bubble and she drew me a lovely sketch of The Stalk from this comic. I probably gibbered like a pratt, I always do when we run signings. But she was extremely lovely and I adore her artwork for this comic!
This is too adorable.
Let me tell you a thing, about an amazing man named Patrick Stewart
I went to Comicpalooza this weekend and I was full of nervous energy as I was standing in line to ask Sir Patrick Stewart a question at his panel. I first had to thank him for a speech he had given at amnesty international about domestic violence towards women . I had only seen it a few months ago but I was still dealing with my own personal experience with a similar issue, and I didn’t know what to call it. After seeing Patrick talk so personally about it I finally was able to correctly call it abuse, in my case sexual abuse that was going to quickly turn into physical abuse as well. I didn’t feel guilty or disgusting anymore. I finally didn’t feel responsible for the abuse that was put upon me. I was finally able to start my healing process and to put that part of my life behind me.
After thanking him I asked him “Besides acting, what are you most proud of that you have done in you life (that you are willing to share with us)?”. Sir Patrick told us about how he couldn’t protect his mother from abuse in his household growing up and so in her name works with an organization called Refuge for safe houses for women and children to escape from abusive house holds. Sir Patrick Stewart learned only last year that his father had actually been suffering from PTSD after he returned from the military and was never properly treated. In his father’s name he works with an organization called Combat Stress to help those soldiers who are suffering from PTSD.
They were about to move onto the next question when Sir Patrick looked at me and asked me “My Dear, are you okay?” I said yes, and that I was finally able to move on from that part of my life. He then passionately said that it is never the woman’s fault in domestic violence, and how wrong to think that it ever is. That it is in the power of men to stop violence towards women. The moderator then asked “Do you want a hug?”
Sir Patrick didn’t even hesitate, he smiled, hopped off the stage and came over to embrace me in a hug. Which he held me there for a long while. He told me “You never have to go through that again, you’re safe now.” I couldn’t stop thanking him. His embrace was so warm and genuine. It was two people, two strangers, supporting and giving love. And when we pulled away he looked strait in my eyes, like he was promising that. He told me to take care. And I will.
Sir Patrick Stewart is an absolute roll model for men. He is an amazing man and was so kind and full of heart. I want to let everyone know to please find help if you are in a violent or abusive house hold or relationship. There are organizations and people ready to help. I had countless people after the panel thanking me for sharing the story and asking him those questions. Many said they went through similar things. You are not alone.
^ Here is the video of my question to Sir Patrick Stewart
Photos by Eugene Lee, Thank you
I may have been dared to do this at #MelsBBQ.
So I saw Kate Nash play her final show of her US tour last night, at the Echoplex here in LA, and there was a moment I can’t stop thinking about. If you’re not familiar with Nash, google can probably help you pretty well as frankly this isn’t about what kind of music she plays (but I do highly…
When reading pieces like this makes you sad, the only solution is to write more comics.
I’m sorry I made you sad! But the solution really is to write more comics. Write! Write like the wind! :)
It wasn’t you who made me sad, it’s the state of things. But yes ma’am, I shall soldier (writer?) on!
Amy Dallen is one of the most delightful people in comics! I frequently go to House of Secrets, the comic book store where she works and she is the reason why HoS is one of my favorite comic book stores in Southern California. Amy knows comics, Amy LOVES comics and Amy is an interesting and verbose person about comics and other nerd things. After seeing her on Wil Wheaton’s ‘TableTop’ show, I and many people told her that she needs her own show, maybe about comics. Geeks and Sundry now have given her that show and I am GLAD! I hope everyone will watch the show, support Amy, and maybe learn a thing or two about comics that they didn’t know before. :D
Not only is everything that Jean said true, Amy’s character once save my character in a Star Wars RPG that we’re both in, so I owe her a geek life debt. Therefore, I must encourage you to watch this very excellent vlog.
So I saw Kate Nash play her final show of her US tour last night, at the Echoplex here in LA, and there was a moment I can’t stop thinking about. If you’re not familiar with Nash, google can probably help you pretty well as frankly this isn’t about what kind of music she plays (but I do highly…
When reading pieces like this makes you sad, the only solution is to write more comics.
With everything that happened last month, I wasn’t able to participate in the Gender through Comic Books online course. But I’m happy to see that Cupcake POW! found its way into the reading materials for the class!
Matt Bors has been laying down some truthbombs about the myth of lazy, entitled Millennials. Go read.
I was born in the 1979-1983 generation gap—a few years short of X, a few years ahead of Millennials. We’re a generation defined by disaster: Columbine, 9/11. We came of age at the peak of the…
Great read. I know quite a few friends of mine will identify.
Drew this last year but I can’t believe I didn’t post it here! I used to see Morpheus or Daniel in my dreams a lot, there was a time where he appeared at least once a week, but lately I haven’t see him. Probably because he’d have to answer my question if he did.
True story, I got two of my friends to buy Jean’s sketchbook just by showing them this comic.
I’d like to talk about Dragon*con one last time. As I’ve said before I will not ever attend this con because Ed Kramer who awaits trial for child molestation still receives money from Dragon*con. To me it’s so obvious. Children’s safety comes before anything else, including my need to attend a con, wear a costume or whatever.
Seems obvious but so many, too many so-called caring fans are not only still giving money to this con, but actively defending it. If you want your money to go to the defense of a child molester then I have nothing to say to you. I find it disgusting. Dragon*con and those who defend it are a scar on fandom that makes me ashamed to be a fan.
Believe me, I am sympathetic to the innocent victims of what Kramer did, not only the kids, but also fans and con organizers. But what’s done is done. It can’t be fixed and can’t be swept under the rug so it’s time for Dragon*Con to grow a pair, step up to the plate and do what’s right. New con. Same city. Done.
So you don’t think I’m just blathering off, I have been in a situation like this. A few years back I did several books for a major publisher. One day I turn on the news and bang, the artist had been arrested for distribution of child pornography. I didn’t bitch and whine about how it affected me. Instead we all agreed it was best for those books to go away. That’s what had to be done. For the kids who this animal violated. It’s not about me keeping a book in print and lining my pockets. It’s about doing the right thing.
So there’s that. I’m sorry a long running popular con has a pedophile in their ranks, but instead of continuing to victimize these kids (now men seeking justice) it’s time for everybody in fandom to show the world we aren’t a bunch of selfish nerds, but caring humans who love and respect others. Is that so much to ask for?
The way we spend our money is very powerful. Let’s use that power for good
Thanks for listening.
-Steve
Been saying this for a couple of years. Glad someone with a fan base is finally speaking out.
Never been to Dragon*con. Definitely no interest in going now.
What the what?! (Happy Impossible Astronaut Day!)
