A progessive intro to comics
By Jess McCabe | 7 December 2009, 12:49
New readers… start here! is an attempt to open up the comics genre to new readers, by way of reviews.
Set up by regular F-Word commenter Saranga, the blog has this as a mission statement:
We will cover superheroes, manga, alternative and web comics. We will not recommend anything where it is necessary to know decades of continuity. We will only recommend books that are available in a trade (collecting 6 to 8 of the monthly magazines) format so that you can get them from regular bookshops. We are keen on people using their local comic book shop but understand that they can be somewhat intimidating if you’ve never been in one before. To aid this, there will be a list of recommended local comic book shops made available.We will aim to avoid comics with sexist, racist, homophobic or ableist overtones or intent. If there is some background to the comic, the writer or the art team that could contradict this policy, the issue will be mentioned and discussed within the review.
More here, including how to get involved as a contributor, reviewing comics and helping with their plan to branch out beyond the English language.
The first review is of Wonder Woman: Hiketeia (the image above right is of the cover of this comic).
(We have a selection of graphic novels and comics in our shop, too, if you’re after feminist comic ideas or Christmas present for the lovers of sequential art in your life).
Have your say
In order to keep this blog as a feminist and friendly space, comments will be subject to some rules. We do not seek to censor debate: the beauty of the internet is that anyone can set up their own blog or website to express their views.
- This blog is a safe and friendly space for feminists and feminist allies. Debate and critique are welcome where it is constructive and deepens analysis or understanding. Anti-feminist comments will not be approved. We get to decide what's anti-feminist.
- All comments must be approved by one of the bloggers. For this reason, there may be a delay before your comment appears.
- No sexist, racist, homophobic, transphobic, classist, ablist comments, comments which make personal attacks on any blogger or commenter, or comments that are otherwise deemed offensive by us will be posted.
- Trolls will be banned from commenting. We get to decide who is a troll.
- No anonymous comments - please feel free to use your real name or make one up, though.
- Be nice.
Feeds
saranga said:
Wow, that was quick, thank you for the promotion Jess!
Posted on 07 December 2009 at 2:10 PM
gadgetgal said:
Looking forward to this - I'm a massive comic book fan and it'll be nice to have one place for a more inclusive resource!
Posted on 07 December 2009 at 2:14 PM
Laurel Dearing said:
ive found comics by sam kieth interesting. its not perfectly feminist and its from a male perspective but it actually addresses the issue and makes you think. most of the stories involve a degree of sexual violence, though it is neither graphic, sexualised or too light hearted. i wouldnt say they are triggering if you read it at your own pace but of course people have different levels.
Posted on 08 December 2009 at 10:07 PM
Ms F said:
Oh excellant I love comic books. Will you/can you do a bit on Tank Girl?? She is ace! She's tough, smart, sexual and very funny
Posted on 09 December 2009 at 7:49 AM
Saranga said:
@ Laurel: Thanks for the tip, I'll try and find some of Keith's books.
@ Ms F: Tank Girl is on the list, I expect a review will be up in the New Year. Make sure you stop by and then let us know what you think!
Posted on 12 December 2009 at 11:45 AM