I’ll admit, I’m a girl who loves comics. The thing is, I’ve never been short of knowing other women who loved them too. I’ve always had a girl working at my LCS, or a friend who shared my love of the medium. More than that, I’ve always had a heap of guy friends who got that I loved comics and never questioned it. From my older brother to boyfriends to friends, it was just how it was. I liked comics, and why was there any discussion as to what sex I was.
The thing is, not every girl has it that easy. Being a chick who loves comics can be hard. I know girls who go into comic shops and are dismissed and sneered at. It’s stupid and infantile and idiotic, but it happens. It’s one of the reasons I’m such a strong proponent for digital comics, and of getting comics to young girls. I think it’s a brilliant medium for story telling at all ages, and I would love to see it used more.
When I started cosplaying, I found an entirely different community. I’ve heard that in other places it’s hugely competitive, and that actually makes me a bit sad. Of course everyone wants to be the best at what they do, but what I’ve found here in Australia is a group of women who love comics, and who love costuming. We may cosplay the same character, but there’s a lot of support. More than that, I’ve discovered an amazing group of women. Women who love comics, who love the characters, and love being able to pay tribute to something in whatever way they can
I think this picture says it all. You have a group of women of all sizes and shapes who love what they’re doing. We’re dedicated to this, and we embrace what we love. Getting bitchy comments on photo posts we put up about body shape or size is frustrating and annoying, but we’re all friends and we support each other. Not only that, I like to think the creators who see us going out and putting ourselves out there are a bit proud of us doing so.
So, yes, haters and going to hate as they say, but it’s awesome to be part of community where the women who are so often marginalised bond together and say that we love this. We love comics, and we’re not going to change.
Girls Read Comics Too 
Well said! I must say that while I moved around a lot as a child, there always seemed to be a few girls into comics and I never wondered at all about it. At least, not until later…as I got older I did notice there were fewer female comic fans near me. But it’s nice to see that there are plenty around the world to keep the love going (I’m raising a comic loving litle girl). As for the cosplay, that’s never been something I personally was into, but I do find it very cool! Keep rockin’!
Your comic loving little girl appreciates it, as do we. Cheers!
I totally agree.
Having fantastic friends like you all around me, there to support everything I do and well…just BEING there really does make my life happier.
It is lame. But I’m very thankful I have people I can share my passion with and that I can be there for you too.
Not just the comics but the hard work we put in to making those costumes. Love you loads xox
I am too, and you are one of those awesome people I’d never be friends with if it weren’t for the cosplay and seeing you at cons. You’re awesome, and such a brilliant woman, i’m proud to call you a friend.
<3 Dee
You guys are all awesome!!!!
We both think you’re pretty awesome too. But you’re right, the girls I know are amazing.
I think you make a valid agruement that digital comics are a way to introduce young girls (women for that matter) who might otherwise be intimidated by going to a comic shop. I didn’t look at from that perspective. Maybe I take for guaranted that since my lcs (ACME COMICS in GSO, NC) is so accomdating to all readers alike, then it’s like that everywhere.
As to cosplayers, I have a tremendous amount of respect for y’alls dedication. I’ve never had the desire to dress up like my favorite character, Huntress, or any other character for that matter, but I always enjoy taking their pictures at conventions. It’s apparent there is a true love and passion and commitment as an expression of art which is a lesson, no matter our interest, we all could learn from.
I’ve only had a year or so when I didn’t have a friendly LCS to go to, and it made a big difference to my reading habits. No one to chat with about new titles and different books, the atmosphere just awful, I found myself reading less and less until a new shop opened up in my uni town. I consider myself a pretty confident and self-assured person, so if I can find it intimidating, I try to imagine a younger girl who’s read an issue or two of something and wants to see what’s out there would find it like.
Thank you! We do love it, and even before I was cosplaying, I always found it to be a very cool part of the convention scene.
After reading your post, I am very much comfortable to admit I am one of the girls too.
It is hard to be accepted in that” community” especially in SIngapore.
Although cosplay is very popular with Singaporeans-Asians, I tend to marvel at Marvel comics, Amory Wars- more on the western influence.
Having said that, whatever type of comics we read, I believe we just need acceptance.
And your post says it all. Cheers to that!
Cheerios
Nurul
You knwo I have a friend who cosplays DC in Singapore! It can be hard, but having acceptance is a great thing. <3
I think you guys are wonderful! I’ve never really had the courage to cosplay but I suppport those who do.keep your bond strong and keep it up!!
Thank you for the support, and if you ever need encouragement, let me know!
Hey,
Thank you so much for this. I really hope it inspires girls out there that are sneered at for reading comics to keep reading! BTW, you and your friends look awesome in your cosplay!
Thank you!
It makes me sad that this is such an issue when I know so many great guys who are very supportive of my & other womens’ & girls’ love of comics……..but there just seem to be that few number of creeps that spoil it. My LCS (Strange Adventures *yay!*) has at least half their staff women & you’re almost never “alone” when you go in………but semi-regularly they have a ladies night that draws huuuuuuuuge numbers just so the girls can shop in peace! 9,9
Wow, the more I hear about Strange Adventures, the more I want to head down to Halifax/Frediction JUST to go there. That’s a brilliant concept. I may have to suggest that to some friends who work at my LCS.
I’ve been a comic fangirl since my uncle introduced me to his old DC books, then I eventually evolved into a die hard Marvel Zombie.
Digital comics are wonderful, and for another reason, they’re an necessity. I live in a rural community (attending college), the closest LCS is like 2 hours away.
I’ve only recently gotten into cosplay, I’ve always sewn, but never had the interest to cosplay until an ex-girlfriend of mine got me into it. Now I can’t stop.
My older brother introduced me to marvel at a young age, but I’ve become a big fan of DC and a lot of the smaller publishers in the interim.
Absolutely! THere are a lot of people who don’t have an LCS nearby, and being able to get digital comics – even at a delay – is invaluable!
I’d love to see some cosplay photos. Feel free to share
-Dee
Amen, sister! My true friends understand that I like comics and accept it without any problem. As an English teacher (in high school) though, I often times get funny looks and, I’m sure, interesting comments behind my back that it’s a sub-intellectual art form that doesn’t receive the same credit as “traditional” literature.
The funny thing is that my students usually think it’s cool. I usually have a comic-themed wallpaper on my computer and they always ask me about the characters when I change the screen. It’s become a point of conversation in class almost, which I believe is important.
I think that’s a bit sad, as sequential storytelling is a brilliant medium, and a great educational tool. I’d love to see it used more in schools, especially as so many kids respond to it, and anythign that keeps kids reading is good. As for it being a lesser artform, that’s an argument I have often as well. When you see a writer and artist truly work together and get what the other is doing, the result is often brilliant. To be honest, I find myself reading fewer traditional books these days, and eating up genre tpbs and graphic novels instead.
Honestly, you’re way better than the flat comic page! You have real skin! Lots of love from deep in the heart of Texas!
Thank you Sheila!
Ladies,
You are spot on. Yes, there will always be cads and neanderthals who will snicker or be cruel. But your group rises above all that; and you really embrace what you love.
Size 4 or size 16, it doesn’t matter. You all have the right to have fun and not be harrassed.
We as a society should stand up to those who mock and ridicule. As a society; if enough of us tell the bullies, punks, loudmouths, and haters to go away since we’re not listening; they’ll get the hint.
And as a 39 year old who will be trick or treating with his 8 year old; dressed as the last of the Time Lords from Gallifrey known as the Doctor?
I say, ya’ll rock in my book.
I’m always happy to hear about adults dressing up in any context, and spreading the love of being geeky.
You’re very right. THis is just one more way we bully each other, and make ourselves feel better at the expense of those around us. I definitely say rise above it!
You girls are a sterling example for the rest of us female comic readers. As an aspiring comic artist and a worker in a comic store, much of my life revolves around comics, and I’ve been extremely pleased to see more and more girls coming into the store to feed their love of the medium. I love to see them and I love to see what they choose. As awareness grows, girls are increasingly less afraid to flash their nerdy side. It’s a beautiful thing. You should be proud of who you are and the homage you do to the characters you love. The creators love it. Artists love to see it. Keep up the great work.
Thank you! It’s always great to hear from other girls who love comics, and I always love when what I think to be true is shown to not be so far fropm the mark – more andmore women are into comics and unafraid to show it.
they are idiots for saying anything. you all look fantastic!
Thank you.
The internet is the home for all of the coward and bullies. I love seeing people dressed up at the Cons I have attended. Especially the ladies, it makes me happy to see people care so much!
Thank you! The internet is definitely a home of that. It’s hugely gratifying to hear so many voices say the opposite, though!
We’re here; we’re geeks; get used to it! Love the post — and the photos.
It’s what I like to say! Thanks :)
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that’s all wonderful………but….*hah kidding!* thought I was going todo something naughty huh? heh
No, seriously if only more people of our parents generation stopped making fun of us and respected what we do. *sigh*
On another note, the first time I ever costume-played myself, was when I did m first theater gig in Greece. And yes I actually went to a tailor and made a replica of the technomages outfit in “Crusade”. My website shows part of the less expensive replica I made. The actual one, which I can also wear anywhere, cost a hell of a lot more than just 250 euro. :P
Have you seen these hand painted comic book heels!!!!!
Hand painted comic book shoes: http://www.studiojellyfish.com/10/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=130&category_id=32&vmcchk=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=53
You’re correct on many points but as a female comic book fan, I feel that our gender in comic books are treated as sex idols and glorified in unnatural ways (tiny waists, large breasts, sex kitten costumes, etc.). In a society which depicts that women are to look a certain way (thin, busty, blonde, beautiful), it is a shame when we have strong women that they are provocatively represented in the pages of our favorite graphic novels. Women in comic books are drawn that way to appeal to men, not to women.
In regards to cosplay, women (and girls) seem to be under more pressure to look more like the characters on the pages. I was recently reading and viewing some pages on UGO.com and the women who were normal were ridiculed and mocked by the authors and commentators. One comment was about a girl dressed as Power Girl who was mocked for having “too flat to be Power Girl”. All-in-all, she was deemed “too ugly” to cosplay as one of her favorite characters.
I’m not saying that comicbook characters should reflect the “real world” but its just so damn irritating that my favorite characters are drawn to be representations of male fantasies. Wonder Woman was created in 1941 to be an inspiration to girls to be heroic and to have their own Superman to look up to morally and heroically.