While in the past it may have seemed like the comic book industry was comprised of only male writers and artists, women have always been there, albeit in significantly lower numbers. So, the issue was not only one of inclusivity, but also one of visibility; however, as time goes by, women of any background gain more traction in any and all of the disciplines that intermingle in the comic book world, be they writers, artists, letterers, colourists, or inkers.
In recent years, the hashtag #VisibleWomen, created by comic book legend Kelly Sue DeConnick (through the production company she and her husband, Matt Fraction, have called Milkfed Criminal Masterminds), invited women and non-binary comic book-related creators to share their Marvel-ous work (pun intended) on Twitter to gain visibility. The purpose here is simple: to showcase the incredible works of people from diverse genders, thus proving to the industry that talent can be found anywhere, as long as one is willing to look.
But DeConnick was not the first outstanding woman in the industry or the first to fight for inclusion by any means. Creators like Trina Robbins and DC Comics.
Since Avengers Assemble, she has proven herself to be a brilliant example of how women deserve a prominent spot in comics. Her trajectory in the comics world (especially as an outspoken feminist) has highlighted not only the presence of women in comics as creators, but also as characters. Simultaneously, she has time and again expressed the need for the industry to intensify its efforts for representation.
In recent years, comic fans have seen not just gender diversity, but also an increase in intersectionality. With the introduction of Kamala Khan as the new Women of Marvel podcast and recently announced special are also splendid examples of this.
There is definitely a long way to go; the comics industry will need to try even harder in the coming years. However, the aforementioned examples are all steps in the right direction, with more women than ever at the forefront as the creators behind our favorite stories and characters.
