She Makes Comics

She Makes Comics is a gripping documentary feature from 2014 directed by Marisa Stotter and produced by Patrick Meaney and Jordan Rennert. It offers an enlightening exploration and acknowledgment of the often overlooked and mainly unsung female creators, fans, artists, and executives, active in the comic book industry. The film stars notable personalities such as Janelle Asselin, Karen Berger, and Christina Blanch, who each bring their critical perspectives to the screen.

The documentary aims to challenge the stereotypical perception that comic books are a male-dominated domain. Expertly narrating the story of women's significant yet underrepresented contributions to the comic book industry, She Makes Comics charts the course from the early 20th century to the contemporary era. It takes viewers on a compelling journey through the evolution of comic culture, spotlighting a string of influential women who have, and continue to, forge a path in this vivid world of storytelling.

Janelle Asselin, a former DC Comics editor and the writer and publisher behind the acclaimed publishing initiative, Rosy Press, shares her insights. Her reflections not only reveal the biases and challenges she faced breaking through in a male-centric industry but also her unwavering spirit to shatter the glass ceiling and enable a richer narrative and audience diversity in comics.

Iconic editor Karen Berger is another leading figure in the film. As the founder of Vertigo, the groundbreaking imprint that gave the world transformative works such as Sandman and Hellblazer, she recalls her journey. Berger's narrative provides an opportunity to understand the vital role of editors and their brave choices in shaping the industry's direction, especially from a female perspective.

Educator, scholar, and comic book retail owner Christina Blanch brings a unique perspective, speaking from her experiences in bridging academia and the comic book industry. How she employs comics as educational tools and promotes deeper conversations around them is an enlightening part of the narrative.

While these key figures share their personal stories, the movie ambitiously covers other pillars of female creativity who largely went unnoticed or were overshadowed throughout comic industry history. Wonder Women's creator William Moulton Marston and his partner Elizabeth share an intriguing segment. Recordings of Jackie Ormes, the first Black woman cartoonist, and interviews with underground "Comix" revolutionary Trina Robbins, offer viewers a panoramic view of the diverse talent pool that has always existed in the comic world but was rarely acknowledged.

Moreover, She Makes Comics spotlights the rise and impact of female fandom, from 1970's comic cons to the online communities of today. Passionate fans share their love for these characters and stories, their battles against the stigmatization tied to "geek culture", and their successful endeavors for a more inclusive and respectful space in the fandom ecosystem.

The film shines for its nimble compilation of interviews, comic book panels, archival footage, and narration. It amalgamates the past and present, helping to depict an evolving yet unsung narrative within our pop culture. The bass-heavy score adds to the movie's cinematic storytelling, creating a sense of progression and drawing the audience deeper into the engrossing journey.

In the end, She Makes Comics is more than just a glimpse behind the scenes of comic book creation – it's also a study of cultural evolution, a celebration of unsung heroes, and a clarion call for greater diversity and representation in the industry. Whether you're a comics fan or indifferent to the medium, this film leaves an impact. Recognizing these talented women and their substantial impact and dedication not only to the comics industry but also to the broader cultural narrative, sparks a reflective dialogue about how our society has - and should - value diverse voices. It's a must-watch for anyone curious about the history of comics and interested in the evolving role of women in art, media and pop culture.