With the Marvel Cinematic Universe gaining mainstream popularity in recent years, comic book fans got the recognition they deserved. However, enjoying comic books seems to be a ‘guy’ thing, and girls aren’t allowed to enjoy it. Which is quite misogynistic towards female fans, to say the least.
Female comic book fans could bring a different perspective to the existing tradition of comic book storytelling. But female fans have quite a lot of bullcrap antics to deal with just to prove their worth in the community. Female fans are constantly asked “Do you even read comics?” by male readers. Of course we do! Not only that, female fans are constantly questioned about their credentials.
There are a lot of female heroes from DC and Marvel that are strong, independent women and would-be role models for young girls and female readers. Heroes like Black Canary (DC Comics), Wonder Woman (DC Comics), Black Widow (Marvel Comics) and Storm (Marvel Comics) – however, the way the characters are drawn – in a very sexualised manner – is problematic.
It is never easy being a female comic book fan, let alone a cosplayer of the female heroes too. Interestingly, there aren’t many male comic book fans that would make sexist comments towards a female cosplayer in the Asian fan circle. But in the West, female cosplayers of comic book characters would get sexist remarks regarding their cosplay, which is downright disrespectful towards them.
Also, the frustrations of being a female fan include the mistreatment of strong female heroes in their TV shows, or movie counterparts, as they are nerfed so badly by writers who do the characters dirty.
All in all, it’s okay for girls to be comic book fans, as sometimes, the right role model would be found in a paperback colour printed book who saves the day with their superpowers or sometimes super skills. As a female comic book reader, I say you don’t need a guy to tell you what you can or can’t read.
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