Who'd Read THAT?

You know, I keep thinking of a particular accusation that I've seen flung about. That no one would want to read the kind of comics that "feminists" want.

Well, I can't speak for all feminists, naturally (no hive vagina here, after all), but I can definitely tell you the kind of comic stories I'd like to see.

I'd like to see strong, heroic protagonists, whether male or female. (Naturally flawed protagonists are good too. Though I prefer the flaws/weaknesses to be portrayed as something the hero strives to transcend rather than being made as an excuse for the heroes).

I like to see female characters in a variety of roles. Not just "love interest". Mothers, allies, friends, enemies.

I like to see female characters that are on equal footing with the men, with strengths and weaknesses that may be different from a particular male character, but no less formidable for it.

I like to see female characters that are strong in a variety of ways, like male characters tend to be. Warriors. Thinkers. Rulers. Nurturers. Mentors. Not just the same sort of tired cliche.

I like seeing female characters that also have relationships to one another, beyond their relationships to men. Women who talk about things other than men.

I like seeing competence and women playing the "damsel and distress" role no more or no less than men.

I like seeing shows that pack action and violence with likeable characters and interesting stories.

And it occurs to me. One series, a cartoon series actually, comes immediately to mind as having all these traits. A series I loved as a child, despite the early eighties cheesiness. A series that I watched, completely unconscious of all of the gender element that I'm now so sensitive to, but absorbed nonetheless.

The series that most influenced the feminist I am today.

Nah. These guys are right. No one would read anything like that...