Chicks Get Comics Fix

The stereotypical comic book reader is a kid, say 11 - 17, wearing baggy clothes, hunkered over a stack of books with his friends.

You see I said "his." That's also the common perception. You don't see many girls in the comic books shops or at the comic book conventions. But the ratio is changing and the perception is changing as well. Two publications/organizations that highlight and promote this development are Sequential Tart and Friends of Lulu.

While Sequential Tart is a webzine about the comics industry published by women, Friends of Lulu is an information hub and organization that promotes the reading of comics by females and spotlights women in the biz. Lulu lists not only women on the creative side of comics, but also those in retail, production and administration (their Industrial Strength Women). Suggested readings, resources, and an event calendar are also provided.

Sequential Tart publishes articles, columns and features that range from general news and reviews to pleas on comics' (specifically Meridian's) behalf.. The site received a Lulu award in 2002 (for bringing attention to the best, most women- and reader-friendly work in comics and for recognizing the work of women comics creators of the past).

Mia MacHatton, a contributing "tart" for the Sequential Tart zine, believes that even though the industry may cater to "boys," things have been changing (as evidenced by the film deal recently signed by Ariel Schrag for her self-published title Potential) Her tastes in books is diverse (faves include Kabuki and Route 666), but the ultimate goal as a reader is not so different from any other fan, male or female.

"The common thread is that they're all good stories. They have characters I care about and plots I find interesting."