Indy Comics Writer

There’s another interesting post on the Digital Webbing forums about the way women are represented in the comics industry. The post, basically, wonders why the vast majority of superheroines, and female characters in general, are drawn with breasts the size of pumpkins. You can read the post here.

Defenders of the way comic artists draw the majority of women usually say that men in comics are usually drawn with exaggerated muscles, too. But compare the costumes. How many male superheroes wear uniforms that highlight, say, their crotches? I’m sure, unfortunately, that there are some, but none come to my mind.

Secondly, it’s not just super-powered women who are drawn with giant hips and breasts and nearly non-existent waists. Lawyers, cops, housewives and doctors, they’re all drawn to look like Playboy bunnies.

Now, please don’t throw every exception at me. There are some, yes. But you can’t deny that the comics world is a horny teen boy’s fantasy world.

Is that fine? Maybe, if the comics industry doesn’t mind getting creamed by the booming popularity of manga books. Manga books showcase women, and men, of all shapes and sizes. They also appeal to young girls. Go into your local comic shop and count the female customers. You probably don’t need both hands.

It’s in the comic industry’s best interest to tone down the cheesecake. Until the industry stops putting blow-up dolls in tights, it will remain the largely niche business it is today.

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