A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, many people were under the impression that science fiction and comic books were made just for the guys.
Now, the industry is changing due to the hard work and perseverance of female fans and women in the industry who are making strides to do away with such an outdated notion—after all, women enjoy reading comic books, attending conventions, and watching their favorite science fiction flicks just as much as guys do! Women working in the sci-fi and comic book realms are challenging stereotypes every day, and we’re here to show you how!
Fashion
Ashley Eckstein
Actress Ashley Eckstein, who collegiettes may recognize as Muffy from That’s So Raven, has been a fan of Star Wars and science fiction since she was a little girl. When she started working on the film and television series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, however, she realized that something was missing: merchandise that she could wear to represent her new role. Eckstein could not find Star Wars merchandise made for female fans, so she bought a Star Wars hat and bedazzled it herself for a feminine flare.
That hat was the beginning of something that has taken the fashion and sci-fi industries by storm: the creation of Her Universe, the first sci-fi-related clothing line to feature items just for women. At first, people were skeptical that women would want to buy Star Wars apparel. Would girls want to wear a shirt with Darth Vader’s sinister figure on it? The answer was a resounding “Yes!”
The company has grown over the years and has even launched a fashion show at San Diego Comic Con, where designers create unique ensembles inspired by pop culture and present them on the runway. The winners of the show are given the chance to go on and design a Her Universe line with Hot Topic!
Her Universe recently celebrated its 5-year anniversary, and over the years has expanded to include lines from The Walking Dead, Star Trek, Marvel, Studio Ghibli, and Doctor Who. Ashley has taught us that geek has become chic, and Her Universe continues to encourage women to be proud of their passions and their love of sci-fi by even putting the spotlight on a new fan every day.
We’re grateful that through Her Universe, we can let our geek flag fly with pride!
Leadership Positions
Kathleen Kennedy
Kathleen Kennedy, the President of Lucasfilm Ltd. (the company that produced Star Wars) is the perfect example of how persistence and passion is key in any field you’re trying to enter.
Kennedy started working at a TV station in San Diego during her time at San Diego State University, where she earned a degree in telecommunications and film. From there, she worked in production on Steven Spielberg’s 1941, and went on to produce E.T., Raiders of the Lost Arc and the Jurassic Park series.
After years of producing hits like Schindler’s List, Back to the Future and War Horse, Kennedy became the co-chair of Lucasfilm Ltd. alongside Star Wars creator George Lucas in June of 2012. Soon after, Kennedy was promoted to President.
Now, Kennedy is working on the newest installments of the Star Wars series. She has worked to expand the role of women in the entertainment industry and is a strong proponent of female leads in films. The first Star Wars standalone film, Rogue One, will star Felicity Jones, and Kennedy has said that the new Star Wars trilogy will feature more “really strong women.”
Overall, we’re beyond impressed with her resume and the influence she has in Hollywood!
Comic Books
Gail Simone
Comic book writer Gail Simone is known for penning some of the comic book world’s most fearsome females in Birds of Prey, Batgirl, and Wonder Woman in DC Comics. Simone challenges the stereotype that comics are written (and drawn) just for men by writing more than just female heroes—she writes about interesting women, women who have flaws, and women who experience personal struggles: complex emotions, tests to ace and friendships to maintain. So basically, women who are just like anyone else—except they fight injustice on Friday nights instead of binge-watching Netflix! Of course, we’re sure Batgirl loves New Girl just as much as any other collegiette.
Lena Dunham
Another incredible writer in the field is Lena Dunham! Known for her work in Girls and Scandal (and for being close pals with Taylor Swift), Dunham is new to the comic book world and is writing a mini-series for Archie comics.
“It has so much cultural significance but also so much personal significance,” Dunham said in an interview. “To get to play with these beloved characters is a wild creative opportunity.”
Dunham applying her knowledge to Archie comics is an positive example of how women are pursuing their passions and furthering their creative talents across several different mediums.
Art
Faith Erin Hicks
Faith Erin Hicks is a freelance cartoonist from Canada who has drawn covers for Aw Yeah Comics and Avatar: The Last Airbender. She also wrote and sketched The Adventures of Superhero Girl.
Hicks has been working on another comic, The Nameless City, which is scheduled for a 2016 release. Hicks says the style of the comic is based off of some of her favorite stories, including Bones and Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Jo Chen
Jo Chen, a Manga, comic book, and video game artist, started working professionally in the comic book industry when she was only 14!
She has worked on comics like New Avengers and Streetfighter and is well known for her painted comic book covers for series like Dark Horse’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Marvel’s Runaways, and Star Wars: Invasion.
Chen’s beautiful artistic style is what makes her work so unique and instantly recognizable.
The Written Word
Amy Ratcliffe
The saying goes, “the pen is mightier than the sword.”
In this case, however, the pen just might be mightier than the lightsaber. Amy Ratcliffe—a self-proclaimed geek who has written for Star Wars Insider, IGN, StarWars.com, and her personal blog Geek With Curves—continues to fight the notion that sci-fi is just for men.
Ratcliffe believes that “writing is mostly more important than sleeping,” and has traveled across the country to cover events like Megacon, Star Wars Celebration, and San Diego Comic Con. She has even been on panels to discuss racial stereotyping, geek fashion, and gender issues in comics and sci-fi.
Amy also has a Disney blog called Make Mine Mouse where she writes about new attractions to the parks, DIY projects and more—talk about our cup of tea!
All in all, Amy knows her stuff, and we’re proud to have her repping female fans!
Overall, these women are inspiring others hoping to break into the sci-fi and comic industries, and are demonstrating that a little girl power can go a long way. These women have worked extremely hard to combat gender biases and stereotypes (and acquire their dream jobs!) and have successfully proven that female fans are definitely here to stay!