Fierce [Young] Female Characters in Graphic Novels

Female Writers Creating Strong Female Characters in Graphic Novels

1. Mariko Tamaki

• Notable Work: This One Summer (2014), Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me (2019)
• Mariko Tamaki is a writer of comics and prose. Rose in This One Summer provides an example of Tamaki’s deep and varied characters, experiencing the trials of adolescence. Tamaki has spoken about how her own life experiences and background as a Canadian of Japanese descent, influences her writing and subject matter.

2. Faith Erin Hicks

• Notable Work: The Nameless City Trilogy (2016-2018), Friends with Boys (2012)
• Faith Erin Hicks has been recognized for creating vibrant worlds and strong female characters challenged by both personal and external conflicts. Hick’s main characters embody bravery and resourcefulness, and Hicks’s storytelling and interest usually explores different cultures and histories.

3. G. Willow Wilson

• Notable Work: Ms. Marvel (2014-present), Cairo (2007)
• Kamala Khan is the first Muslim character to headline a Marvel comic book. Kamala’s journey is one of identity, culture and heroism. A college convert to Islam, Wilson uses her own beliefs and experiences in the novel’s characters.

Authors Living Vicariously Through Their Characters

Creating powerful female characters through writing and ilustrating them have allowed writers to explore their own identities and aspirations. Here are a thoughts expressed by writers:

• Noelle Stevenson has said that like Nimona let her ask questions about identity and rebellion, providing a place to think on personal experiences and politics.
• G. Willow Wilson shared that Kamala Khan is special to her as an avatar for her own struggles fitting in and cultural identity. Writing a character whose experiences merge magically (though imperfectly) provides the opportunity to live vicariously through the adventures and experiment with possibilities.
• Mariko Tamaki frequently inserts parts of her own life and scientific studies into the characters, using them as a way to explore emotions and situations she has faced.

• Raina Telgemeier bases her authentic and relatable stories on things that have actually happened in her life, so she can vicariously experience or reexperience those moments through the experiences of her characters.
• Kelly Sue DeConnick has spoken about how she pours herself into her characters, utilizing themes of empowerment and resistance.

Summary

In addition to creating dynamic and powerful women on the page, these graphic novelists insert their own backgrounds and experiences directly into their storytelling. Their work within the the Graphic Novel category has increased the representation of young women and provided readers with stories of empowerment.

Books Mentioned