October 25, 2011

A woman in a male-dominated industry like the comic book world typically only shows up as a busty, nearly naked, illustrated character, or, as a scantily clad “Geek Girl” traipsing around convention center booths for Facebook photo-ops and inspiring false hopes for comic nerds.

But Jacqueline Taylor (also known as Jack Taylor) is part of a growing minority of women who are changing the face of women in this world. She is the artist behind Megabrain Comics’ American Dark Age, a new comic series that debuted at New York Comic Con this year.

Here's what she had to say about the evolving role of women within this billion-dollar industry.

Q: How has it been for you as a woman emerging as the artist rather than the muse of a new comic cook in this male dominated industry?

A: There are very [few] female comic book artists in the industry, let alone successful ones. Most female artists are softer and delicate on how they draw female characters, as they tend to draw them less ready for merciless ass-kicking action, and more ready for a pin-up photo shoot. It's harder because female artists have to remember their audience (boys) and they need to appeal to their appetites.

I feel for my female characters. They don't need skin tight outfits to look appealing, and they certainly should be able to express the same brutal ferocity as any male super-hero should. I feel that if I have a character, they need to express a certain emotion, whether they would be male or female. That takes a major reflection to the audience, which I believe is the most important element to the process of creating any kind of story.

Q: The definition of what a Geek Girl is is changing. Women in the comic book world are not just the sexy subject drawn, like in your case they’re the artist too. Does this change the product?

A: It hasn't really changed the project, as the whole objective was to have a strong female character in epic story that draws in both male and female audiences.

Q: Is there some kind of women's camaraderie group of fellow comic artists that you've encountered?

A: I've had a major amount of positive feedback for the story and artwork, and I've been approached by some popular artists. It's all been expressed by both genders, which is exactly what I want.

Q: Being new and buzzed about, even a novelty as the woman illustrator is exciting, but how do you plan to sustain and maximize this moment as best as you can?

A: Publicity was our strongest push to the moment. It isn't really about the profit, [although] it's nice when you get it. It's just being known and being recognized for what you've created. The whole Comic Con experience, especially for someone's first time, is extremely overwhelming. There is nothing more satisfying with watching someone walk away with your work, [and] know that your work, passion, and dedication will be shared and hundreds more to come.

Q: What do you think we'll start to see now that women are taking on more and different roles in the comic world beyond that of a hot muse?

A: We should not be underestimated. We should be allowed to share the same strength, dedication and visions in the comic world as any male could share. We are tired of being subjected to the role of being the damsel in distress, and would rather been seen as the knight, or hell, even the dragon! Most female artists are afraid to take the violent or aggressive feel in their work. We need more confident female artists that aren't afraid to take that extra leap.

Image credit: Business Insider

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Shira Levine, Article, women in business, Megabrain Comics, Jacqueline Taylor, Comin Con

Join the conversation ( 1 )

• Roseanna McBain 6 months ago

  

  Well written article with a candid authoress. You can remove this second part of my comment, but I think there's a typo in the first question as it reads "muse of a new comic cook" and I think the "cook" should be book. :)