“Womanthology is a large-scale anthology showcasing the works of women in comics. It is created entirely by over 140 women of all experience levels, from young girls who love to create comics all the way up to top industry professionals. All of the short stories will center around our theme for this volume; Heroic. There will also be features, such as Professional How-Tos, a Kids/Teens section showcasing their works and giving tips, as well as a section dedicated to some Iconic female comic creators of the past, such as Nell Brinkley, and much more. Profits of this book will go towards the Charities of GlobalGiving.org.” publisher [IDW publishing] comments.
I heard mention of Womanthology a while back, I believe it was on The Mary Sue; and they’ve since hosted a preview. Recently I encountered it on NetGalley, and w/ IDW’s permission I caught a glimpse of what is to come this month! I can’t wait to get a hold of the whole book. Womanthology has a blog, so check it out, they hosted a preview, here. Meanwhile, let me share my free and honest glimpse of this excellent collection of comics created by the females of the industry.
——————————————————
Super Less Hero : story by Kelly Thompson, Art by Stephanie Hans : p. 5-12.
This story is a gorgeous lead, all the way around. The art, color, lettering, the story is wonderful… It is waiting to be unseated as my favorite.
—–Each contribution shows its creators at the bottom of the page, where you are introduced and can then follow-up via their website information; a touch of loveliness there.
—–there are “Womanthology Statistics” here and there, balanced within & between comics, at bottoms of pages. p. 10: “Contributors come from over 11 countries; and range in age from under 10 to over 70.”–exciting, right?!
The Spinster : by Ming Doyle, pencil, ink, writer; & Jordie Bellaire, colorist : p. 29-31.
A classic and classy story that has you smirking at ridiculous social/gender expectations.
—–lest you mistakenly believe that all comics involve are a writer and an artist: you’ll meet those skilled in lettering, pencils, ink, color, editing. Plenty are skilled in multiple ways, like Kate Leth who is a writer, penciler, inker, and colorist. Womanthology: Heroic would show off the different facets of comic work and their collaborators.
——there are “Pro-tips” tucked in corners, laced along edges; they range in type, like drawing, editing, writing… p. 12:
“Don’t give up. Everyone who can draw beautifully now was a beginner once. And don’t get frustrated if your work doesn’t yet look the way you want it to. Perseverence is the most important skill you’ll need, and it’s one you can start using right now.” –Laura Morely.
——-check out the extended preview on the blog-site. You’ll note the range of style and story. All center around heroic and are female-centric. I adored Renae de Liz and Nei Ruffino’s contribution (of which I am unsure of the title, High School?) featuring a non-thin heroine called Lady Power Punch (the result of a last minute scramble for a name). She is an awesome figure in red and gets crap for not being empty-headed or Barbie-esque in proportion. It is a smart and beautiful comic that shows off positive girl values, great story-telling, and fantastic color. (p. 18-22)
——-there are How-Tos; Interviews; a section on “Women in the Past.” Womanthology proves itself to be an ambitious project, without being burdensome.
Womanthology : Heroic is project worth spending time with, lover of comic or no. It isn’t only about informing us or contributing in support of the women in the comic realm, but to share a love of the comic arts–where it just so happens to have a place for women and their stories, too.
So, I only had a taste (pages 9-34), and then the previews. It was enough to hook me and share it. The release says February 07, 2012–er, tomorrow. Keep your eyes out for this collection, make sure your Library is going to have this, and think about ways you can support them in any future projects, as I hope Heroic will not be the last we see of Womanthology.
———————————————————
Womanthology: Heroic ed. Barbara Kesel.
contributors credited: by Camilla D’ Errico, Ann Nocenti, Anya Martin, Barbara Kesel, Kimberly Komatsu, Gail Simone, Trina Robbins, Samantha Newark , Renae DeLiz,Ming Doyle, Colleen Doran, Fiona Staples, Stephanie Buscema, Bonnie Burton.
to be released Hardcover, 300 pages.
—
{cover & banner-work (1st/last images) by Renae de Liz. other images are attributed their creators, and can be found via womanthology.blogspot.com}
leslie d. 
Wonderful! It never ceases to amaze me how sexist the comic book industry is. I’m currently going through a series from 2001, and the portrayal of women is pretty much ridiculous. I’m not sure why artists (or whoever decides what’s going in the panels) constantly feel the need to showcase a woman’s curves, whether the woman is in the focus or the background. Even more, most writers don’t have a clue how to write the women either. I could go on and on here, but by and large, the comic industry is geared towards testosterone so much that any change will take years, sadly.
That said, Womanthology is fascinating, and indeed beautiful to behold. Stephanie Hans’ illustrations are breathtaking. I very much look forward to a full review of this book. Thanks for sharing!
That looks, and sounds, pretty fabulous. What a great idea. And I LOVE that cover image. Wow!