Today I bought my copy of X-men: Gals on the run, for the sole purpose of using it for my dissertation. It honestly felt like I was buying porn and I felt the need to stress that it was for my dissertation and not for my own entertainment.
Lately, Marvel has been making a big push to reach a female demographic with their one-shots focusing on female comic book characters as well as their Women of Marvel series. So is their new book celebratory of women in comics, or does it smell of exploitation? If the latter, is this a step back for Marvel?
To me, it's a step back. It was illustrated by Milo Manara, an Italian artist whose well known for his more erotic illustrations and comic books. That's not to say he isn't a brilliant illustrator but the front cover itself does nothing for me. Am I allowed to call the ladies facial features ugly? Because I'm hearing the faint sound of Greg Land pausing porn half way through the middle to trace the stills.
While over on Comic Vine I found this great little video that pretty much sum's up my own feelings when looking at this book.
Please excuse the hands.
I cant actually tell you what the story is about because I haven't actually gotten around to reading it yet. I can tell you however that if it wasn't for my dissertation subject then I would have never have picked up this book. Maybe it will surprise me, maybe the writing will over shadow the art work. Or maybe not.
In the words of Comic writer Gail Simone: female characters being drawn in a humiliating manner to titillate. It's not empowering, it's degrading.
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