In honor of National Comic Book Day, I just wanted to write a list of a few online comics by female writers and/or artists that I absolutely love.
First up, I’m going to make a liar of myself, because this isn’t an online comic, but it’s quickly become one of my faves: Ms. Marvel. Go ahead and pick up the first issue and then tell me you didn’t fall in love with this story-line. I won’t believe you anyway.
Strong Female Protagonist is a webcomic I just recently found, and then I whispered, “Where have you been all of my life?” Okay, not really, but I was sad I just discovered it, because it is an amazing webcomic that makes some strong statements about this world while being set in (what I’m assuming is) a parallel world similar to our own. Great literature always makes you re-examine your own world with new eyes, and this is wonderfully done.
For something on the lighter side, check out Let’s Speak English. This one never fails to make me laugh, even when spiders are the subject. (Read the archives for the lovely, little arc about this spider and his ultimate fate.)
Do you ever get the feeling that your cat is watching you, silently commenting on everything she sees you do? If so, then Breaking Cat News is perfect for you! Three main characters give you the breaking news going on in their house, set with The Man, The Woman, and now two kiddos in the mix. There are never-ending misunderstandings between cats and humans to enjoy. Honestly, how can you not love an irascible Siamese cat who absolutely adores the newest member of the household and vows to protect her? The answer is that you just can’t. You’ll fall in love with all three of our purrfectly flawed heroes (and all of their correspondents, too)!
Okay, so this one was (still is?) syndicated for years and years, but a few years ago Lynn decided to re-run her entire repertoire of strips, along with some commentary about those strips. For Better or For Worse is an oldie, but a goodie, so check out the updated comics (for some of them, anyway) and her thoughts behind them.
For the only comic strip I’ve ever seen reference Five Iron Frenzy, look no further than Girls With Slingshots! It follows a few women and their hijinks and exploits of making it in the world (not always sober).
What happens when you have a short, brunette woman and a tall, blond guy with red facial hair? Well, no, it’s not me and Neal (okay, yes, it is)–at least, not for this webcomic: Wasted Talent. WT is a brilliant comic that started while the artist was in engineering school and has continued throughout her relationship with her (now)husband and her jobs since college. I guarantee you’ll recognize yourself in things that happen to her! (I really, really wanted the original art to this comic. Wow, it’s also about spiders. I’m sensing a trend here. I must only like webcomics whose artists/writers don’t like spiders either!)
Another webcomic that short, but hilarious scenes is Our Super Adventure. If you don’t recognize your relationship with your pet or your significant other in some of these scenes, then we can’t be friends. I’m sorry, but this is the litmus test.
I just recently discovered Mare Internum, and I’m glad I did. It’s a slowly unfolding story, but it had me hooked right away, because I’m slowly learning more about the main character(s?) as we go along.
These aren’t the only ones I regularly read (not by a long shot). Heck, they aren’t even all of the ones by women that I regularly read, but they are ones that I wanted to get the word out about. The writing is good; the art is good. What more could you want? Go, read, explore webcomics!
