(Warning: this article is written under the influence of Vicodin. I see the orthopedist on Friday for the worsening problems in my back and leg. I’m cranky.)
The New York Comic Con is trying very hard to do a better job than last year’s debacle, where they accidentally oversold the show to the public and the fire department shut the show down for a long period of time on Saturday. So far, they’ve done a good job. Not only was I given a refund for my ticket, but I’ve also been given a box of swag and a free Saturday ticket for the 2007 show. I do believe they’re trying to make things better.
But this press release didn’t help. They’ve announced over 140 artists will attend the show…but the list is a bit male-centric. I counted nearly 100 names in the press release, but only four were female (Alison Bechdel, June Brigman, Colleen Doran, and Ramona Fradon). None of the artists listed as making a special appearance are women, and there are no women in the Guests of Honor (not even Bechdel, whose Fun House book has been given every honor under the sun this year).
This year, we’ve seen more comics aimed at audiences outside the traditional young male demographic. Why not invite artists who also are outside that demographic to what might be the biggest show on the East Coast? There are more women making comics than ever before. Let’s get their name in lights (and press releases), too.