Well spoken. I am actually not in that demographic. I noted on the other site that one of my favorite comics is Echo, significant for its more than fair depiction of men and women. Yet while the lessons of Gloria Steinem are not lost on me, neither are the lessons of Hugh Hefner. Money talks.

I don’t personally have this image on my PC, but I have studied art and 2-D design, and I appreciate its composition and flow, and it doesn’t offend me anymore than Michelangelo’s David does (fine art, or medieval porn?).

I see the problem. While the number of women readers is growing, if things are really going to change they need to enlist some help. I guess one of my points is, no one’s asking for it. Instead people put on their militant armor and start cudgeling folks over the head. And in this case, the wrong folks. You want ’18 to 34′ year old guys on YOUR side. OK you can argue thats the only way to get through…

I DO hope that those readers (male and female) that were offended also write to DC. Make it unprofitable for them, and they will stop.

Best

Hey Mike, guess how we go about ‘breaking down walls as old as time’? We continue to call out exploitive bullshit like the above image.

It seems that what you’re saying is that , since we get strong and independent women, we ladyfolk should just shut up and be content with that. If so, is it because you really feel that it’s futile–or that you’re just sick of hearing it?

I get replies like yours very often from a lot of guys, usually within the 18-34 guy comics-reader demographic. Obviously I don’t know your age, nor do I care to–but if you do fall within this demographic, or did at one point in time–you have to realize that you are speaking from an extremely privileged position.

Think about it. This stuff is designed FOR YOU. It is marketed TO YOU. For your cash and enjoyment. If you truly wish to understand why some might find this offensive and/or unoriginal, try stepping outside of your own privilege for a bit. Listen to what those of us NOT in the demographic have to say. Don’t talk, just listen.

If you hear the same things over and over, THINK about it! There’s a reason for that–it might, just might, be a legitimate criticism! You don’t have to agree, but it won’t hurt you to consider it.

The comics industry has already undergone massive changes in its portrayal of both men and women. That said, there’s room for more growth. And yes, most of those who are currently being catered to will not enjoy sharing their space. This is hardly a newsflash for us comic-readin’ ladies, and it sure as hell hasn’t stopped us before.

I’ll gladly accept a spoonful of sugar! But accepting an unsatisfactory artistic status quo? Not gonna happen.

When the TV series “Dark Angel” premiered, I tried to get a couple I knew interested in watching it. The wife got so hung up in the “way women are depicted” argument they never actually saw a single episode. I thought it was a great show, and to this day they have absolutely no clue HOW the women were depicted in it.

Yet it and other similar stories DO reflect a growing acceptance of women as strong and independent. OK, maybe not in the most ideal way, but we’re talking about breaking down walls that are as old as time. This is something guys are going to resist. As I said in the other column “…a spoon full of sugar…”

Mike

Except that the costume is not damaged, that’s the way it’s designed.

Here’s less recent cover.

Oh yeah, and OT: NEWS FLASH! WOMEN, MEN NOT DRAWN PROPORTIONALLY IN COMIC! NEWS AT 11!

Though really, I find it a little hard to understand why we’re still debating these things and getting upset over them. Don’t get me wrong, I am not discounting why this would unsettle any female reader (in much the same way I’m always unsettled by the Atlas-like physique every male hero seems to sport) I just don’t think we should be surprised after seeing women ‘sexualized’ or put on a fantasy pedestal in the medium that’s been doing it longer than just about any other except classical painting…

I understand the Star Sapphires represent love, but why:
1) are they all humanoid?
2) are they all fully developed women?
3) can’t they have uniforms that even vaguely resemble the other Corps’ uniforms?

This issue is just another example of the extraordinary hypocrisy of super-hero comics creators in regards to reaching any kind of female audience.

Since I’m so used to it now (despite that I’m a newish reader), I just roll my eyes at the obvious “wardrobe malfunction” depicted here and in most comics nowadays, and really hope for something similar to happen to my favorite male superheroes someday. (Like near-nude Batman, please?)

A complete rainbow of seven fruit-flavored power lanterns, though? Now that’s a real cause for despair.