#wingedhippocampus

Maybe useful for Nikki, who was pretty furious with her attempt to get into the Wonder Woman comics only to be met by every trope that disgusts her.

In regards to respectful comics that are following the changing social trends in the DC world it really depends on the writer(s) and the accompanying artist(s). Some people forget that mainstream American comics are a little different than comic strips or most manga- they have several different writers and artists working on the same title, all flip-flopping and shuffling around so it can be 1.) frustrating when the writer/artist is offensive and  2.) confusing when it comes to character development especially when the writer does not know a character very well.

While there are TERRIBLE writers on DC's payroll (such as Scott Lobdell who is a misogynist douche and he doesn't even know it) there are those that write stories that are respectful, are structurally sound and handle characters correctly (such as the late Dwayne McDuffie). This goes the same for varying artists, some draw as if they are drawing for a porn magazine and there are others that are respectful to the female and male figure and actually know anatomy (such as Marcus To).

There are writers who KNOW what issues rest with the comic industry and they do what they can with the materials they are allotted. There used to be this master-list on Tumblr here of comic writers that were respectful to varying social groups but I think it got taken down because I can't find it. Maybe if I have time I'll make one more but including a list of writers that should be avoided at all costs (like Scott Lobdell).

Writing to DC is a good start to push those in power to make better decisions but we can't JUST write, we also have to spend a little money. As you know DC is a business and money talks more than good thoughts, so it is a necessary step to buy, buy, buy comics that are respectful and unoffensive and that support the social change while PURGING the comics that don't pass (like anything that Scott Lobdell has worked on which sadly includes the N52 Teen Titans).

Some people might think writing is a step that is ignorable and a waste of time and will not do any good but it HAS proven effective in the past. During the Women's Liberation Movement thousands of angry women wrote to DC to bring justice and to free a comic character that had been thrown into the shadows behind men; Wonder Woman. During that time Wonder Woman had been written in obscurity as a "girl's comic" instead of a comic book hero - she dealt with cooking, cleaning, fashion and the mundane life. They took away her sword, her lasso and her freedom. This pissed a lot of women off and with their letters and protesting thy got her back on battlefield as a warrior equal to her male coworkers.

So writing CAN make a change if it's loud enough, and in enough volume. Do I expect such a huge change in this day and age? No. Do I expect some change if enough people write in and buy appropriate comics over a period of time? YES.

We've been seeing some change, at a snails pace, but it's been hopeful. Many of the writers are close to our age after all and were born for today, not yesterday

Sorry for the rant and the long post but it's all stuff that I've been thinking about lately anyway.

I hope this might help Nikki get some ideas, if she wants I can do some digging to find some Wonder Woman titles that were actually respectful to her, to womankind and everyone. Most of them will be pre 52 though because that's just what I know the best.

1. If you could hang out with a fictional character (anyone, even your own OCs) for a day- who would it be and what would you want to talk about?

Hoo boy, that's a tough one.  So many I would want to pick...and quite a few I'd almost certainly regret. XD  Still, I think I'd ultimately pick nikkinicolep's "Wreck-it Ralph" OC, Nicola Fizzman.  She's the kind of kid I know I can get along with smashingly, and she has juuuuuuuuuust enough basis in a real-life friend that I don't foresee us NOT forming a good relationship.

2. What’s one thing you’d really like to learn how to do?

Draw and write on some kind of schedule. lD;

3. What was your first video game that you remember playing? 

I think I answered this in an earlier meme, actually, but it is almost certainly the original "Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt" and "Legend of Zelda" cartridges.  My brothers and I would play those all the time at my Grandma's house.

4. What’s your favorite time of the year and why?

Summer Time.  It's when my birthday happens, it's when I get the weather I most like most often, and even though I no longer attend school, it still holds the symbolic power of School Vacation to me. 

5. If you could have ANY existing animal at all as a pet, what would it be?

A house cat.  Which I realize is the most boring possible answer.  And there are slightly more colorful animals I'd consider, like the ferret or the otter or even a horse.  I just dunno how good those animals would be as pets for me.  Cats?  Cats I know.  Cats I love.  And it feels like it's been far too long since I had one in my home.

6. If you were a superhero, what kinds of powers would you have?

I'm torn between the Superman power set or the Spider-Man power set.  Like...can I have both?  Let's go with both.  That would be perfect.   

7. What’s one thing you’re looking forward to before the year is over?

As always, getting to visit wingedhippocampus and nikkinicolep for Anime Weekend Atlanta. <3

8. What’s one of your biggest pet peeves and why?

Assuming you have the authority or permission to give me advice on how to take care of myself without my prompting or permission.   Friends and family, I understand, but casual acquaintances?  Hell, complete strangers?  Sorry, but that's a level of presumption that irks the crap out of me.

9. If when we die, and the afterlife ends up being each person’s perfect individual paradise (i.e. What Dreams May Come style), what do you think yours would be like?

Honestly?  Probably what my life is like now, except all my friends, family, and loved ones are in walking distance of me.  And I am Super Spider-Man.

10. What is one of the best feelings in the world?

The rush of relief that comes when I spend a prolonged period worried about someone I care about only to discover they're OK.

11. APPLES OR ORANGES???

Apples.  Partly because I genuinely find them delicious, and partly because Applejack is Best Pony. >W>

My questions

And now, I have 11 questions of my own to add!

1.) What's a movie you love that everyone else seems to hate?

2.) What's a video game you hate that everyone else seeems to love?

3.) Pick one of your favorite characters, any fandom.  If you could change exactly one thing about them, be it something in their design or appearance, their personality, or their role in the story, what would it be?

4.) What is your favorite song to listen to in order to get inspired/motivated?

5.) Favorite Cartoon Catchphrase?

6.) If you could have any one fictional weapon from a fandom of yours, which one would you choose and why?

7.) What would you consider the single funniest/one of the funniest thing(s) you've ever said?

8.) Do you know any good puns/jokes/riddles?

9.) What's a bad habit of yours you'd like to break?  

10.) What is your favorite number? 

11.) What do you consider your "quest" in life? 

It took me weeks. Some shinies pop up within three boxes. Some pop up in three THOUSAND boxes. Good luck.

I will harm things if it gets to another 3280 eggs XD

Ugh, sorry to hear it. But sometimes, enough is enough and it’s healthier to find another path to walk.

I feel ya. I think my eyes are permanently CLAMP style. Trying to get away from it a little though!