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Being Geek Chic is a blog about one woman navigating the male-dominated industries of production and tech. It's written by Elizabeth Giorgi, Founder, CEO and Director of Mighteor - one of the world's first internet video production companies. Learn more about Mighteor here.

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  • Note

    19th March 2016

    Little Known Superheroes You Can Look Up To

    It’s a pretty well-known fact that superhero cinema has largely neglected women. And though the films can be enjoyed by most everyone, this has been unfair to girls and women who want to be inspired by a superhero of their own gender. Sure, Marvel has done fairly well expanding the role of Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow character (and may even finally give the heroine her own movie). And DC will soon be introducing a new Wonder Woman (played by Gal Gadot) in Batman v. Superman: Dawn Of Justice. But really, there’s still a pretty big problem in the biggest superhero films.

    The good news, however, is that there are still plenty of female superheroes out there to admire! Some of them are relatively little known, and some simply haven’t made their impact on the Marvel or DC film universes just yet. But they’re out there, and some may even be going more mainstream in the near future. These are some such heroes.

    She-Hulk

    She-Hulk was mentioned in one article as one of 10 little known superheroes that could “make Marvel millions” if added to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. That article did a pretty good job of characterizing why she’d be a good fit in the Marvel films. Namely, she’s the cousin of Bruce Banner, and such a close connection to an existing Avenger would make for an easy entry into the MCU. However, it’s also mentioned that She-Hulk would be a good role model for girls, and I couldn’t agree more. This character - named Jennifer Walters before her transformation - is a strong, successful lawyer who chooses to become She-Hulk and learns to control the monster, ultimately adopting the persona full-time despite potential judgments from society. It’s a nice contrast to the idea that every female superhero needs to be a Hollywood beauty in form-fitting spandex.

    Wasp

    This one might be cheating a little bit, because technically we actually have seen the Wasp in the MCU. Evangeline Lily’s character in Ant-Man is meant to step into the role, and she kind of did in the end credits scene, for those of you who may not have stuck around in the theater. Regardless, it would be nice to see this character really built up into a superhero on the same level as Marvel’s male leads. The Wasp makes for an interesting role model because, like Ant-Man or even Iron Man, she’s an ordinary (if particularly intelligent) human with a super suit - rather than a superhuman. Given that the 2018 Ant-Man sequel is expected to be titled Ant-Man and the Wasp, this could be a hero who’s on her way to bigger things.

    Elektra

    Elektra isn’t exactly little known, and in fact she’s been more mainstream than most female characters related to Marvel. Jennifer Garner played the part in the 2003 Daredevil film and even in a solo movie spinoff. And in the time since the character has lingered in the public eye, most notably through a popular online casino game that often appears alongside Iron Man- and Avengers-themed games. Described as a Marvel gaming option for those looking for something a little more feminine, it’s almost an overt statement about the lack of female superheroes, given that it stands alone. Now, however, we’re seeing Elektra brought into the fold in a cinematic sense once more, and it’ll probably be much more significant than the Garner film. Elodie Yung is set to take up the role in the new season of the Netflix series Daredevil, just months after a solo series for Jessica Jones gave us the strongest f emale Marvel character yet.

    Rescue

    You probably haven’t heard of Rescue unless you’re a pretty serious comic fan. But you’ve heard of the lady behind the moniker. This is Tony Stark’s personal assistant/love interest Pepper Potts (played by Gwyneth Paltrow in the films) in her very own Iron Man-style suit. Pepper is already one of the more compelling female characters in the MCU, as she’s undergone an interesting transition from a vaguely defined love interest to a powerful CEO with the rare ability to put Tony Stark in his place. Turning her into a superhero might set a nice example. Additionally, one implication of the name is that she might have the ability to rescue her superhero boyfriend, which would be a nice way for Marvel to flip the damsel-in-distress motif on its head.

    Kamala Khan

    Aside from Wasp and Elektra, Kamala Khan may ultimately be the likeliest female superhero to be injected into the MCU. In part this seems to be the case because she was recently introduced in a popular app game through which Marvel has made a few character introductions alongside film or TV debuts. But it’s also because the character by nature is easy to toss into an existing series. That’s because Kamala Khan is essentially a fan of the Avengers (and specifically Captain Marvel, or Carol Danvers). Khan sets a wonderful example for young girls in particular, because she’s one of the few Marvel superheroes who becomes one because she aspires to be one. It’s a tale of hard work and passion paying off, as Khan ultimately takes up the role of Ms. Marvel herself. Captain Marvel is already going to be brought into the MCU, so perhaps Khan will also.

    Marvel is slowly but surely beginning to include more female superheroes in starring roles. But adding these five to the mix would give young women even more characters to look up to.

    Marvel Comics Superheroes feminism
  • Note

    10th December 2015

    Why We Need Diversity in Comics

    After giving away a free comic from EMET Comics a few weeks ago, I got to talking with their founder about the value of diversity in media, specifically in the world of comics books. Both of us agreed: we need more. So, thanks to her team member, Marial Llorens, we have a helpful post today on that very topic. And as a refresher: You can download their free comic here. 

    It’s undeniable that comic book culture has exploded in the past decade. You can see its influence everywhere, though most notably in film and TV adaptations inspired by comics. It seems that every day a new comic book adaptation is announced, and that trend seems unlikely to wane anytime soon. Stories that already have a following are less of a financial risk for the mostly white, mostly male gatekeepers of pop culture.

    These comic-based TV shows and films have, admittedly, been skewed toward men and male characters. The big names are all dudes: Captain America, Iron Man, Superman, Batman. Black Widow and Gamora are the token women in all-male teams.

    As comic writer Mark Millar put it: “I do think it’s interesting we got a talking raccoon before we got a female lead in a comic-book movie.”

    More infuriating than interesting, but you get the point. In 2014, only 12% of protagonists in films were women. Only 10% were non-white.

    In Hollywood, it’s almost exclusively men that get to spearhead comic book adaptations, sci-fi, action, and fantasy films and TV shows. And movies by male filmmakers only have a female lead 4% of the time.

    Movies and TV have yet to really catch up to comics, an industry that’s also mostly male (and white, and cis, and hetero) but shifting at a more rapid pace. Comics with strong female leads and female creators, at least, are frequenting bestseller lists more than ever before. The serialized format of comics and the frequent creation/cancellation of stories mean that the industry has had more flexibility as of late in responding to a growing and more diverse audience.

    What does this all mean? It means comic books are the future.

    Comics are a battleground where women, minorities, and people of varying gender and sexual identities can make a big impact on media. What starts in comics will end up on TV, in movies, on billboards, on kids’ lunchboxes, and in the popular imagination.

    Representation in the comics industry remains far from perfect. Tim Hanley of Bleeding Cool reported that at both DC and Marvel, about 83% of credits on comics were men in August 2015. And that’s a “fantastic” month for women. Only 1 in 4 of Marvel’s titles launching in January are led by a female character. At other publishers, the numbers aren’t much better.

    But there are signs that things in comics are improving. Thor is a woman and Captain America is black. Raina Telgemeier rules the bestseller lists with graphic novels aimed at middle school girls. In a recent issue of Batgirl, a smart and brave transgender female character helps rescue her fiancé—a woman—and marries her.

    There’s still a long way to go to get equal representation. As consumers, we can make a difference in how media is created and who is included in the conversation.  What’s the simplest, most powerful solution for effecting change?

    Vote with your wallet.

    You want to see more women and minorities creating and starring in comics, TV, and films? Seek out stories that feature them and are created by them and throw your hard-earned dollars at them as fast as you can. Get your butt to a comic book shop or a bookstore and be vocal online about what you want to see in your stories.

    With your support, they may even make it to the big screen.

    Emet Comics was founded in January 2015 by a community of female filmmakers to empower storytellers and artists who didn’t feel like they had a platform for their unique stories. It is widely known that media images can be incredibly powerful in influencing biases that marginalize young women, often making them feel like they aren’t smart enough, pretty enough, or brave enough.   Emet Comics aims to empower young women to see themselves in the driver seat of their lives and to dare to dream the impossible! Through bold and diverse comics, Emet’s creators are proving that women are not afraid to take risks, dream, and lead adventurous lives.  They hope to create a movement to empower female storytellers and in turn empower women all over the world. Learn more at emetcomics.com

    comic books comics women in comics nerd girls
  • Note

    30th September 2015

    Lady Geeks of the Week: Linda Chung and J.M. Tolman

    You’ve already met the creators and writers of the new webcomic, “Fashion Forward,” sisters Shawnelle and Shawnee Gibbs. Catch up on their Lady Geek(s) of the Week feature here. Now, get introduced to Linda Chung, interior page artist, and JM Tolman, the cover artist.

    Together, these ladies bring the story of a young, time-traveling fashion designer to life. Read on and get to know them! 

    Q: What drew you to Fashion Forward as an artist? 
    Linda: It’s comics about fashion!  And time traveling!  But mainly, fashion!  I love looking at fashion and how things are designed so it just clicked for me.  When I met the creators/writers Shawnee and Shawnelle Gibbs, they were such an enthusiastic and creative pair. The storyline was great and so I jumped into it. With Fashion Forward, it was definitely a new and different thing for me to draw–kinda like trying a new and different fashion style. It was exciting as an artist.

    Q: What was your process for creating the art pages for Fashion Forward? 

    Linda: The process starts with the writers giving me the text, layout, and loose description for a set of pages and then I create them using photoshop on my Cintiq. There were reference images of fashion and people that they sent me and I would also look up. It was a fun challenge for me to incorporate them throughout the comics. The most enjoyable part was getting to finalize the sketches! It’s such a delight to look back on the pages and see it all come together.

    Q: What did you consider when creating the cover for the inaugural issue of Fashion Forward? 

    JM: For covers, I always start off with four rough sketches, each illustrating a different idea. Once one idea is chosen, I do a slightly more refined sketch with four color variations. After the final rough is chosen, I move onto the inking stage, which is entirely digital.

    Finally, after the inks are done and approved, I color the piece, which is my favorite part. I love playing around with color!

    Q: A little bird told us that you two know each other from art school. Was it serendipitous collaborating with an old friend?

    JM: I did! We even graduated at the same time. And it was very much a serendipitous thing- while I did read the story before I drew the sketches for the first cover, I didn’t realize who the interior artist was until much later. It was a pleasant surprise!

    Q: What do you want readers to take away from your art? 

    Linda: As an artist, I would love it if readers can immerse themselves in the world I created and travel through it fluidly. I love telling a story visually. On a deeper level, I hope readers understand that fashion, like art, is unique and different for everybody, and there are many ways to enjoy it and share it with the world.

    Q: When did you discover you were “geeky”?

    JM: There was no discovery, unless you count the first time I heard the word. When, at the age of four, you drag a Godzilla figure everywhere you go and your hero is Princess Leia, it is very, very hard to deny that you are a geek. I didn’t even try, heh.

    Linda: Sometimes I’m still rediscovering my geekiness!  There are so many new and amazing things to geek over.  The first recollection would probably be in middle school when I watched a lot of anime and made fanart and cosplayed.  I thought it was something that everybody liked and did for a hobby, and I hung out with people who enjoyed the same throughout high school.  Looking back now, what I thought was cool and popular was considered “geeky” and not widely acknowledged.


    Emma Bauer is a Being Geek Chic Contributor. Clearly, she’s got great taste. She is a PR enthusiast, dog lover, tea drinker, art appreciator, and of course, aspires to Be Geek Chic. Follow her on Twitter: @emmalynnbauer

    LGOTW art fashion comics comic book art
  • Note

    23rd February 2015

    24 Ways to be Your Own Superhero

    Women don’t get to be the hero very often. In the movies. On television. In media in general. But in real life? Oh, ladies are the heroes all the damn time. At our jobs. In our personal lives. With our friends. With our families. But when you’re having a bad day or week or month, it can be easy to forget just how powerful you really are. Sometimes, the only way to get back to yourself is put on the metaphorical cape and regain our hero-like status.

    Here are 24 ways you can be your own superhero and get your powers back:

    1. Put on a totally kick-ass outfit. Think of it as your armor for the day. 

    2. Create a new playlist of songs that make you feel awesome. My special mixes always includes artists like Banks, Beyonce and Kadebostany. 

    3. Go running. Feel your lungs burn. Your muscles tingle. Feel fast. 

    4. Lift some weights. I find a full set of bicep curls makes me feel like I’m going to kick some ass. 

    5. Put your arms up in the air. Reach for the sky. Breath in deeply and feel all the power of your human body controlling that breath. Let it out slowly and loudly. Feel the power of breathing. Feel alive. 

    6. Meditate. Think about the bigger picture. Imagine the smallest of things. Realize that you are part of all of this. 

    7. Think about a woman who you think is a hero, but you don’t know and would like to. Ask that woman out for a cup of coffee. Tell her you want to have an afternoon being badasses together. 

    8. Give yourself a rad, superhero worthy nickname. Like, The Manager. Or Betty Broot. 

    9. Watch an episode of Marvel’s Agent Carter. Or binge the whole thing. Peggy Carter is a lady to take inspiration from. 

    10. Re-read your favorite book with a female hero. Focus on her. Try to embody the things you admire about her. 

    11. Tell someone a secret you’ve never told. Realize the power of letting go. Bask in the realization that power is not held in the dark. 

    12. Make a list of the three women in your life whom you admire most. Call them and tell them why..

    13. Next time you go out to dinner with your partner, friend, coworker, whoever - compliment them on something meaningful. 

    14. Update your resume. Be really focused on adding things to it that highlight your best qualities. 

    15. Sign up for a new class. Of any kind! A dancing class. A circus class. A kickboxing class. Go and realize that new skills take practice. Commit to doing it. 

    16. Create an “I’m Awesome” file on your email client. Put any kind emails or words of encouragement you’ve gotten from friends, colleagues or family in them. 

    17. Plant something. An herb. A flower. A tree. Remember that you will get to reap the rewards of forward thinking very soon. 

    18. Give yourself a report card. Think of four or five areas of your life that make up your day to day and grade yourself. Be thoughtful about those grades and provide yourself feedback. Go back six months later and see if you’ve made improvements where you wanted to. 

    19. Play hooky for an afternoon and do exactly what you want to do. Go to the movies. Get frozen yogurt. Go for a bike ride. Doesn’t matter. You are on your time. 

    20. Take a risk. Book a flight. Just drive somewhere. Ask for the job. The point is to put yourself out there in a new way. 

    21. Start planning your next Halloween costume. Make sure it is very super. 

    22. Teach your pet a new trick. And then give them a very appropriate sidekick like super-powery name for said new trick. 

    23. Take on a fear. If you’re afraid of heights, go to a tall building downtown and stare out the windows. If you’re afraid of the dark, hang out in the dark for at least one hour. Try meditating while doing it. 

    24. Forgive an enemy. Remember, the people from our past who we don’t forgive have power over us. 

    superhero wonder woman life lists career comics
  • Note

    2nd September 2014

    Lady Geek of the Week: Andrea Fort

    She's Wolverine’s self-proclaimed number one fan; we’re her self-proclaimed number one fan. Lady Geek of the Week Andrea Fort is a 24-year-old comic book know-it-all with a special penchant for characters with retractable claws and blue and gold suits. 

    Fort is a regular contributor to Geekpr0n, an international go-to aggregate blog for nerdy news. Check out Fort’s posts and get your fill of Fan Expo Canada 2014 recaps (here’s one for the scrapbook: she met Arthur Darvill! Photo here.), Marvel film speculations, the latest comic book reviews, and more. 

    Want even more from Fort? Follow her on Twitter: @_Nerd_Queen_. And, she may claim that her mind is disorganized, but her Pinterest boards are not. 

    In the meantime, check out Fort’s interview with Being Geek Chic! 

    Q: How did you discover your passion?

    A: I bought my first comic book at a lawn sale, it was called “What If Wolverine Was Lord Of The Vampires?” I fell in love! I read and re-read that book until it completely fell apart—the spine disintegrated and the pages fell away. I was 7 years-old. I read every comic I could get my hands on after that, but because I didn’t know anyone else who enjoyed comics, I didn’t know that anything other than superhero comics existed. Then I discovered Neil Gaiman and his Sandman series which showed me an entirely different side of comics from the books I had been reading. Neil Gaiman wove mythological and literary characters into a world where Morpheus, the god of dreams learns that even the gods do not have complete control over their fates. I was enamoured with the richness of the world Gaiman created. It ignited my passion.

    Q: Proudest accomplishment?

    A: I’m going to be very after-school-special and say that I’m generally proud of me; growing up it was difficult to stay true to myself. I am proud that I have learned how to fearlessly be myself. I am especially proud every time I get someone hooked on comics just by sharing my passion. There is an amazing feeling when someone reads a comic I recommend and then asks me to recommend another title. If I have to chose a single event to take pride in, I would say joining Geekpr0n. I am really proud to be part of such an amazing team of geeks and share my hard-earned pop culture knowledge.

    Q: When did you discover you were “geeky”?

    A: I think I always knew a was a nerd. Growing up I always liked different things from the other kids, and as a teenager I had a small clique of friends who accepted me but I was a bit of a loner. I became a proud geek when I started university and I became comfortable with myself.

    Q: If you could take any fictional character for a drink, who would you choose and what would you drink?

    A: That is such a tough question, I can’t chose one character! The obvious answer is a pint of beer with Wolverine, but I would also love to share some ale with Gandalf at the Green Dragon or even some mead with Morpheus. All three are such rich and complex characters, I
    would love to sit down with any and all of them to find out what makes them tick.

    Q: What would you tell your 13-year-old self?

    A: I would tell my 13 year-old self to hang in there. Keep reading those comics, keep watching those movies, just keep on going. It’s going to be worth the trip.


    Emma Bauer is a Being Geek Chic Contributor. Clearly, she’s got great taste. She is a PR enthusiast, dog lover, tea drinker, art appreciator, and of course, aspires to Be Geek Chic. Follow her on Twitter: @emmalynnbauer

    LGOTW comics Wolverine
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