So, Thursday, a bunch of female comics creators announced a Womanthology; a hardcover book solely by female comics creators, coming out from IDW with a December release date. 300 pages, full color. But they needed to raise the money to actually print a small run of 1500.
Word got out pretty quick of the need for funds; they needed 25k in 30 days.
Between Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook and other social interfaces they raised 17k overnight, and by the end of the day Friday, they were up to 33k. And counting. Last count is over 39k, and people are still donating.
Overnight, you guys. That is huge. That is a lot of people who want to see women create comics; who know that comics created by women are worth reading, and worth paying for.
Are you listening, DC? Marvel? This isn’t about whiny fans, or a handful of loud female readers cranky that they are underpresented.
This is about money, which, as we all know, is the driving force behind pretty much everything. You wanna make money? Take note, and check it out. Because that much money is no laughing matter, and the fact that people are still ponying up to see this book get a bigger print run is a big frackin’ deal.
The Womanthology kickstarter page is here
They also have a tumblr page.
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
I don’t have the least bit of interest in comics – if it doesn’t have at least 200 pages of solid text, then it’s boring, IMHO – but wow, that kind of $$$, and I assume for relatively unknown comic creators, in such a short period of time, is just, well, WOW. You’re right – it really says something about what a market there is out there for some female-oriented. Now the question is, will that make the male-fuelled industry think, hmmm, there’s a market here – or will they rationalise it away like so many other things?
Gabriella(Quote) (Reply)
Thanks so much for support WOMANTHOLOGY. I’m the husband of the project manager, Renae De Liz. It’s been incredible! Thanks so much for helping get the word out! 140+ women and one stinky man appreciate it very much!
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Ray Dillon(Quote) (Reply)
I wouldn’t say “relatively unknown”, I don’t read comics either and even I’ve heard of Gail Simone. From the credentials they list of the other artists, it sounds like they’re pretty popular.
Sylvia Sybil(Quote) (Reply)
Ray Dillon,
Always happy to signal boost for a good cause!!
Leigh(Quote) (Reply)
Gabriella,
There are a few big names in the book, but out of 140+ creators, there are going to be a few no one knows too well.
Leigh(Quote) (Reply)
But probably should, right?
sbg(Quote) (Reply)
sbg,
Well, I for one can’t wait to get to know the work of some awesome creators I’m not familiar with.
Leigh(Quote) (Reply)
Not for nothing, but this Womanthology thing ALSO has way more aesthetically-appealing art than most mainstream comics nowadays (at least in my opinion…part of the reason I preferred manga growing up is because I found American comic art so grotesque-looking…but maybe that’s because I was a kid in the 90s when Liefield reigned supreme).
Casey(Quote) (Reply)
Sylvia Sybil,
Sylvia Sybil,
Hee, you’re speaking to someone who exclusively reads books and whose only interest in comics is James Marsden. I know who Stan Lee is and that’s it :p
Gabriella(Quote) (Reply)