July 1, 2013
Female Force Comic Makes For "Super" Icons
Winnie McCroy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
In an effort to bring real-life role models to girls, Darren G. Davis of Bluewater Productions has created "Female Force," a biographical comic book series that chronicles the lives of strong women like Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, Tina Fey, Ellen DeGeneres and Betty White.
"We wanted to showcase the strong women in today's society that have inspired generations and shaped the culture of today," Davis said. "Kids and adults alike can look up to these women as great role models. One of the coolest things about the comic books is that we found schools using them for reluctant readers."
Davis said he believed it is important for readers to have inspiring role models, to learn about extraordinary individuals that have overcome challenges to make a difference in the world.
"Female Force" has featured actors, politicians, authors, and musicians-everyone from Angelina Jolie, Sonia Sotomayor, Gabrielle Giffords, Condoleezza Rice to J.K. Rowling and Cher. These biographical comics, written by some of the most talented writers in the comic world and beyond, deliver an informed and illustrated look into the lives of these figures.
A recent issue was, "Female Force: Ruth Bader Ginsburg," written by Bill Mulligan and art by Tsubasa Yozora. This comic book features her life story from the start, through the time the Clinton administration appointed her making her the second female to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.
The team at Bluewater Productions said they use their "Female Force" series as an outlet to broaden awareness on important challenges that face many people. For example, in "Female Force: Carrie Fisher," the former Star Wars actress bravely shares her lifelong struggle with bipolar disorder. Proceeds from the comic book sales are donated to Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, Connecticut, a facility specializing in mental disorders.
Likewise, Grease star Olivia Newton-John uses her "Female Force" issue as a platform to discuss her fight against breast cancer and raise awareness for the devastating disease.
For information or to order copies, visit http://www.bluewaterprod.com/comics/female_force.php
Winnie McCroy is the Women on the EDGE Editor, HIV/Health Editor, and Assistant Entertainment Editor for EDGE Media Network, handling all women's news, HIV health stories and theater reviews throughout the U.S. She has contributed to other publications, including The Village Voice, Gay City News, Chelsea Now and The Advocate, and lives in Brooklyn, New York.