First off, I’ve written a new article for the blog Feministing entitled “Mainstream Comics: What’s With All The Rape?”, where I discuss all the plotlines involving rape in mainstream superhero books.

Secondly, tomorrow at Lilly’s Bar in Chicago is the monthly Words That Kill performance by Lethal Poetry, hosted by my friends Mojdeh Stoakley and Elanor Smith.  Tomorrow is College Night, so all of the performances will be themed towards that.  It’ll feature an appearance by Robbie Q. Telfer, one of Chicago’s most famous humorous poets!

And finally, there’s a shadowcast performance of “Repo!  The Genetic Opera” going on at the Music Box Theatre in the city Saturday at midnight.  I have some friends who’re performing, and this show is special because Terrence Zdunich (co-creator and star of the film) will be making a personal appearance before the show at 10:30PM.  This is a can’t-miss event, if you’re a midnight movie fan you REALLY should come!

If you don’t know what “Repo!” is…well, here’s something to give you an idea:

I dunno if it’s a good movie, but it’s so bonkers I can’t help but admire it!

My first post is on DC’s current Powergirl run, written by Justin Gray & Jimmy Palmiotti with art by Amanda Conner.  Not only do I think this series is how female superheroes should be handled, but how superhero books as a whole should be handled.  Powergirl is an easy character to turn into cheesecake, but I feel the way Gray & Palmiotti handle the issue of her physique is sexy without being exploitative.  Plus in her alternate identity as Karen Starr she’s shown as a smart and successful businesswoman, the CEO of her own company.  The scenes of Powergirl outside of her costume are surprisingly well-written and I think would be interesting even outside the context of a superhero book.

I make it a point to buy anything Amanda Conner draws because she’s probably my favorite artist in mainstream comics today (check out her “Green Arrow & Black Canary Wedding Special”, written by Judd Winick).  Her art is always bright and vibrant without being overly complicated, something I feel hinders a lot of books these days (if I see anymore hatching in a superhero book I’m gonna lose it).  I honestly think her art would translate well to an animated series, so here’s hoping we have another Bruce Timm in the making.

A big reason I feel Powergirl is a good feminist example is because she’s always shown in control, either in costume or in her secret identity as CEO Karen Starr.  Most of the people who comment on the dreaded Women in Refrigerator Syndrome is that female heroines, not just supporting characters, are frequently humiliated or shown not as strong as their male counterparts.  Powergirl doesn’t have that problem, but I’m glad Gray and Palmiotti address the sexism issues head on instead of ignoring them, because this IS still a problem in today’s world.  Sexist looks or remarks ARE made at Powergirl in the series, but in the end you’re reminded she could either fire you or flatten you with her fist.  My point is she doesn’t back down.

But when it comes right down to it…it’s fun.  Remember fun?  The reason we USED to read comics before it became like a second job we had to pay for?  So if you’re sick of big crossover events where all your favorite heroes get killed only to be brought back once the story’s over, pick this up!

November 19th
“Words That Kill”
@ Lilly’s Bar
2513 N. Lincoln Ave
Chicago IL