THE EMPOWERMENT OF FEMALE SUPER-HEROES AND COMIC BOOK READERS
5th Aug 2015
Female super-heroes have always been around, from Batgirl, to Wonder Woman, from Mystique to Captain Marvel. Both DC and Marvel where never shy about giving wild powers to girls. But, in reality, until recently, there was no real investment in those super women, unless they were part of a team. There was no movie or a TV show focused on a female super-hero, while there are many focused on the male ones (like Arrow, the Flash, among many others)"
But things are finally changing. In 2017, DC will launch its Wonder Woman movie. Although that was one of the few super-heroines who had had a TV show once (in the 70s), the fact that they are bringing back this Amazon princess to the big screen, under the direction of a female director (Patty Jenkins), says that they are committed to this “super-hero equality quest”
Whether we’re talking about Marvel, DC, Black Horse or other comic book publishers, once thing is certain: they must pay more attention to their female audience. As an eleven year-old girl put it, on a letter to DC, “Girls read comics too”*
In fact, 47% of comic book readers are female and they represent an astounding 62% of Facebook fans of female comic characters, according to a study made by Comics Beat (in http://www.comicsbeat.com/market-research-says-46-female-comic-fans/)
So, brands, listen up, the things you were taken for granted are not so simple anymore. Girls love comic books.They also love football and skating. Guys are into skin products and laser hair removal. Millennials love vinyl records and grandmothers are on Facebook.
Hence, instead of defining your audience according to your gut and pre-created demographic standards, talk to your audience, do some research. You may be surprised…
*The letter was posted online and DC Comics has replied. "Thanks Rowan. We agree, we’re working hard to create more superhero fun for girls! Yes Rowan, girls read comics too! Wonder Woman movie & Supergirl TV both in the works, with more exciting girl power announcements soon!"
Originally posted on by lifeisawonderfulmixtape. Read the full article here