By Nick Andrews

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While the overwhelming perception may be that comic fans are male, Kaijah Monson, Comix Club member and sophomore, would disagree. Monson said, “(I like) drawing (comics) and also the fact that it’s so much a part of American history. I mean comics existed before even the 1930s. Also my father has big boxes of comics.”

Comix Club, a new club here with female members, reflects a trend seen across the nation. Females are becoming a more accepted part in activities, careers and extracurricular pursuits that were thought to be stereotypically male dominated.

Monson said, “Across the board, comic books are popular. It’s not strictly male, it can be seen as strictly male, but even with movies they are still popular (with females).”

In a Jul. 22 article from the magazine Wired titled “Action Chick Looks at Comic-Con’s Geek Girls” written by Hugh Hart, blogger Katrina Hill said, “Science fiction is traditionally a genre created for and by the boys. As of late, things have changed in terms of the audience enjoying such stories. It’s become far more prevalent and more accepted for women to enjoy media like video games, comic books, sci-fi, etc., that are generally thought of as guy stuff.”

Of course there have been women in comics for decades, such as Wonder Woman and Cat Woman. It has not been until recently, though, that women have been more accepted as comic readers.

Carrie Pawlovich, Comix Club member and sophomore, said, “I think women are still trying to find their face in the world because guys think they own everything. I guess they just think they’re stronger than we are.”

Comix Club sponsor Jana Cosler said, “I just think (the stereotype) is something that should change and as the (comic book) industry changes there’s such a great range and there are comics females can relate to.”

Females tend to read comics for similar reasons males do as well. Pawlovich said, “Basically (I like) the artwork, I love the art style. I love the story and the thrill of that, too.”

Cosler said, “Honestly I find (comic books) empowering; the characters are always righting wrongs and taking justice into their own hands or fighting corruption. It’s sort of an escape.”