twocatsandatrombone:

Greg Rucka, Why I Write Strong Female Characters

But there is one question that I, personally, have been asked more frequently. This one:

How Do You Write Such Strong Female Characters?

This past year, 2011, I was asked this question a lot, and here we are into the first quarter of 2012, and it’s happening again (or still, if you rather). Most frequently, it comes up in regard to my work in the comics industry. If you know comics, and if you know superhero comics specifically, you’ll likely be familiar with the reasons why. Last year was not banner for the ladies, and this one isn’t off to a strong start, either, in fact. Wasn’t good for women within the industry itself, nor within the pages of the stories being told.

Those who’ve had the unmitigated temerity to actually comment upon this state of affairs publicly have ended up paying a surprisingly heavy price. The gender of the speaker has been largely irrelevant, though to be sure, it’s the women who’ve stepped up have taken the harder hits. But all who’ve pointed out the absence of women both on the page and behind it have been ridiculed, insulted, and, absurdly enough, even threatened with violence. Conversely, those attempting to defend their mistreatment of women within the industry have revealed a staggering lack of understanding, empathy, and self-awareness, while seeming to rejoice in an arrogance that is near heart-stopping in its naked sexism and condescension.

To say there are those who don’t get it is an understatement; it would be like describing the Japanese tsunami as ‘minor flooding’.

… Gender isn’t simply a biological trait; it’s a societal one. The female experience is different from that of the male, and if, as a male writer, you cannot accept that basic premise, then you will never, ever, be able to write women well. A man walking alone through Midtown Manhattan at three in the morning may have concerns for his safety, but I promise you, it’s a very different experience for a woman taking the same walk, and it’s different again for a man wearing a dress. Think about it. That’s a societal factor, and it’s a gendered one, and this is not and can not be subject to debate. If you’re looking to argue that sexism is a thing of the past, that the world is gender-blind, you’re not only wrong, you’re lying to yourself.

Totally cosplaying her for Otakon 2012

berndor:

dcdatabase:

This is probably the most complete Bat Family picture I have seen.

youmacon hhnggghh we’re gonna have so many bats

I think we’ll be the most complete batfam in cosplay ever. Gawd. I can’t wait

Batwoman mask with wig! I gotta say, i just spazzed out even more then the first time. Its slowly coming together

solo-dono:

midnightcosplay:

I wanted to upload this because I plan on putting each of our cosplays in these slots. This was a page from Batwoman’s Elegy. When I saw it I thought it would be beyond cool to use for our cosplays.

Oh YES. I LIKE.

We’re DEFINITELY DOING THIS. 

But don’t you dare shove me next to Drake again. D:< 

There is a reason for the order! XD DEAL WITH IT loooool