Bechdel's Law

[procrastin_8]

Somehow one cartoon by Alison Bechdel has become this talked about thing in Sci fi. I am not sure how this happened - frankly I wasn't really paying attention. As most of you know, I read a lot of sci fi/fantasy. Personally, I am more into the fantasy (think Tolkien) than sci fi (think Aliens) but regularly read both. My favourite is when the two

Comments

[shmeen]

a lot of that went over my head cause i am not that into comics or science fiction, although do partake from time to time. Like, to take a break from thesis writing, I am reading the Watchmen. And I agree with you that the characterization of women is a bit wanting - but I thought it was supposed to be a "traditional" comic where those roles are prominent.

That being said, I like Skim a lot and I like Persepolis, although i know there isn't much fantasy in them (fantasy meaning super heros and aliens from outer space). But I guess I am wondering (for you) whether comic books and science fiction is part of a counter-culture which can be open to marginalized communities? And if perhaps comics and science fiction still depicts power and oppression, why do you still read them? Or do you stick with the alternative stuff?

By the way, the reason I am reading the watchmen is because some guy told me it was the most important graphic novel to be written in the past 30 years. i have yet to be impressed....

[procrastin_8]

Persepolis is a graphic novel but it doesn't engage as much in the speculation part of speculative fiction. It is more biographical (as are Palestine and Riel which are both great comics

[procrastin_8]

P.S. the watchmen is not the most important graphic novel to be written in the past 30 years. I can't even think of what that would be but it isn't the Watchmen.

I started reading it the other night - not super excited about it but am not really far in. the art isn't great, the layout is boring and very typical so I would guess your friend is only looking at the writing? Comics should have great writing and great art and layout - that is what makes the medium so much fun. Which isn't to say it might not knock my socks of once I get further in but to be the greatest graphic novel in 30 years it should have all 3 components.

Bechdel's law

[procrastin_8]

1. A movie has to have more than one woman in it
2. Who talk to each other
3. About something other than a man.

Some of the most popular sci fi/fantasy movies completely fail this test...Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and quite a few conventional movies fail too.

[rise_upp]

thanks for this. great read for sure. did you ever read y:the last man? just wondering your thoughts

[procrastin_8]

I did read it. I think it is really good. I haven't read the last few graphic novels but so far I really like it. One of the artists lives in Vancouver and I totally go fangirl whenever I see her.

I heard they are making a movie out of it. I am interested in seeing how much content will be lost and what they will keep. The boy looks for girl content is really good but the sub plots of the relationships between the other characters is fascinating. I really enjoyed the characters relationship with his mom contrasted against his sisters relationship with the mom.