It’s no secret that female characters in the comic book/graphic novel industry aren’t always portrayed in the best light, although things are definitely better these days than they have been in the past. In the genesis days of comic book powerhouses Marvel and DC, female characters were treated as nothing more than window-dressing or damsels in distress. Of course it was the 1940s and 50s, so it was simply a reflection of how women were treated in the real world. A sign of the times.
The depiction of female characters in comics didn’t start to change until society’s views of what women represented did, thanks to be feminist and equal rights movements of the 60s and 70s. While there were noticeable changes in the late 70s, female characters in the comic book industry didn’t start standing on their own until the early 80s, finally receiving equal stature when compared to their male counterparts.
Many say this change in how women in comics were perceived reached it’s peak during the comic book heyday of the 90s. With titles such as The Uncanny X-Men, Avengers West Coast, and The Fantastic Four regularly featuring strong, capable women on their covers while simultaneously flying off the shelf. Of course this also paved the women to female heroes being depicted fairly in live action, as well. Something that is still hit-or-miss in the world today.
The Amazing Camel Toe, a new graphic novel from Toronto-based publisher Black Panel Press, provides an almost satirical look at this phenomenon though the eyes of the main character, Constance. She’s a comic book illustrator struggling to become the fearless woman she’s always wanted to be, so she turns to her art and creates The Amazing Camel Toe –a panther leggings-clad heroine who fights against the patriarchy.
In writing the story of Camel Toe, Constance is able to start navigating her life through the lens of someone who is done with taking everyone’s bullshit and is ready to live her life to the fullest. This includes squaring up with an emotionally unavailable boyfriend, workplace bitchassness, and, of course, experiencing sexism in the real world.
Created by Claire Dunlan, the alt black and white art is reminiscent of grrrl power zines of the 90s (if you know, you know), which served as the antithesis to the colorful, pop-colored –and much-worshipped– dELIA*s catalog. The book does an excellent job of holding a mirror up to the sexism and micro-aggressions that women still continue to go through to this day, so in that instance, it’s very much a surrealistic look at realistic experiences. Although the writing is a bit clunky at times, the overall message of being true to yourself in a world that is all to happy to tell you who you should be, comes through loud and clear. Bonus points for its use of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
The Amazing Camel Toe is currently available for order anywhere you buy books, with an official release date of May 16, 2023.
GurlCulture.com 