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Watch out, Avengers! A-FORCE is here, and they're bringing the girl power

 

For a long time, there was a stigma that comic books are for boys, but the reality is that it's simply not true. Tons of girls love comics just as much as any other fan, and lately they've been using their voices to make that fact known. The comic book companies are listening, too—and they're taking note. 

Marvel Comics in particular are hearing their readers' demands for more girls in comics (and more comics for girls), and with their "Girl Power" Month of May, they're making some changes. Not only did they reveal the identity of the new Thor last week (and it's the old Thor's science-genius girlfriend Dr. Jane Foster, natch), they're also starting a totally new line of comics called A-FORCE, aka the female Avengers. 

 

You read that right: Marvel's new line is about a group of all lady superheroes teaming up during the Secret Wars, and heroines include She-Hulk, Dazzler, Medusa and Nico Minoru. Though the A-FORCE is far from being Marvel's first female-led story (it's actually the fifteenth), it's still a super important step forward when it comes to diversifying characters and storylines. We talked to Marguerite Bennett, one of the writers of A-FORCE, and Sana Amanat, the Director of Content and Character Development at Marvel, to get their thoughts on the new comic. 

GL: What made you decide to create and introduce a comic about a female Avengers team?

Marguerite: Our wonderful editor, Daniel Ketchum, worked my fellow writer G. Willow Wilson and me to make A-FORCE a reality. We all knew that a team like this was long overdue—people say, "Oh, now is the right time for a team of all girls and women!" and while this is true, yesterday was also the right time. Ten years ago was the right time. As far back as you go, women have been heroes. While I am humbled and touched when people thank us for doing this, I also want to apologize that we did not have the power to make it happen even earlier. I am honored I can be part of bringing it to all of you.

GL: How did you pick which characters would make up the A-FORCE team?

Marguerite: Our heroines offer completely different perspectives from each other: One is a queen, one is a lawyer, one is a student, one is a dancer, one is a captain and one is completely new. One is cunning, one is just, one is loving, one is free-spirited, one is dauntless and one is learning who she is. They all challenge each other and they all balance each other from their personalities to their powers. 

GL: What are you most excited for fans to see in the comics?

Marguerite: The book is so beautiful. We have wonderfully talented artists and colorists who have brought the world to life, and at its heart, it's a world that is brave and bright and kind. The characters are funny and fond of each other—they fight, they make up, they are sisters and friends. Each of them gives us a unique perspective. She-Hulk leads us through the big story about the threat to their homeland, while Sister Grimm leads us through an intimate story about sisterhood and friendship. I hope there is something for everyone.

GL: What's the response from fans been like so far?

Marguerite: The reaction has been absolutely brilliant. There has been so much love and support—from readers, from the parents of readers, from other writers and artists, from from fans in their 80s to fans who are saving the books until their children are old enough to read. I am so grateful to be part of this story, and I hope you'll be a part of it with us.  

GL: We're so excited to see more representation in comics. Can you tell us a little bit more about the strides Marvel has made to include diversity and empowerment in your stories?

Sana: You don’t have to look very far in our catalogue to see the incredible strides we’ve made from a those standpoints. From Captain Marvel to Ms. Marvel, She-Hulk to the new Thor, Miles Morales to the new Ghost Rider, we’re sharing stories that are truly representative of the world and reminding people that the modern day hero can be anyone. Not only are our characters diverse, they’re complex and unique in their own way. This isn’t a cookie cutter reimagining of heroes, this is a thoughtful molding of intriguing, powerful and timeless characters that resonate with fans of all races, ages and genders. It’s quite an exciting time.

What do you think of the A-FORCE news? Are you a big comic book reader? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to pick up your copy of A-FORCE on shelves and in stores now.

 

Photos credit to: Marvel Comics 

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by Chelsea Duff | 2/1/2016
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