Wonder(ing) Women: Investigating Gender Politics  and Art Education within Graphica

Courtney Lee Weida

Courtney Lee Weida Adelphi University

Abstract

Problems of gender representation persist within many superhero comics, but interventions of critical pedagogy with alternative sources from graphica can address certain inequalities. In this feminist review of graphica, I have selected several examples of contemporary comic books and graphic novels to introduce educators to potential sites of critical feminist public pedagogy. Graphica, if considered as sequential art as well as products of youth and adult subcultures, may be many peopleâ€™s first literacy experience, and many devotees continue reading comics for their whole lives. My goal in this feminist graphica review is to introduce readers to a spectrum of comic books and graphic novels that are often peripheral to art education, gender studies, and graphica studies.

Author Biography

Courtney Lee Weida, Adelphi University

Courtney Lee Weida is an assistant professor of art education at Adelphi University. She has taught visual art and poetry with children through schools, camps, museums, and afterschool programs. Her recent research explores gender issues, zine production, and cybercultures. Correspondence regarding this article should be addressed to the author at cweida@adelphi.edu.