MIKE PELLERITO, was recently named the new Managing Editor of Archie Comics. In addition to looking over the Archie universe he also editÃs some of Archie Comics most popular titles,
This column came about after having very few avenues to promote and find out about All Ages and Younger Reader Comics and Graphic Novels. Most knowledge seems to be passed along by word of mouth, so this is in the sprit the column is written. Now, sit back and join in the conversation!
To learn more about any of the above-mentioned projects please visit Archie Comics.com
WHAT ABOUT GIRLS?
Plus: Amelia Rules! The Musical
If you are a boy it is pretty easy to lose yourself in a comic book and imagine being a superhero. Take your pick they are all pretty cool. Something that makes comic books so special is their ability to allow you to escape. If you are a girl reading comics the last place you would want to escape is the world of superheroine comics.
There is a website started by female comics writer Gail Simone that deals with all the horrible things that happen to women in comics, called Women in Refrigerators.
All the basic info starts from here: Women in Refrigerators
In some was the list of horrible things happening to women makes sense if a male is the protagonist. It would make sense that the best way to hurt someone super powered would be to go after their mortal love interest. Certainly Female heroes have had their share of deceased loves too. But all this misses the point.
Three of the biggest superheroes for boys are Superman, Batman and Spider-Man. Superman is the last Son of a lost planet, not too bad, Batman is an orphan, tough but he’s good looking and a millionaire on top of being a super hero, most boys might not mind, and Spider-Man lost his Uncle and has to take care of his elderly aunt, considering he still seems to enjoy being a Super hero more than anyone else, it doesn’t seem all that bad. A young boy might not mind becoming one of those guys. Basically, Superman, Batman and Spider-Man are all great people who have had bad things happen to them. Take their female counterparts on the other hand. 
Batgirl, currently has been tortured and mentally twisted into becoming an assassin, before eventually becoming the new Batgirl.
The original Batgirl was surprised and shot by the Joker and left paralyzed. Granted she did become the brilliant Oracle, and information broker and team leader of the Birds of Prey.
Supergirl, the current one at least was tricked into killing her parents. Not sure if this was a dream but the whole story in issue #19 just didn’t make hereto heroic.
Wonder Woman, just recently killed a villain by turning his head all the way around. Just seems like if it was a male character that would not kill, the actions might be different.
Spider-Woman, was brainwashed and became an assassin/terrorist before becoming a hero.
These are the big names in female super heroes, and what little girl would ever want to become these heroes? These are not good people who have had bad things happen, these are rotten people trying to redeem themselves.
Still their names are part of pop culture, their shirts, shoes, hats are everywhere, but would you really want you r daughter wearing these symbols?
People miss the big point, it is not what happens to these characters, it is what they represent. Make these characters matter to kids; make them something little girls can look to for some inspiration.
One of those great female characters is Amelia Rules! And here is some good news for Amelia fans.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 25, 2007
AMELIA RULES! MUSICAL SET TO HIT THE STAGE
"A Very Ninja Christmas" based on Jimmy Gownley’s popular graphic novel series "Amelia Rules!" is about to premier!
Adapted from a Christmas themed story that appeared in the first Amelia volume, "Amelia Rules: The Whole World’s Crazy," the musical relates how 9-year-old superhero-wannabe Reggie Grabinsky enlists his superhero crew to try to prove Santa is a fraud.
Music and lyrics for the show are by New Hampshire musician/composer Michael Cohen.
"As editor of the Amelia Books I’ve been with these characters since their inception, and watched them grow and mature over the years," says Cohen. "Knowing them so well made writing the songs for this musical so much easier, more like writing songs for old friend."
The mostly-child cast began showing a dedication to the work right away. Cohen was especially impressed when 11 year old Kasey Perkins came to the audition dressed in Amelia's red t-shirt, black pants and tennis shoes. "She got the role because she can sing and act great, but the fact that she took the time to research the comic cinched it for us."
"It’s going to be a real thrill to see all these talented people bring my comic book to life," beams Amelia Rules! creator Jimmy Gownley. "Michael’s songs are great, and I can’t wait until opening night!"
The premier of "A Very Ninja Christmas" will be in Marlborough, New Hampshire on December 6,7,8 2007. It is produced by Small Pond Productions. Plans to make the musical available to other theater companies is in the works.
You can find more information on these performances at:
Small Pond Presents.com
Thanks it for this week. Send any info here:
mikep(at)silverbulletcomicbooks(dot)com
As always if you have a great All Ages project let us know.
Check out some new All Ages and Younger Reader comic reads on sale this week:
SEP073360 ARCHIE #580 $2.25
SEP073362 ARCHIE DOUBLE DIGEST #184 $3.69
SEP073450 FUTURAMA COMICS #34 $2.99
SEP073451 SIMPSONS WINTER WINGDING #2 $4.99
SEP070038 USAGI YOJIMBO #107 $2.99
SEP070232 CARTOON NETWORK BLOCK PARTY #39 $2.25
JUL078178 SHOWCASE PRESENTS TP SUPERGIRL VOL 01 $16.99
SEP070230 TEEN TITANS GO #49 $2.25
SEP072204 MARVEL ADVENTURES IRON MAN #7 $2.99
Also, check out some great All Ages comic reviews here at Silver Bullet Comic Books. Thanks to reviewers Penny Kenny and Ray Tate!
Archie's Holiday Fun Digest #12 CLICK HERE
Entertainment for Every Age is © Mike Pellerito 2006-
Logo Designed by Joe Pep