The way gender is shown in graphic novels has changed slowly over time. Unfortunately, there are still many old stereotypes and not enough representation.

1. A Bit of History:

   • In the past, most comic books mainly had male heroes. Female characters were usually just sidekicks or love interests. When there were female superheroes, they often had exaggerated looks, pushing narrow beauty standards.

2. Ongoing Problems:

   • Even after many years of change, there are still issues:
     • Token Characters: Some female characters are included, but they often don’t have real stories or power.
     • Stereotypes: Many women are still shown as too emotional or as side characters who just fit into traditional roles.
     • Industry Issues: With most comic creators being men, the old stereotypes continue, and we miss out on different female viewpoints.

3. Possible Solutions:

   • Get more diverse voices behind the scenes: We need more women and non-binary people in writing, drawing, and editing roles. This can help create stories with different perspectives.
   • Support smaller and independent comics: Many independent creators tell real stories about gender, offering deeper and fresher ideas that push against the usual trends.

Even though there has been some improvement, big challenges in how gender is represented in graphic novels are still very much alive. To fix these issues, we need to work together. By lifting up diverse voices in both the stories and the creative process, we can create a brighter and more inclusive future in comic storytelling.