One of the things that bugs me about fantasy / sci-fi / comic book art is the absurdity of women’s outfits. I mean, I’m not saying wearing underpants on top of your tights and a cape are exactly practical combat gear either, but across the spectrum of female fighters the get-ups can be really, really absurd. Which makes artist Michael Lunsford’s approach refreshing and cool. His idea was simple: take a bunch of well-known super heroines and give them more sensible attire. I like the results!
He’s got a bunch more posted on his website.
What do you think? Who’s your favorite?
I don’t read/know enough comics to recognize any of those characters other than Supergirl or Wonder Woman. But it reminded me of this redrawing of a poster for The Avengers: http://twitpic.com/9i8dcn
LOL, Dan. There have actually been a whole slew of illustrations based on getting male heros / action stars stuck in traditionally feminine poses. Here’s an article that has your image and a couple of others: http://reelgirl.com/2012/05/what-if-the-male-avengers-posed-like-the-female-one/
I know I’ve seen at least one more based on the Avengers, but can’t seem to find it. In the meantime, here’s a pose-off between Hines and Scalzi (two sci-fi authors) based on the same concept: http://www.jimchines.com/2012/12/pose-off-with-john-scalzi/
I like the trend. I’m tired of over sexism being given a pass because it’s kitsch or nostalgic. I’m not saying we need to burn all the classic fantasy illustrations from past decades, but we don’t need to keep repeating them either.