Encyclopedia of Women in Comics

It would be grossly naive and presumptuous to think that a comic book can change the world's thinking--

But, it doesn't hurt to try.

Trina Robbins

The journey women have taken in the real world struggle to obtain equality should not be subjugated among the illusion of Man's desires, but are within the freedoms of their own minds. Here and here alone are the true forms of power that transmogrify from hopes and dreams into art and words that shape our reality. No longer obligated to the confines of this subconscious psychomanteum they've once been destined to be forgotten in, but find resurrection in the world of our own doing.

I have believed, for a long time, that women have always had the power their's to claim. I have seen an industry of comic books and cartoons where women have built each brick with their creations and their belief the mortar to strengthen a foundation of which few industries in this world have come to know. May this Encyclopedia be a blueprint to every drawing and every word or any other form of expression of the soul that any woman in every corner of the planet has laid down passion to pencil since it's inception.

This website was created for every young girl who ever picked up a comic book who may have found an escape from reality but instead only found the way back to it. If only with a better understanding how to navigate physical reality with imagination powerful enough to learn to bend it to their will. This website is evidence that such women have conquered these laws that govern the universe and have become the masters of them. Their contributions enrich the lives of the human race and will echo ripples of continuing change until there is no longer a need for an exception to the rule, the rule will be theirs to make exceptions to as they please.

The Heroine's greatest contribution is not the moral of her own story, but the exemplification of what can be accomplished on the other side of the pencil once she drew breath from. Any woman anywhere in which way they have contributed to any medium that has sprouted from the tree of creativity that draws life from comics and cartooning has a place and a home here. The Encyclopedia of Women in Comics was assembled, if not for anything else, for this sole purpose.

Liken to a blacksmith striking their hammer to forge a piece of metal upon the anvil in which it shall take its shape is in what way a woman takes her pen to the paper to craft an ideal brilliant and strong made of will and heart. This ideal finds solidarity among women whose thoughts, once united, become more powerful than anything known to Man. Many of those ideals have grown into art and stories that have become beloved staples of our culture, history and ideologies as they continue to compliment the world that does not exist with ours. The Encyclopedia of Women in Comics, a compilation of women listing their reputation and achievements, are meant to try to idealize that in a single source that acts as a well of knowledge for anyone who seeks it.

During my experience working on this database for women, to be seen and recognized for their achievements and contributions, I've been able to share this passion project with many amazing and talented women. Here's some of the wonderful feedback I've had the pleasure of receiving...

"To be right above RumikoTakahashi and Naoko Takeuchi is so surreal because they were my idols growing up!!!!"

"Thanks for sharing and adding me to the list! :)"

- Babs Tarr

"I took a look through your site & it's amazing! Wow! Thank you sooooo much for making it! I loved getting to read about so many women who paved the way for us to be in comics today!"

"I'm truly honored that you'd include me! Thank you!"

- Dawn McTeigue

"This is so cool! Last night, I received an email from Leonard Bonnano, a comic book practitioner. 🤓 He’s created an online encyclopedia of women in comics, ✍🏾 and let me know that I was included. 😍 He’s clearly been working on this for a while because it’s VERY thorough!"

- Shequeta Smith

"Thank you so much for reaching out and for thinking of me for your website. I had a look at the site and I find it really interesting, well put together, and a wonderful initiative to highlight women’s contributions to comics and cartooning."

"It would be an absolute pleasure for me to be included in the listings."

- M. L. Sanapo

"I like it! I was browsing randomly through entries and stumbled across the author of "Girls with Slingshots," which I used to love to read and had totally forgotten about! So that was fun 😁"

- Rebecca Callahan

"Thanks for reaching out and letting us know about the listing, what a wonderful idea! We appreciate you, including us."

- Cecilia & Waverly Lim (Kwento Comics)

"I just saw it!! So cool and thank you for adding me to it. I feel honoured."

"Thank you for doing this! Amazing."

- Agnes Garbowska

"It's a beautiful and necessary project and I'm proud to be listed among these amazing women and artists.

Thank you so much for your work on that!"

- Barbara Ciardo

"I think what you're doing is AWESOME! The average comic reader is probably like 45 year old male, at least in my experience! It is a breath of fresh air to see a project like this. It is very empowering"

- Tessa Rose

" I’m honored to be included in your directory which seems quite comprehensive! "

"Thank you so much-everything looks great. I really appreciate being included on your wonderful site!"

- Tania Del Rio

"Thank you so much for reaching out! I sincerely appreciate the inclusion. Everything looks good to me!"

- Stephanie Williams

"The website looks amazing! It’s great to see something dedicated to the woman in the industry."

- Anastasia Villareal

"Thank you so much for reaching out and for the invite. I’m incredibly honored to be featured alongside such amazing ladies."

"The site looks great, and you definitely have my approval for the listing. Thanks for all the work you’re doing to showcase women in comics!👋😊"

- Yasmín Flores Montañez

"Thank you so much for including me on your website, Leonard. What a wonderful resource for both the creators and comic book readers and fans."

- Alisa Kwitney

"Thank you from both of us for putting together this massive and necessary work."

- Richard and Wendy Pini

the bios were created using public information, if there are any errors, please contact me at leonardbonnano@gmail.com.