Finding their superpowers: WriteGirl Graphic Novel Workshop at DC Comics
By Brittany Honig, WriteGirl Intern
A statue of Batman was looming in the shadows as the elevator doors opened to a dimly lit hallway. Just around the corner was what resembled a spaceship, but what was actually the DC Comics headquarters at the Warner Brothers Studio in Burbank. The large room was swarming with WriteGirl mentees, alums and interns along with DC Comics’ female writers, artists and editors. Colored lights radiated from the ceiling, lighting up the faces of WriteGirl participants, as the first ever WriteGirl Graphic Novel Workshop at DC Comics commenced.
Using their new Wonder Woman journals, the girls answered the prompt: What is your superpower? WriteGirl mentees escaped into an alternate universe where they were the heroes of their own stories.
The girls then dispersed into different superhero groups (Supergirl, Batgirl, Wonder Woman, etc.) and diffused into various DC Comics offices, passing the shelves overflowing with action figures and comic books, and walls covered in sketches. Each group was led by a female writer, editor and artist who guided them through the process of creating a graphic novel.
Each group worked collaboratively to write a pitch, create a story and begin writing a script to make their stories come to life. After witnessing these real-life female superheroes at work, some girls shared what they wrote with the group and were able to see their stories come to life, as the artist in the group sketched out the scenes they had created in their journals.
Amidst these comprehensive rotations, the girls were also given life advice about how to make your work meaningful. DC Comics Associate Editor Jessica Chen shared her advice on how to incorporate the things you care about into a story, as long as you keep going back to “why” you’re writing it. Her group discussed the multiplicity of real-world meanings and interpretations of Supergirl’s story coming to Earth as an outsider who doesn’t understand the strange cultural norms and social standards. Anywhere from immigration stories to not fitting in as gender non-conforming, the girls were able to see themselves reflected in these stories, as well as understand how graphic novels can transcend the fictional world and send a message about larger, real-world experiences.
“Prior to the workshop, I had no interest or knowledge of comics. After the workshop, I had a strong respect for graphic novel writers and artists and how they weave stories with visuals. I started reading some graphic novels on my own!” said 18-year-old WriteGirl mentee Miranda.
The day came to a close with everyone reconvening and sharing the graphic novel stories each group had created. From crab monsters to disastrous prom nights, the girls transcended boundaries and were able to see the power in putting their words and creativity on paper. Just when everyone thought the fun was over, WriteGirl Executive Director Keren Taylor burst through the doors with a cape that read “Super WriteGirl” perfectly summing up the feeling exuding from the space – indestructible female power.
IN THE NEWS:
Check out NBC4’s coverage of the WriteGirl Graphic Novel Workshop at DC Comics!
View the video by DC Daily, featuring interviews with WriteGirl teens!
