Geek Syndicate Issue 5 | Page 15

Geek Syndicate
that makes the comic more inclusive is, to me, better. GS: And finally...Do you get fed up of people asking you why you write strong female characters? GR: Less fed-up than depressed, frankly. After the tenth time, it was annoying, but now it just makes me sad. Joss Whedon said it far better than I did, you know? And the question itself is far more complex and deceptive than it appears at first blush. It demands an examination of why the question needs even be asked, and that, in turn, begs deeper examination, I think. I used to wrestle with it more than I do now, but I long ago realized that - for whatever the reasons - I enjoy writing stories about women, and the kinds of stories I tend to write means some people will call those same women “strong.” I don’t think of them like that. These characters are people to me, and in that, they’re more than just strong or weak or female or gay or whatever. GS: Are you doing any UK conventions this year? GR: Not at present. I’m at a point with work and family that I tend only to do convenImage © Rick Burchett

tions if I’m invited, and sadly, I’ve never been invited to any shows in the UK. Which is a pity, because it’s been three years since I was over there, and I miss it. Would love to come back soon! You can read the adventures of Lady Sabre online. Of interest is that beneath each page of the story is the script, an invaluable resource for budding comic-artists.

Sara Westrop

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