Black girl magic is definitely blossoming in the comic book world. Ironheart, one of Marvel’s ongoing series, focuses on a black teen who’s an engineering genius and temporarily takes on the title of superhero when Tony Stark (Ironman) is in a coma.
Image Via Chicago Tribune
Now, for the first time ever, the Ironheart series is being authored by an African-American female poet and playwright, Eve L. Ewing. She’s certainty excited for her big debut as a Marvel writer, but many Marvel fans doubt her talents and capabilities to write for one of their favorite comic series.
I agree entirely that elegance of thought matters. I do not agree that a writer is a writer. A good fiction writer does not automatically make a good nonfiction writer; a good novelist would not automatically make a good playwright.
— FlorbFnarb (@FlorbFnarb) September 2, 2018
Many have taken to Twitter to voice their opinions and ask about her experience as well as question whether or not she can hold her own in the comic book world. They even go on to ask how many stories Ewing has written. Unbeknownst to Ewing, Neil Gaiman, author of Coraline and the Sandman series, came to her defense by replying back to Twitter haters with facts and personal experiences.
In the kindest possible way, this is ignorant twaddle. I was hired by DC having not published any comics yet, with 3 published short stories to my credit. I’d journalism background so they knew I understood deadlines. But they liked my pitches+my enthusiasm, & they took a chance.
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) September 3, 2018
I agree: being able to write prose fiction ≠ you can write comics. Many tried & failed. The key seems to be enthusiasm for & interest in the medium & the characters and being able to convince others that you can do it. Comics writers were often poets, playwrights, journalists.
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) September 2, 2018
[travels back in time to 15-year-old self] hey guess what?! one day you’ll be a marvel comics writer
me: omg that’s great
me: but people on the internet will argue for days over whether you’re qualified
me: oh…
me: but Neil Gaiman will indirectly defend you…?!
me: WAT https://t.co/Z8eMaoLwvz
— wikipedia brown aka eve ewing aka lil muji pen (@eveewing) September 3, 2018
Eve L. Ewing, rather touched and thankful for his input, didn’t hide the fact as she retweeted his response(s) on her page with glee and undying respect for Neil Gaiman. However, Ewing goes on to say that she rather if people didn’t fight about her. Along with the support of Neil Gaiman, Eve L. Ewing has an online petition made up of over 2,600 signatures, urging Marvel to make her an author on one of their comics. Although haters are going to hate, Eve L. Ewing will prove them wrong once the first issue of Ironheart is published.
Featured Image Via Medium