Every year March marks Women's History Month and a worldwide celebration of all the empowered females who help run it. Marvel is kicking off the festivities early by presenting a vibrant array of stunning variant covers for eight of their ongoing series with releases set for next month. Each cover highlights a different iconic female hero; all the way from She-Hulk to Spider-Woman.
The world of comic books has historically been very male-centric in nature, aside from a few exceptions. Over the past few decades that tendency has started to change as female characters and heroes have garnered more prominence, as well as more attention, both in comics and mainstream media. They've given young women the world over people like them to look up to; inspirational symbols that prove girls can be just as strong and capable, as their male counterparts. So, it's extremely fitting they're getting the chance to shine on the covers of the titles which gave them the platform to garner such distinction in the first place.
Comic book artist Jen Bartel is behind all of the jaw-dropping variant covers that will be hitting the shelves, and after seeing the covers there is no doubt she was up for the task. She's an Eisner Award-winning artist with a personal artistic flair that has graced the covers and pages of DC and Marvel comics alike. Her talent is undeniable. Plus, who better to illustrate covers meant to celebrate the amazing women fans love than an accredited woman herself? She even took the time to stylize her designs after the years in which these characters were created; honoring their history, as well as depicting a powerful representation of women through the decades. When asked what she thinks makes these characters so iconic, Bartel told Marvel that "...despite the fact that they have superpowers, they are extremely relatable. Most heroes at Marvel also feel like they grow over time, so as a reader I was able to follow along through all of their struggles and failures, which made their successes feel that much more inspirational."
Check out all eight of Bartel's remarkable variant covers below.
Bartel's response is a good reminder that having flaws is human, relatable, and is what makes these character's strengths seem so much more ascertainable and hard-earned. They're just like everyone else in terms of their struggles and aspirations, but they just have a little something extra, something a bit more super about them, that makes them all the more extraordinary. They also all look like absolute powerhouses on these covers. Not to mention, the diversity being represented here, and in so many more of today's comics, brings a whole other level of excitement to these previews.
There's no doubt that this offering from Marvel is one heck of an exciting and powerful kick-off to the upcoming month-long celebration of female empowerment. Plus, it wouldn't be at all surprising if these variant covers heighten the anticipation for each of their associated releases. After all, who wouldn't be proud to display such stunning and representative artwork on their shelves?
Source: Marvel