Returning once more to discuss the superhero story, Sonica, I had the pleasure of catching up with creator Guy Fogel who explains in depth, what went in to the creation of the super heroine.
Thought Process
"The idea for Sonica originally came to me in 2013 – it was the second year I was running with Sherman's Pit through the local con scene, it was doing ok for a niche book but I realized I was never going to make comics into my primary work if I only do niche stuff. I decided early on that I won't focus on fanart or make something that's too derivative. I wanted to tailor an adventure specifically for Israeli fans, that's inspired by their favorite fandoms. but is still its own, local thing.
And then there was the Israeli Superhero Conundrum, that creators have been trying to crack since the 70s. A lot of indie titles tried to go the super-soldier approach – the IDF are everyone's local heroes, and we all feel connected to that narrative because we've been in it (yay mandatory service?) - but my other title pretty much covered my conflicted opinions about the military. I wanted something more PG, jolly and hopeful, but still not shallow or pandering to children (I'm looking at you DC Superhero Girls). I chose a female protagonist firstly because I was a little nostalgic for girl-power shows and movies that I grew up on as a teen. Buffy, Xena, Charmed. Secondly, because it hasn't been tried successfully so far and I wanted to break some new ground. But mostly because I felt the audience was more than ready for it.
I made some concept art and pitched the idea to con goers before I proceeded, and this was met with enthusiasm that confirmed my gut feeling. The music gives you power concept was easy. I can't work without an appropriate soundtrack to get me in the right mindset, and music was already an important part of Sherman's Pit.
Then I hit a wall – I didn't have a grip on how to draw female characters or action poses or action scenes... and worse, I couldn't write a woman authentically.
Research was key to bridging both these gaps. Drawing was easy – if you can draw by reference, then google it and work until it looks publishable. Writing was trickier. I started reading articles at TheMarySue, I explored the differences between Renaissance Disney and Contemporary Disney films. I rewatched series I liked and then read five different reviews of each of them. I tried to analyze and extract components from fandoms that seem more female-oriented. Buffy. Kamala from Ms. Marvel. Agatha from Girl Genius. She-Ra and The Princesses Of Power. The Runaways. Eventually I had a grip on Soni's voice. Shay's character evolved naturally as a counterpart and sounding board her lines (mirroring Kamala and Bruno from Ms. Marvel). Their conversations still bounce around in my head.
Sonica's costume is a design that's meant to be practical for a fifteen year old girl in a hot country to put together. The helmet is actually based on a cute fluffy pink hat with ponpons that my niece wore when she was a baby. It's funny how these kind of things inspire you."
Target Audience
"I wanted to make this into a gateway comic – something that would show those iPad generation kids the power that this medium still has, and may get them to read more comics. I'd say it's recommended for ages 9-10 at minimum.
Having a female protagonist obviously implies that I'd like to get more girls and women reading this; after all, it pretty much started back in 2013 when all the 12 year old Whovian fangirls bought everything else in the dealer area but didn't find anything worth buying at my table.
At this point though, I think it's balanced out; Men are as interested in it as women. Moms buy it to get their boys to appreciate women as figures of strength. Some people buy it because it's pink and hopeful. Everyone loves dogs (especially Germans!). It's also very possible that at this point people are a little tired of books about a bunch of muscular men punching each other, I know I am."
Thoughts on Female Led Characters
"If I could judge by what I see on Kickstarter and in cons, than that's a definite yes. In Germany we have HOK's 'Thief Sisters' and 'Touch', Kasper's 'Libelle' and Carolin Reich's 'Vom Anfang'; In Israel we have Zanzuri's 'Hadar', and Comics Creation Group's 'Comet Tigress' and 'Eardor', all featuring strong female characters in the lead. I was also happy to support Sam Johnson's 'Geek-Girl' and similar projects on Kickstarter this year.
However, I am seeing a concerning trend that I'd like to weigh in on – on the one hand, indie creators wave the 'Female Heroine' banner proudly, on the other hand, many creators play on the sex-appeal of said heroine for marketing – provocative outfits over practical, cleavage shots, butt shots, even going as far as to offer NSFW drawings as rewards. Sex appeal sells, and we're in the business of commercial art, so we need to sell, and there is definitely a demand. From a sales standpoint, I can't blame anyone for using that tactic.
That being said, there's a limit to how much you can walk that line without compromising your story's and your character's integrity. You also need your readers to connect with your heroine on an emotional level, and that requires good writing and art that matches its spirit. Sonica, for one, is intended as PG, and its heroes are in middle school. Oversexualization would win me new readers, but would drive some of my old readers away; and I'd rather win more readers by delivering good story and art."
Dog Sidekick Over Human Sidekick"It wasn't as opposed to a human sidekick because Shay fulfills the 'Guy In The Chair' trope to perfection (if I may say so) and has some more tricks up his sleeve than just being a sidekick, but that's another story, so let's get back to Sookie the labrador.
One of the pit stops on my research was 'Avatar The Last Airbender' as well as 'The Legend Of Korra'. While displaying great characterization, worldbuilding and team dynamic, those series also put emphasis on the animal companion, a trope that's isn't that frequently used nowadays. Appa was adorable, but it was also a plot device (means of transport) and later on, a quest object. I chose a dog because I'm a dog person, and because it was easy to take inspiration from my father's two family dogs, which Sookie gets her look (and behaviour) from."
The Future For Sonica"I have an outline for a 6 issue story arc that would explore Sonica's world – as in, an Israeli city life, high school dramas, Russian terrorists, music-based villains, exploring her powers, training Sookie, themes of grief and coping, friendship and family, some technical debates about music, hints of romance, and how would vigilantism actually work in a place like Israel. I have some plot points that go beyond that outline so I hope to continue.
The challenge has always been to introduce a concept as outlandish as superheroes to a grounded Israeli reality in a way that feels organic and yet fantastic, and this is what I'm trying to achieve. It will be funny, heartfelt, exciting, and will keep you wanting more."
A massive thank you to Guy Fogel for this exclusive chat.
If you have a book you'd like me to review, then email stewjones22@gmail.com
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