Female comic creators responded to an all-male “Women In Comics” panel by holding one of their own

The all-male panel, whose stated goals included “an introduction to many of the female illustrators/creators attending the convention”—none of whom were in attendance—was treated to fairly wide mockery and derision over the weekend. According to a Twitter user in attendance, panelists responded to questions about why no female academics had been invited to speak by saying that they didn’t know any, despite the presence of noted writer and historian Trina Robbins at the con.

Some female comic creators and writers, though, refused to simply jeer, and instead decided to hold a panel of their own, with the goal of exploring the topic from a more informed position. As described by organizer and Bleeding Cool Comics author Hannah Means-Shannon in an essay posted this week, a group of creators, including Robbins and prolific writer and artist Amanda Conner, worked to organize a “flash-panel” where speakers could discuss their introduction to comics, difficulties they’ve faced in the work place, and the rise of female roles in TV and books.

Means-Shannon was quick to point out that the Denver Comic Con, which also operates as a charitable organization, was happy to support the push, offering the organizers a room for their discussion (audio of which can be found below.) Means-Shannon did emphasize, though, that the idea and organization for the flash-panel came from its members, not the con, and was less complimentary toward the convention’s panel-vetting process.