Fangirls frenzy (CCC exclusive interview pt. 1)

If you’re not checking out these young women on the Internet, you should. … No , you pervs, get your minds out the gutter! I’m talking about female self-proclaimed geeks who know just as much about comic books and pop culture as you do, you barbarians, and could actually have an intelligent conversation with you!

CCC had the opportunity to interview Stephanie Carmichael, 20, of Pennsylvania, and Jill Pantozzi, 26, of New Jersey, about their comics tastes, what they’re reading and female characters who need our attention. I’d strongly recommend you read — and bookmark — both of their blogs: Pantozzi — better known as “The Nerdy Bird” among online fans — writes “Has Boobs, Reads Comics” while Carmichael (aka “Wita”) writes “What is Techno Again?”.

Here are excerpts of our lengthy e-mail interview (Check back here next Thursday for more from these very nice ladies in my print CCC):

CCC: What is it about comics and/or the fan culture that is so appealing?

Carmichael: “It’s hard to pin it on one thing, really, but I know I’ve always loved that comic book fans make up such a wonderful, well-connected community — and we have local comic book shops to thank for that, in a lot of ways. LCS (local comic store) owners are often so friendly and helpful, it’s hard not to want to talk about our favorite comics with them and other fans. It’s that love of stories we all share mixed in with some sort of soap opera, water cooler-esque conversation. Characters go through and evolve so much over the months and years, but at the end of the day we can still come back to them. Of course, it’s comforting to think that comic stories have a bit more substance than your everyday cheesy soap opera, but all fans know that sometimes a monkey might as well be running things. [Laughs] I think a lot of times that just makes us love our funny books more, though.”

Pantozzi: “I think comics are escapism just like any other form of entertainment really. You sit down, get lost in another world and are entertained for 15 minutes. It’s just like sitting down to watch a movie except with comics the fun never ends.”

CCC: What titles are you reading now? Do you have specific characters you follow?

Carmichael: “Oh, boy … where to start? I read a lot of Batman. I’ve talked to a lot of people who think I must be this huge DC fan by the way I read Batman, but I actually just enjoy some good Caped Crusader crime-fighting adventures, you know? I do like to read other DC titles now and then — I can’t get enough of the “Starman” omnibuses, which I’m gradually working my way through when I have the time. Vertigo strikes a strong chord with me, too; many of my favorite comics and graphic novels have been published by them.”

CCC: Would you consider yourself a DC, Marvel or indie girl?

Carmichael: “As far as Marvel goes, I’ve always had a heart for the X-Men. I’ve become a pretty big Deadpool fan of late, ever since Daniel Way helmed the DEADPOOL reintroduction. SPIDER-WOMAN, AMAZING SPIDER-MAN and WOLVERINE are on my pull list and I like NOVA and DAREDEVIL, as well.

“Because of my position as a reviewer (CCC: With The Girls Entertainment Network), I’ve gone through more comics than I would have normally. So luckily enough, I always get the opportunity to read something new. Top Cow kicked off that streak. They offered me the first review copies I ever received, so I owe a lot to them in my mind. I’ve adored indie comics ever since (and I’m a huge fan of THE DARKNESS now), so although I love superhero comics, I’d have to give the gold to indie.”

Pantozzi: “I’m almost strictly a DC Comics fan. Those were the characters I was most familiar with growing up so it was easy to delve into their universe. I’m a huge Batman fan so I real just about every title he’s in. Right now I’m also really enjoying seeing the new Batwoman take center stage in DETECTIVE COMICS. What Greg Rucka and JH Williams III are doing there is just phenomenal. The GREEN LANTERN books are also at the top of my list which I never could have predicted I’d be so into. Geoff Johns writing plays a big part in that; he’s just endlessly talented.”

(Sorry to interrupt you, Jill! For my take on Batwoman in ‘TEC: Click here for my review of issues 854-856 and then follow this link to read my blog titled “Batwoman is creeping me out.”)

Pantozzi (cont.): “I enjoy non-superhero books as well. FABLES from Vertigo is a great series that’s a perfect gateway into the comics world. It focuses on fairy tale characters you already know but throws them into hiding in the real world of New York City. Archaia Comics’ MOUSE GUARD is a beautifully written and illustrated story by David Petersen about adorable little mice fighting to preserve their way of life. It’s a classic fantasy tale which I love but the cuteness factor plays a big part in my enjoyment of it. There’s a horror series from IDW called LOCKE & KEY that I simply cannot get enough of. It’s written by Stephen King’s son Joe Hill and i’’s had me in its grips from day one.”

CCC: Tell us about any female comics characters my readers should be paying attention to and why.

Carmichael: “I always feel obligated to nominate Spoiler, just because Stephanie Brown shares my first name. But Spider-Woman is making a strong comeback after her humiliation at the hands of the Skrulls and Barbara Gordon/Oracle has always been a dominant female figure along with one of my favorites, Catwoman. The Luna Brothers do an excellent job of presenting a valiant female powerhouse in THE SWORD, too.”

Pantozzi: “Batwoman and Batgirl are two characters people should be looking into these days. Batwoman is a fairly new character, but she’s already got a rich and diverse history. Most people will point out that she’s one of the few lesbian characters in comics, but she is so much more than. She’s poised to take the place as one of the most popular characters in DC Comics if they keep her on the road she’s been on. There’s also a new Batgirl on the block. Some people may already be familiar with her if they read comics, but even if you aren’t she’s a fun new heroine to start following. She’s being mentored by the original Batgirl, now known as Oracle, which is also a plus.

“Power Girl is also a really great character and perfect for anyone looking to dabble in comics. Her new solo series is easily accessible because it doesn’t tie in too heavily to the rest of the DC Universe. Pretty much everything you need to know is inside the pages of her book. She does more than just beat up the bad guys; she’s got a work and social life too.”

Want to read more these two dedicated fans? Cruise over here for part 2 of my interview, in which Carmichael and Pantozzi discuss the STILL in-development “Wonder Woman” film, comics films featuring female leads — and blogging!