Feature Chance for Women’s History Month

[loonacyllc]

Sanctuary | Tapas

Logline:
After 500 years on earth, what's a vampire to do with his time? Open a dog sanctuary of course. But, when a Hellsing shows up on his doorstep, he will be forced to forego his peaceful life and rejoin a fight he thought he ended long ago.

Quote; (This comes from a future episode)
"You think I should be afraid? I've faced hundreds of your kind, and so far, every one of them has fallen to my silver. In the end, you'll be the same."

I think its a unique opportunity being both female and asexual in an industry that is overwhelmingly male and hetero dominated. I believe it allows me to create a unique and intriguing story that is entirely character driven and has no qualms about holding back on issues that plague society all while wrapped up tight in a supernatural/horror story. I love that i get to create a female lead that is both strong in body and mind that can fight and talk with the best of the other male leads without it feeling like a shoe in. I love being able to create in the fashion I do and hope to be able to inspire other young women and nonbinary individuals to draw and create as they please.

[ashstoner]

Through Hell or High Water | Tapas

Series logline: 'Through Hell or High Water' is a fantasy-based graphic novel series focused around a small group of unlikely companions who, through unseen outside forces, come together in order to try and stop the chaos of the Void from escaping its bindings and swallowing the Waking Realm into darkness for eternity.

This story also focuses on the best and worst elements of the mortal race as a whole, and the grey areas that hold us all together through the beginning of the end.

An inspiring quote (or two... or three!): "Dying would be giving satisfaction to the gods, and they are on my sh*t list at the moment." -Alexiandra Maclellan

“I swear to the gods if you don’t shut your mouth your trousers will be on fire.” -Fianna Talavir

"Ye’ can only smash ya’ thumb und’ra hammer so many times before it loses its’ appeal; once is usually enough." -Matilda Stonespark

What creating this series means to me: Growing up I was an only child with a VERY active imagination. My parents used to say I was born with a pencil in my hand, and I've been drawing ever since I had the ability to do so. It took many many years for me to realize that comics were in fact what I wanted to do with my creative freedom, but once I did, I loved the feeling it gave me and how it let my ideas flow. While its really hard to bond with people in my life about (as there are just not many people into comics and such in general, let alone other women), as are a lot of other creative hobbies I find myself dabbling in, the ones I have I will treasure for life. Because of this, they've helped shape me as a writer and an artist as well.

Many stories flutter around in my head, but one day they all began to coalesce into a larger and larger plot and world, and thus 'Through Hell or High Water' was born. It's a story that is very dear to me as it helps me through some of the more important issues in my life and in the world as a whole, and in a way, is an opportunity for me to get those feelings out through a good means. The characters mean a lot to me, and have various aspects of my own personality and those around me to influence them, and I love seeing them grow through this series, and I do hope others will as well!

[colorgoat]

Don't Worry While I'm Around | Tapas

Logline:
A short story about an old promise between two friends-turned-lovers. When trouble arises fighting monsters out in the field, Georgia will do anything to protect Jade. Although, she forgets that Jade wants to do the same for her...

Quote:
"Anywayyy...just don't worry while I'm around, alright?"

What it means to me:
Not only am I a woman in a male-dominated field, but I'm a butch lesbian with a complicated relationship with my womanhood in a...male-dominated field. I grew up absolutely obsessed with cartoons and movies, and while I did always prefer the female characters, it was difficult to truly see myself in them. The fact that they're often created to cater to the male gaze put a wall between me and them. This still happens today.

My current comic features lesbians who aren't traditionally feminine in design or personality. They're the type of characters I've ALWAYS wanted to see in media before I realized I was even allowed to present that way. I also find it deeply important that their relationship is fleshed out, and that their interactions feel real and organic...I'm sure it goes without saying that a gay couple being front and center in anything is a rarity as well.

It's clear that my work is EXTREMELY self-indulgent, but if men can be self-indulgent, then why can't I? But seriously, I aim to make my works diverse enough where all sorts of women can see themselves in it like I can.

[CodeMonkeyArts]

HEHE YES! LONG LIVE THE QUEEEEEENSS!!!

Dear tapas forums. I don't care if something is a sentence or not, please post please

[orribu]

https://tapas.io/series/roseforshurinai

Henlo! Thank you for this opportunity!

Gale Shurinai has been through hell since the death of their friend and the resurrection of Corruption. Even worse, Corruption wants them back... Alive.
Will Gale finally awaken as the Azure Oracle, or will Corruption consume them once again?

It hasn't been revealed as of yet, but Gale is actually a woman who's glamoured herself to be male. As time progresses and she undergoes a period of growth, she becomes comfortable with her identity, while also awakening as a powerful figure in the War Against Corruption.

"I stopped the virus from commanding you once. I CAN DO IT AGAIN."
-Gale Shurinai

It's a scary world out there. The industry's dominated by males and ladies are mocked or ignored unless they change their pen name. But I mean...come on, ladies can (and HAVE) create stunning works, too! I've always wanted to tell a story through webcomics since I was a young lassie. Imagine my surprise when my art teacher told me I could create whatever story I wanted. I could have a voice! I could share my vision with the world! But most importantly, I could show other women that their work is valid, unique, and amazing, and that's a great message to send.

Creating a webcomic, writing a story, all that good stuff...it helps me cope with many things that upset my mental illnesses. I can cope with death, I can set abusers straight, and I can comfort those in need and help them discover the strength that was within them the entire time.

So in short, being a woman and being a webcomic creator is one of the most important steps I took in my life.
Thank you again for this opportunity, and ladies, you are AWESOME!

[dedadaniels]

https://tapas.io/episode/1559020https://tapas.io/episode/1559020

1. The Island of March is divided in half by a chalk line and many controversies.
   But Morsel has a plan to make the chaos stop, stipulate a peace treaty between the opposite parties, constantly at war. It all seems to work until the owner of the island comes back.

2. "Look a girl has better things to do than wait for prince charming! I want a break from this mindset, I want to read, study, think, I want to grow as a human!"

3. All of my series talk about the condition of women, I am a historian by trade and specialized in this topic and like to showcase all forms of freedom and strength along different historical periods. Even when showcasing them in regular roles of wives and mother it is important to show what they went through an dhow they pull their lives together: some of them have the foresight in the marriage and adapt, other take care of everything and everybody, others feels no need for redemption and go on with their live embracing the "villain role" assigned to them, some wish to have a few minutes to be able to sit on the toilet in peace or go through painful miscarriages.
   My theme has always been "women conditions in history" even when I establish a tycoon in The Flower and the Nose, there is always the subtext on how people perceive Lani's being distant and feeling superior while coping with the loss of her own roots. Whether it's The Pirate Balthasar or The Mark of Cain, women are often judged, not care for, not listened to (like Cassandra), kidnapped, raped, forced into marriage and when they hold power and knowledge they are witched like Circe in The Pirate Balthasar. But it is their health, mental and emotional, that get the romance engine running, that gets the pragmatic lifestyle going, hold things together or not, because sometimes they break down too and it takes them a while to figure things out.

[karinemmarques]

The Legend of the Flower Demon Lord | Tapas

2: A strong-willed girl in a world of magic is chosen by the god darkness. Afraid of what the dark magic is doing to her body, she sets out on a journey with her companions to be chosen by the goddess of light instead. However, things are not as they seem, and many comedic adventures await them.
3. The main character has a tendency to remain quiet and take action immediately instead, whether that be walking away or punching her way through. Therefore, it is hard to find a defining direct quote from her, but I think this one will do: “My, my, Magnus. One would think you don’t know me at all! Have you ever seen me do something that wasn’t profitable or that wasted time? Creating a beautiful masterpiece that can search for money – well, actually anything, but preferably money – I have successfully concluded that this palace and its Lord are dirt poor, as well as the location of the map!”
4. For me, creating this or any other series is an outlet for my imagination. If I had to include how being a woman factors in, it might be related to the kind of characters I like to create as main characters. Fearless, strong, and can do anything. Women that go after what they want and stay true to their desires. It means sharing my created worlds with others, hoping they enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it, and that I might bring a smile to their faces. If it inspires others, women or not, to be stronger as well, that is a plus. To be honest, I never thought too deeply about it, as I write simply because it brings me joy.

[Tinguu]

Square Hole | Tapas

Logline: Sometimes inappropriate, violent, and boring. Square Hole is an exploration of identity through through vignettes of "Kel", a queer freelance photographer stumbling through work, dating, and life.
Quote: "What I want is to be seen."
Tell us what creating series means to you as a woman in the webcomic/webnovel industry.
I never dreamed I'd write a webcomic. I picked up a pencil to write Square Hole less than a year ago, and never looked back. I felt sick of reading webcomics that were about cliche heroines who were basically boy-characters with an image swap, but also stories about girls putting in hard work to be recognized in a world with absolute justice. As a queer LGBTQIA+ woman of color, I was initially frustrated and then eventually inspired to write Square Hole with the goal of subverting the idea that women have to be perfect (intelligent, hard-working, selfless, kind, etc.) and instead provide a deconstructed narrative for the messy, complicated, painful, and deeply rewarding day-to-day explorations of gender identity and femininity.

I have rarely see this done, especially in the webcomics industry, where genres like action, sci-fi/fantasy, and romance are king, but knowing I have a different message -- the reality of being a woman -- is really empowering. I've heard feedback from trans, gender non-conforming, and cis folks alike that either this story deeply resonates with them or helped them really understand the struggle in exploring one's gender identity. I've also gotten a lot of negative comments that this character's identity is "disgusting" which, as a woman artist is even more empowering to keep disrupting the status quo. I love the fact Square Hole is providing a platform to voice what many women identify with but have never read in a webcomic. I've heard my comic feels like a breath of fresh air to so many of my readers in having their voices and true experiences heard.

[ratscout]

Quick question, does our story have to have a lady as the main character, or is it okay to have a guy as the main character, but there's still a leading lady IN the story? Thank you.

[blackorchid]

I think our combined love for the Badass Femmes could topple this world.

How do you feel about World Domination?

[RosesnWater]

Comic/Novel: Netvor: Retelling of Beauty and the Beast

1.

Comic:

Netvor: A Retelling of Beauty and the Beast | Tapas

Novel:

Netvor: Beauty and the Beast (written) | Tapas

1. Logline: Aceline Capet is woman obsessed with killing a monster few people believe exists, and she is determined to do it even if the price is her life. It’s only after she is trapped in the palace of a Faerie Lord that she begins to reflect on her dangerous path for revenge, and work towards freeing herself and the man who originally captured her.

2. Quote: “I have no fear of anything, my Lord. I welcome your punishment. I have robbed you of beauty and offered you rot.”

3. I’ve been writing since I was twelve. Mostly, I continue to write and draw because it’s an opportunity to show the kind of characters and relationships I cherish in reality. It can be difficult to express oneself, especially when there are only so many ‘socially acceptable’ ways for women to be in media. I especially like seeing women in happy and healthy platonic relationships with other women and try to make that a reality since supporting women characters are often consigned to having a few lines at best or are pitted against one another. I like creating women that are ugly, angry, loving, passionate and a little dishonest.

[TAMAnnoying]

Looking for Oasis | Tapas

Logline:
Sad man adopted by nice but sad dad lizard, and their journey learning to love and taking care of a developing young lady who thinks she's larger than life.

Quote:
“Ah! The problem with reading and learning to articulate, everyone thinks a well spoken compliment is an invitation to courtship.”

As someone who grew up with a father figure who was very present in my life and a brother who was much older than me I had a lot of positive male influences. This allowed me to interact with more male activities in my life where I played video games and learned to get dirt on my knees even tho mom just bought me nice clothes. Because of these positive role models it helped me get into the mindset of Gender Nonconformist where I could safely be whoever I wanted, and do whatever I wanted. This let me get into fun things like comics, table top gaming and other wonderful ventures that I spent with other males and females because in the end, what my or other peoples' genders are shouldn't get in the way of the simple pleasures of life. Thea is the story of that life with two (semi) positive (sorry Dimitri) role models who do their best to help her find her place without condemning her for her body parts or talking down to her just because sometimes she too wishes to just be pretty- as well as stab some jerks. I want young girls to remember that they can be whatever they want when they make comics. They don't have to just be manly and they don't have to just be girly- they can do both if that's what they wanna do. No one can stop you. Always take the next step.

[DasIstWunderblyat]

Somebody post a BL and not getting flagged, other post their male-led series but emphasizing main female characters. I think as long as you are either identify as a woman or you are pitching a woman-written series it is a safe. After all, it is the staff's decision to feature yours or not, this is just a submission.

Probably you can cherry pick appropriate and relevant character and quotes to support your pick according to the theme to increase your success. I don't know if they will consider it though.

[ThatGayGoat]

A Gentle Touch | Tapas

Logline:
After rescuing a girl at a bar from a scumbag, Sloan finds herself having her first crush! She thought she would never see the girl again after she rescued her, until she is given a second chance when fate brings them together again! Just a couple of girls crushing on each other!

Quote:
"Some asshole drugged you. So, I carried you here. I don't know where you live... I'm just glad you're safe"

Creating this comic is important to me because I find too many men writing lesbian/ girls love comics. I often find those comics fetishy or unrealistic. I just wanted to make a sweet, heartwarming romance between two women where sexuality is not questioned. It is not a straight to gay story, it is two people falling in love regardless of gender identity. I feel like stories like that are rare, so I decided to write my own! Non- fetishized Queer-romance representation is incredibly important. So as a queer woman, I wanted to write that story and share it with others!

Thank you for the opportunity!

[Kittyfox]

https://tapas.io/series/Dreamcatcher1

Logline -
Aerith is an orphan who's only ever wanted somewhere she belongs. On one fateful day, she encounters a magical fountain that changes her life drastically.

She enters a place where she meets a shy baker, a magical cat-girl, an aspiring actress, a determined general, and a mischievous spirit who goes a bit too far...

Quote - "I swear, that (spirit) is going to get their just desserts!" (Luci, vowing to overcome the spirit that keeps trying to take over her mind)
From a future episode - "I don't need anyone to save me! I've taken an oath to protect, not be taken care of like someone's pet!" (General Kitsune Tanaka)

Being a female in the webcomic industry means that I accept that there will be people better than me, but I just have to keep improving and growing so that one day, I can be as successful as them. A lot of successful comic creators are men, in fact. That means if I succeed, I can help show younger girls and women that they can overcome the gender gap, make their voices heard, and that they can do anything a man can and more.
(The stuff that was here previously is irrelevant)

Edit: I accidentally @'d victoria because I misread the first post, but I removed it. Sorry!

[krashville07]

At What Cost | Tapas

• The story is about a female protagonist named Reed who gathers some friends and tries to figure out the truth behind the government they are trapped under. Reed also has her own self journey as she comes to terms with her reflection and the scars of her past.

• "In order to love who you are, you cannot hate the experiences that shaped you." -Andrea Dykstra

-I have numerous stories that are all intertwined in the same universe, kind of like the MCU. I want to be able to tell all of these stories and hope that readers can follow along and see all of it tie together. Not only that, but I get to see my storytelling and art grow along with each story. Being a woman, I have always seen male authors of famous manga or comics, and I want to be at the same rank as them.
While I can only make smaller chapter right now because of school and work, I hope I can be able to grow enough to be able to make longer chapters.

[Corpupine]

1. https://tapas.io/series/NemaTale/info
2. *if we're not giving up down here . . .
   *don't give up wherever you are, ok?

The King of Monsters is dead, and everything has changed. What will the monsters of the Underground do when it seems that all hope of escape has been lost forever?

. . . and what will they do when the next human falls?

1. "One day things will be better. You should be around when they are."

2. Being a woman in this industry means the same thing to me as just being myself: it means there's a story only I can tell. I know that sometimes, society puts pressure on people to act a certain way, and there's a lot of fear of being seen as "weak" or "soft-hearted." But I firmly believe that there is power in being kind. There's power in reaching out to the people around you and helping them, even when it's hard. Being a woman in this industry to me means telling that story, over and over again, in my comics but also in everything I do. I want my every action to scream that I'm going to be kind even when it makes me seem weak. The hope isn't to make other people think or believe like me. The hope is, people--women, men, anyone--will see what I make, and they'll say "I want to tell my stories too." That would be amazing.

[thebvqa]

Predatory Loan | Tapas

Logline:
Rooming with a serial killer isn't good for his health, but it's pretty amazing for his bank account. And hey, at least if his roommate kills him he doesn't have to worry about classes anymore, right?

Quote:
"Oh no, the serial killer thinks I'm a loner. It's not like there could possibly be any other reason I don't want my friends meeting you."

Predatory Loan is the very definition of a passion project for me. I developed the series specifically to cater to my wants and my wants alone, which is something I haven't always felt free to do. Society tends to deride whatever's popular with women, just because it's popular with women, and will viciously mock fans of boy-bands or YA lit or whatever slash pairing they can get their hands on in time for an interview with an actor. Because of this, I've often felt I have to prove that whatever I enjoy is worth other people's attention, or even worse, that it's worth mine. But sometimes, at the end of the day, you just want to write a self-indulgent comic about hot vampires murdering people, and you want to stuff that comic to the gills with your own particular flavor of queerness. Predatory Loan is me letting go of whatever fears I had that my interests were too niche, embarrassing, or disgusting and simply writing whatever I feel like– and as a woman, the freedom to just let it all hang out isn't one I'm often afforded in day-to-day life. I'm glad it gets to be a part of my art.

[ivanskilling]

Wow thank you so much for the opportunity!

Shackles | Tapas

Logline:
Follow Empress Wu Zetian's treacherous journey from the hands of enemy Tufan soldiers back to the Forbidden City where she battles foes from within her own kingdom.

Quote:

I can forsake my heart and my life… but I cannot forsake my people.

What creating series means to you:
As an Asian woman, I've always wanted to bring my culture and experiences to the world of webnovels. In all of my series - from romance to scifi to murder mystery - I strive to add a different cultural touch to it that other Asian (and particularly, SEA) can (hopefully) relate to. I believe the struggles that we face as Asian women, while similar in some aspects to women of other races and religion, are also different in many regards. I want to bring those struggles to light so that more people will understand what it feels like, and so that we can come together as a supportive community.

More generally, I also think it's important to have stories that show the inner (and external) strength that women have because we're not just flat Mary Sues or damsels in distress who require saving. We can save ourselves and we deserve to be treated as equals. That's what I hope to convey in Shackles (and my other stories)!

[KJBatson]

The Sea and the Wolf | Tapas

2) A woman with an incredible ability to make her future anything she wants, and a lonely man cursed with werewolfism. Together the two must work together in order to secure their own futures, and have hope of ever finding the peace they both want.

3)Glancing behind her where the milk and sugar station stood, there was a man fiddling with the lid of his cup. If she had kept going without looking, she would bump into him, and his drink was going to spill; she could sense it. Hali turned her attention back to Conan and pointed over her shoulder, “You better clean that up.”

He gave her a questionable stare. “Clean what up?”

Conan’s gaze drifted to the station and watched as the man’s lid popped off and coffee spilled all over the station and the floor. Conan’s eyes shot to Hali, giving her a shocked look. “How did you know?!” She shrugged and waved to him as she headed out to class for the day.

4) I come from a small town where the idea that being a novelist as a woman is just romance. Those over the top cringey romance. I love all genres and write a good mix between them all. I wanted to rewrite the first novel I wrote and write it for a new generation, but also write something that is a lot more than just "romance" Being an writer, espeically in the web novel industry allows me to have a certain bit of ontrol over my work and lets me push any boundries that I want to with my characters. I want to write not just power women, but male characters who are also equal. Characters to really bring equality to the table. Being a woman in this induestry means I want to be someone people can be happy to hear from week after week. I want to be that author who people can't wait to read every week, just like all the other amazing authors and artists I read daily.