Women In Comics Month: Interview With Shy Allott

In honor of Women in Comics this March, PREVIEWSworld talks with Shy Allott!

PREVIEWSworld: Tell us a little bit about yourself! What are you currently working on? 

Shy Allott: Our Spring Launches are in full swing! We have Another Castle (JAN161582) from Andrew Wheeler and Paulina Ganucheau, The Mighty Zodiac (FEB161673) from J. Torres and Corin Howell, and Space Battle Lunchtime from newcomer Natalie Reiss. I’m also really excited about Heartthrob (FEB161671) from Chris Sebela and Robert Wilson IV.

PREVIEWSworld: How long have you been working with sequential art? What titles, companies, and creators have you worked with over your time in comics?

Shy Allott: I’ve been in comics since 2008, starting first at Dark Horse Comics, and then a stint at the CBLDF before finding a home at Oni Press. I’ve worked with Neil Gaiman, Eric Powell, Garth Ennis, Frank Miller, Joss Whedon, Ming Doyle, Ruth & Christos Gage, Sophie Campbell, Felicia Day, Dan Harmon, Jhonen Vasquez… I’m pretty proud to have been in the trenches with the greats.

PREVIEWSworld: Did you have a mentor or hero in the industry that inspired you to pursue a career in comics?

Shy Allott: When I was a troubled teen, I was exposed to comics like Johnny the Homicidal Maniac, Hothead Paisan, Transmetropolitan and Maus, and I began to realize that all that emotion, angst and frustration could be channeled into something productive. Everytime I see someone take that step from chaos into expression, I get inspired all over again. 

PREVIEWSworld: In your opinion, how has the comic book industry evolved in terms of gender?

Shy Allott: Women have always been in comics, but typically overlooked participants. I LOVE groups like the Valkyries, the Bitch Planet NC’s, Black Girl Nerds, Femmes in Fridges, Women in Comics… I could go on for a while. We’ve banded together in the last few years, and, as it turns out, it’s hard to be overlooked when there’s thousands of us supporting, sharing, talking and creating.

PREVIEWSworld: What stereotypes do you see surrounding women in comics? How could people of all genders go about breaking those stereotypes?

Shy Allott: This ties into the last thing, but women in comics have suffered from a series of tropes both on and off the page. but with so many new voices, and supportive communities, we’re seeing representations of women rise to a very real surface in terms of sales. Because of the support structure we’ve created behind female creators and titles, we’re making a real impact on the market and demand.

PREVIEWSworld: How do you want to see women represented in comic books 10 years from now?

Shy Allott: Effortless, natural, and without note. 

PREVIEWSworld: If you could give advice to any aspiring editors, executives, writers, or artists, what would you tell them?

Shy Allott: Be persistent. Know your value. Be a force to be reckoned with. Speak the truth in your art or your work. Be an ocean to the stone.

PREVIEWSworld: And lastly, are there any up-and-coming women creators who you would recommend readers check out?

Shy Allott: YES! Paulina Ganucheau is killing it (as per usual) on Another Castle (JAN161582), Corin Howell’s art on The Mighty Zodiac (FEB161673) has this old-disney feel that’s just perfect. She’s one of my favorites. I’m also disproportionately proud that Oni discovered Natalie Reiss’ Space Battle Lunchtime (look for it in next month’s previews), because her pitch came through so natural, it’s not going to be long before she runs bartertown. 

See more Women In Comics Month interviews in our special section on PREVIEWSworld!