Women In Comics Month: Interview with Robyn Moore

In honor of Women in Comics this March, PREVIEWSworld talks with publisher Robyn Moore!

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

Robyn Moore: I began working with Abstract Studio in 1995 when Terry was self-publishing Strangers In Paradise. As the popularity of the series grew, Terry found that he couldn’t handle the business side of publishing as well as the creative side. I stepped in and we have never looked back. We are currently producing two ongoing series, Rachel Rising, a character-driven horror comic and SIP Kids, an all-ages, full-color comic that stars the Strangers In Paradise cast as children.

As publisher, I focus primarily on getting the finished work to the reader on time and on budget. The work doesn’t end when the artwork is completed. In a typical day, I can talk to printers, Diamond Comics, foreign publishers, digital outlets, convention organizers, and shippers. Keeping our titles on comicbook shop shelves and in readers’ hands is what keeps our doors open. 

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

Robyn Moore: Beginning in 1995, I have worked on several long running series that include Strangers In Paradise, Echo and now Rachel Rising. We have also published Paradise, too, Terry Moore’s How To Draw, and, most recently, SIP Kids.

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

Robyn Moore: When I began working with Terry, I knew nothing about the comic book business. I have been so fortunate to meet amazing people in this industry. Vijaya Iyer and Jeff Smith (Bone, RASL, TUKI) were instrumental in keeping us going for the first couple of years and continue to be the people we look to when we are in need of sound advice. I turned to Bill Schanes many times over the years and appreciated his insight. And, Bob Chapman, owner of Graphitti Designs is an indispensable resource for everything having to do with the industry. 

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

Robyn Moore: When I began attending comic book conventions, I could count on one hand the number of women actually working in the industry. We would be at a convention and there would be a handful of women at the show. Most of those women were there with male companions. Over the last twenty years, we have definitely seen that change. Because of female-driven titles like Strangers In Paradise, women have embraced comics like never before. The success of female-friendly titles created by both men and women has brought more women to comics. It has also opened doors for female writers, artists, colorists, and editors as publishers saw the talent that women bring to comics. Today, these women are working in all genres in the industry. It is great to go to a convention and see so many women behind the booths, but we still have a long way to go. The percentage of women actually making a living in the industry is still tiny.

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

Robyn Moore: Although women today are reading every type of comic published, from My Little Pony to horror comics, many people still associate comics with boys and men. Because it has been a male-driven industry since its inception, comic publishers are slow to offer titles that appeal to both men and women, and even slower to hire women creators. 

As readers become more sophisticated, they learn to look past the name on the cover or the person selling them the comic and look to the content of the stories. We can all be more aware of great art and writing. Just think about each time you discover a new series without regard to who is involved. It becomes about the life on the pages, not the artist or writer. 

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

Robyn Moore: Hopefully, women will continue to find their place in the comics industry. The twelve year-old girl reading comics today could be the new breakout artist or writer in ten years. We just need to encourage not only girls and women, but men to open their eyes to the opportunities available to women in comics.

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

Robyn Moore: The best advice I have for anyone wanting to work in the comics industry is to work hard and be willing to step outside your comfort zone. When you do, you will discover an industry that is ready and waiting for whatever you have to offer. I have never seen an industry where working professionals are so eager to help new talent enter the arena. 

On a more practical note, it is easy to forget that comics is a multi-million dollar industry. It is important to be professional and available. There is always somebody right behind you who is willing to step up if you don’t. 

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

Robyn Moore: Katie Cook is an amazing artist who has been killing it in Artist Alley for several years. Her art is simply poetic. I would love to see her on a high profile series. I’m also anxious to see what Nicole Perlman does with Marvel’s Gamora.

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