Women Laughing

A forthcoming documentary

The times we live in now are not particularly funny, although from a certain angle they could be. I try to mix up the serious and the humorous in my drawings and writing because not only is it easier to take the tough stuff when it’s delivered with a humorous spin, it can be more effective. I want to tell you about a documentary project I am developing that also combines these elements, called Women Laughing. Laughter makes us feel better.

I have been studying women cartoonists for a few decades, and have found they are as diverse as any group of creators. They create all types of cartoons — overtly political, and slice-of-life. Cartoons tell us so much about who we are as creators and as a society. Since we have historically not heard from women creators, they bring new ideas, new experiences and new funny. They help us see differently.

I find this fascinating. I want more people to see and hear these women’s stories — those from the past and the present. When I wrote my book, Very Funny Ladies, I discovered there were women cartoonists in the 1920’s in the very first issue of The New Yorker magazine! There weren’t many at all in comparison to their male counterparts, but they were there. Now the numbers are equal.

It’s not just about the numbers, it’s also about what they said and drew in their…