After being on the cover of O Magazine, there’s only one next natural step for Ellen. Essence, as she joked with Steve Harvey on her show yesterday? Maybe someday. But, even sooner – as in early next year – the “world’s most famous lesbian” will have her own comic book.
Bluewater Productions’ Female Force line of biography comics has already featured Michelle Obama, Oprah, J.K. Rowling and Stephenie Meyer. And now, Female Force: Ellen Degeneres will hit the shelves in March. (So long Buffy comics? Nah, it’s only one extra special gay issue.)
Written by Sandra C. Ruckdeschel with art by Pedro Ponzo, the Ellen bio-com will follow the new American Idol judge from her Louisiana childhood to her stand-up days in the comedy clubs, her sitcom, coming out (and the subsequent cancellation of the sitcom) to her current multi-Emmy-winning talk show and enormous mainstream success, and of course, her marriage to Portia de Rossi.
In an official press release about the comic, Bluewater president Darren Davis said:
People forget what a groundbreaking talent she is and that fame did not come overnight. But through all her highs and lows, she managed to stay true to herself and prove that she is a female force.
While a lot of people tend to think Ellen isn’t very gay on her show (I would totally disagree – she makes constant references / jokes), the comic’s author stressed the importance of including Ellen’s gay rights advocacy and totally gay personal life.
In the press release, Ruckdeschel said:
It is part of who she is and any telling of her story without acknowledging the importance she places on her identity would be disrespectful to her accomplishments.
So, I’m sure there’s a panel devoted solely to dancing, too, right?
In all seriousness, this comic is pretty exciting, not just for hardcore fans and comic aficionados. The whole idea behind the Female Force bio-coms is to offer a “broad examination of strong and influential women who are shaping modern history and culture.” Gays for the win!
Will you be picking up an issue of Female Force: Ellen Degeneres in March? I bet you comic fans are totally geeking out right now.
