American comic book artist and writer Kathryn Briggs is on a mission to explore the concept of the heroic feminine through her comic series, ‘Triskelion’. Originally from Philadelphia, Kathryn has made a name for herself with works like Story(cycle), Anatomy of a Broken Heart, and others. I had the opportunity to meet her during a recent sketching and signing session, where her warmth and enthusiasm made for an engaging conversation.
Kathryn’s journey into the world of comics began during her Master of Fine Arts program. With a background in classical painting, she was researching the ‘hero’ archetype when she realized that to truly understand the hero, she needed to delve into the medium where heroes thrive: comic books. This led her to create her first comic, “Story (Cycle)”, which ignited her passion for the medium. She found comics to be an accessible and immediate form of storytelling, allowing her to share her art in a way that traditional galleries could not.
During our conversation, Kathryn shared her thoughts on the importance of representation in comics. She believes that seeing diverse female characters is crucial, as it allows readers to connect with stories on a deeper level. In her work, she aims to portray women as complex individuals with flaws, hopes, and dreams, rather than reducing them to simplistic archetypes.
The ‘Triskelion’ series is a deep exploration of the relationships between the hero, villain, and victim, all told from a female perspective. Kathryn’s latest issue focuses on the heroic feminine, asking questions about what a female hero looks like and how she differs from her male counterparts. The narrative follows characters as they break free from dire situations, while also examining the concept of female agency and power.
One of the inspirations for this issue is the Mesopotamian goddess Ishtar, who embodies the heroic quest. Ishtar’s journey through the underworld, where she must shed her magical garments, serves as a rare example of a female character undergoing a transformative hero’s journey. Kathryn’s exploration of Ishtar highlights the need for more female heroes in mythology and storytelling.
Kathryn’s previous works also reflect her commitment to showcasing female characters in a new light. In “Story(Cycle)”, she presents nine different female characters from myth and fairy tales, each undergoing their own hero’s journey. Her collection “Magpie” features short comics that allow her to experiment with different styles and themes, while “Anatomy of a Broken Heart” showcases her unique approach to storytelling by repurposing old books into new narratives.
When discussing her creative process, Kathryn explained that she allows each page of ‘Triskelion’ to inform its own design. This approach results in a comic that feels like a collection of individual pieces of art, each contributing to the overall narrative. She emphasizes the importance of letting the script guide the visual elements, creating a cohesive yet diverse reading experience.
As we wrapped up our conversation, Kathryn shared her thoughts on the future of comics and the importance of community among creators. She encourages aspiring comic artists to embrace their passion and create, regardless of their circumstances. The journey may be challenging, but the sense of community and support within the comic book world can help navigate moments of self-doubt.
In a world where representation matters more than ever, Kathryn Briggs is paving the way for a new generation of female heroes in comics. Her work not only challenges traditional narratives but also inspires readers to seek out and celebrate the complexities of female characters.
Source: Kathryn Briggs Interview
