Understanding the Power of Comics with Ms Regine Sawyer

By Aaradhana Rawat

The young creative minds at Bennett University continue to broaden their knowledge and horizons, this time through the entertaining and dynamic world of comics.

On 16th February 2023, the Times School of Media and the University Women's Development Cell, in collaboration with the American Centre, gave an inside peek into the world of superheroes and villains with Ms Regine Sawyer.

The American Comic Book Writer and Editor captivated the imagination of eager students with the power of pictures and stories through the nostalgic medium of comic books. Talking about them as a medium for inspiration and creativity as a child, she emphasised their ability to help create her identity as a woman of colour.

Over the course of the international guest lecture, she elaborated on the start of her career as a simple Archie Comics and X-Men fan, her endeavours in Marvel and DC Comics and her drive to found a veritable hub for empowering women of colour to openly publish their works, i.e., Women in Comics Collective International (WinC). Proudly presenting their quarterly literary and art periodical, WinC Magazine, she showcased the many works of writers and artists from around the world.

Talking about comics as a medium for inspiration and creativity as a child, Ms Regine Sawyer emphasised their ability to help create her identity as a woman of colour. Photo by Sanya Dhingra

Her travel and attendance at Comic Con Mumbai helped her strengthen the mission of WinC, fully believing in the power of their educational and professional workshops, panel discussions, art shows, and Comic Book Festivals to encourage young and upcoming artists.

The gathering truly came alive during the interactive session wherein Ms Sawyer created an original character bone structure, taking in varying prompts from the present students and faculty. Throughout the session, she encouraged and enjoyed the unique requests of her audience, as well as answered their diverse questions with beaming joy.

(The writer is a second-year student of BAFTW, Times School of Media.)