Friends of Lulu's Katie Merritt: Q&A

Posted: Monday, January 12, 2004
Posted By: Tim O'Shea

Friends of Lulu (FOL), according to its website FAQ, is “a national organization whose main purpose is to promote and encourage female readership and participation in the comic book industry. Among the goals of the organization are: to increase female readership of comics; to promote the work of women in comics; to offer networking opportunities and general support to women in comics, and to facilitate communication among women and men who share the organization's purpose.” In 2003, one major FoL project was Broad Appeal. Produced by the New York chapter of FoL, Broad Appeal is “an anthology of illustrated stories that engagingly showcase the diversity of female artists writing and drawing comics today. From Dramatic mystery and humorous fantasy to insightful narratives, this unique, spirited collection offers something for everyone.” SBC recently interviewed Katie Merritt, the organization’s president, about her vision for the group and other FoL matters, such as Broad Appeal. In addition to her role in FoL, she is the co-owner of Green Brain Comics in Dearborn, Michigan.

Tim O’Shea: I think Broad Appeal is a great tool to introduce folks to FoL (as well as meeting the mission statement of "encouraging female involvement in the comic book industry"). How has response been so far?

Katie Merritt: Response has been incredible. All the reviews we have seen so far have been very positive. The New York chapter has done a wonderful job promoting it, with its release party at MoCCA being a huge success. There is a lot of excellent talent in the book and it’s in such a cute format, it’s irresistible!

TO: This was produced by the New York chapter, are there any plans for another FoL chapter to put together a similar book or for NY to do another edition in a year or two?

KM: We would love to do more anthologies showcasing more undiscovered female talent. Currently we are in the process of creating an Eastern Canadian Chapter, with an anthology of Canadian creators to follow. There has also been interest in a European created anthology. It would be great to eventually be able to do one a year like the SPX anthology.

TO: What are your main goals in helping FoL to achieve its main goals? (SBC aside: I apologize for the most redundant question of 2004 to date.)

KM: The comic industry has changed a lot in the 10 years since Friends of Lulu was formed. I believe FoL needs to change along with it. Our number one goal right now is to redefine our mission statement to meet the changing needs of the industry. We are sending out surveys and conducting interviews trying to get a feel for what people want, need, and expect from FoL and take it from there.

TO: Most importantly how do you hope to boost its membership and people's awareness/appreciation of the group?

KM: Once we have polished our mandate, we will do a pr campaign as well as making sure we have a presence at major conventions. We would also like to do grass roots campaigning with more local activities, chapters, and small community events, like in-store signings. We would also like to start working with local libraries and non-comic conventions.

TO: I think in the past too often the intent of FoL has been misinterpreted by the uninformed.

KM: This is why we feel it is so important to redefine our mission statement to be sure our goals are more clear and concise.

TO: Were you pleased at how the FoL nomination process and awards awardsceremony went this past year?

KM: Yes, there were many great creators nominated and the ceremony was very relaxed and fun. For 2003 we held the event in the historical Gaslamp District of San Diego in an upscale lounge called The Bitter End. We had a nice turnout with most of the nominees (and award recipients) in attendance.

TO: Have you ever considered seeing if DC or Marvel would donate ad space or somehow work with FoL (to the benefit of both FoL and the companies themselves)?

KM: We haven’t approached Marvel or DC since I have been on the Board of Directors. But, we have received sponsorships and ad space from other publishers including Dark Horse.

TO: What's on the horizon for FoL going forward in 2004 and beyond? What do you see as being the greatest challenges for FoL on the road ahead?

KM: As I mentioned, our first goal is to refocus and reorganize to meet the changing needs of the female comic community. This will help us overcome one of our greatest challenges: being misunderstood.

TO: Does FoL have any sort of programs to introduce comics in the schools or libraries (along the lines of the American Library Association Get Graphic graphic novel awareness program of 2002)?

KM: Not yet, but it is an avenue we would like to explore in the near future.

Got some comments on this item?
Have your say at the Silver Bulletins forum.