I am a woman and have been defined as such since I was born almost 21 years ago. My mother was rarely in the picture and my dad was the one who raised me. That said, my childhood was less than average considering the fights at home before and after my parents divorce. Then my mother re-married a man who verbally, physically, and sexually abused both of us.

After that started my dad left the picture. The only way to protect myself and my mother was to become the antithesis of what my step-dad wanted, a more masculine woman who was not afraid to fight back and show no fear. I always have and will continue to hate skirts and the color pink because they symbolize the femininity he imposed upon me to be subordinate to his abuse.

I needed a sanctuary from that weak and fragile femininity that had been used to harm me in so many ways, so I turned to comic books and cars as a way to reconnect with my dad who used to take me to car shows when I was little.

I am a member of a small but wonderful group of women who use their masculinity as a defense mechanism and a different way to experience the world. I am a member of an even smaller group of women who like computer games and comic books and an even lesser number who know the inner-workings of an engine.

This blog will not only look at comic books but also the benefits and detractors of female masculinity in social life.