• by Ray Schultz , March 17, 2024

A new controversy has emerged in publishing: The lack of women artists in Gannett’s new comics lineup.  

The newspaper chain has been “standardizing” its comics throughout its 200+ publications, the Washington Post writes.  

Critics have said that this restricts the offerings available to the public, with its focus on popular legacy comics drawn by men. Some women artists have been hit by double-digit percentage losses. 

Hilary Price, who produces the “Rhymes With Orange,” has seen a 20% decline in her client income with these changes at Gannett. 

At this point, Gannett offers only three comics in which women are credited, two of them listing them as co-authors: 

• “For Better or For Worse,” a strip that is now in reruns, artist Lynn Johnston said 
• “Luann,” by Greg Evans and his daughter Karen Evans
• “Shoe” by Gary Brookins and Susie MacNelly. 

Gannett denies any intent to discriminate against women, saying that it now makes 34 comic strips available on Sundays, choosing them based on reader surveys. It also offers additional comics online.  

 “Our comics pages have been updated to provide a consistent and modern presentation for our evolving audience while incorporating beloved favorites,” Gannett told The Post in a statement.