Marvel Comics Launches ‘Super Visible’ at Comic-Con: Honoring Women in the Industry
While Marvel Studios opted out of a Hall H presentation at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, Gallery Books captivated fans with a special presentation of Super Visible: The Story of the Women of Marvel Comics. This event marked a heartfelt return to the convention’s roots, celebrating community and fan engagement. Authored by Margaret Stohl, known for Beautiful Creatures, along with former Marvel Entertainment editor Jeanine Schaefer and Judith Stephens, producer and host of the Women of Marvel podcast, the book explores the invaluable contributions of women in Marvel Entertainment—from the comic book era to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
In an interview with Deadline, Stohl emphasized the book’s focus on the women’s experiences at Marvel, stating, “We had to shift our focus away from Marvel Studios by the end of the process. This book has taken five years to create, and we interviewed 140 women throughout the pandemic. Our mission is to ensure that books like this become part of educational curriculums and libraries, preserving these stories for future generations.”
Initially, the manuscript was a hefty 650 pages, but it has since been condensed to 377 pages, with the final version published on June 24, 2025. The authors discovered that each woman’s experience at Marvel was unique, with themes of imposter syndrome and the complexities of love and heartbreak woven throughout their narratives. Stohl noted, “For many women, the journey is about finding your place as a hero in a space that historically sidelined them. It’s a journey filled with challenges, but one that ultimately leads to empowerment.”
Stohl, who played a pivotal role in reimagining Captain Marvel’s backstory for the 2019 film, shared anecdotes from her experiences with iconic characters like Black Widow. “To write a hero, you must first see yourself as one. Carol Danvers began as a secretary at NASA—a sidekick. That journey to becoming a protagonist is never straightforward,” she explained.
The book’s cover initially featured a collage of several female heroes, including Captain Marvel and She-Hulk, but the final design focuses on Sue Storm, aka The Invisible Woman. Schaefer explained, “We wanted the cover to reflect the depth and significance of this book, which is not just about comics but about the people and cultural history behind them.”
The timing of this release aligns perfectly with the upcoming Fantastic Four: The First Steps movie, starring Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, a character that embodies the essence of Super Visible. Stohl remarked on the cultural resonance of a maternal figure being a central hero in today’s narratives, emphasizing the ongoing evolution of female representation in Marvel.
Stephens utilized her connections from the Women of Marvel podcast to secure numerous interviews, many of which provided insights that shaped the book’s narrative, even if not quoted directly. “We tapped into our networks to ensure that these stories were captured before more voices were lost to time,” Stohl stated. “Historically, women’s contributions to comics have been overlooked, and we aimed to rectify that.”
Schaefer, serving as editor, focused on uncovering thematic threads throughout the interviews, resulting in chapters that highlight significant movements and experiences within the industry. “The stories of women supporting each other were particularly poignant, showing how collaboration can lead to groundbreaking achievements,” she noted.
The book captures meaningful conversations, such as those between directors Kate Herron and Sophia Di Martino, who discussed the importance of accommodating female needs on set. “Such considerations lead to better work and a more inclusive environment,” Schaefer added.
Moreover, the book sheds light on influential figures like Margaret Loesch, whose leadership in adapting X-Men into the beloved animated series paved the way for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The voices of actresses involved in Marvel projects, including Brie Larson and Scarlett Johansson, contribute to the rich tapestry of narratives that Super Visible presents.
As Comic-Con 2025 showcased a diverse range of panels focusing on community engagement rather than studio announcements, the authors of Super Visible expressed hope that this shift signifies a renewed interest in the historical and cultural significance of women in the industry. “This book embodies the spirit of those conversations and the importance of community,” Schaefer concluded.
Super Visible is not just a celebration of women in Marvel; it is a crucial step towards recognizing their contributions and ensuring their stories are told for generations to come.
