As we celebrate the first anniversary of Girls Do Comics in 2025, we reflect on how this initiative has transformed the landscape of Bangladeshi comics. Launched by Cartoon People with support from Adhunika Foundation and EMK Center, Girls Do Comics was created to provide a platform for Bengali female cartoonists—a space to share their stories, explore their identities, and connect with a creative community that had never existed before in Bangladesh.
Before 2017, the Bangladesh comics scene was largely male-dominated, and very few female voices were visible. Young women passionate about comics had limited opportunities to connect with peers or showcase their work. Everything began to shift when Cartoon People launched the Cartoon People Comics Instagram page in 2017. Submissions could now be made entirely online, allowing girls across Bangladesh to participate without needing to travel, attend events, or seek permission.The real breakthrough came with Girls Do Comics, which in its first year brought together over 60 female participants, a significant increase from previous years, helping young artists discover a supportive community of peers who shared their passion and vision.
From the initial idea in 2019 to years of workshops, art talks, and radio programs, Cartoon People nurtured the vision of a dedicated platform for female comic creators. In 2024, with the support of Adhunika Foundation and EMK Center, the dream became reality. Over 200 women comic artists submitted their work in the first year, highlighting the untapped talent across the country.The final selection was compiled into not one, but two 200-page anthologies. The Bangla comics anthology is titled Porichoy (Identity), and the English comics collection is called Lines and Dreams. From these submissions, 27 artists were featured, showcasing the diversity and richness that female creators bring to Bangladeshi comics.
Inside the exhibition, creativity and collaboration filled every corner of the space. Three live murals grew gradually over the course of the festival, each telling a unique story of resistance, hope, and unity. One of these murals, initiated by sisters Ayomoy Aronno and Angona Ahsana, evolved over seven days with contributions from both visiting audiences and fellow artists. Its fluid shapes, rhythmic brushstrokes, and vivid colors symbolized harmony and collective strength. Among the most emotional pieces was “A Letter to Mom,” delicately embroidered on a kantha by artist Nusrat Laxme. Through soft threads and honest words, she expressed both love and unspoken pain, paying tribute to her mother’s resilience and echoing the silent struggles of many women.
This year’s theme, “Identity,” encouraged artists to explore topics such as self-awareness, mental health, family, beauty standards, our connection with nature, and even online bullying—subjects often overlooked in male-dominated comics. The anthologies reflect deeply personal yet universally relatable themes, introducing readers to a new wave of visionary female comic creators in Bangladesh.Discover a compelling collection of stories crafted by the brightest upcoming female comic creators of Bangladesh. Girls Do Comics is an anthology about women, by women, revealing how Bengali women perceive their identities in today’s world. Across the two volumes, readers encounter narratives that explore personal, cultural, and societal dimensions, expanding the richness of Bangla comics and bringing fresh perspectives into the medium.
Girls Do Comics has redefined the landscape of Bangladeshi comics, introducing hidden gems with bold art and honest storytelling. In a traditionally male-dominated field, these young women are making their mark, inspiring a new generation of comic artists, and creating a thriving community that encourages collaboration and mentorship. Step into their world, celebrate their voices, and witness the emergence of a new era of comics creators—all within the pages of Girls Do Comics.Completing the first year of Girls Do Comics is not just an achievement—it is the beginning of a movement. It has built a community, connected Bengali female cartoonists for the first time, and amplified voices that were previously unheard. As we look forward to the coming years, we remain committed to nurturing talent, celebrating women’s creativity, and shaping the future of Bangla comics in Bangladesh and beyond.
