IT'S SNOWING!!!



Funny how this rarely actually happens in England. And naturally, us being a whinging bunch, any kind of weather is either too hot or too cold, and it has been absolutely freezing the last few weeks; far more than is usual, as the season always seems to be one eternal winter in the United Kingdom. Now it looks like it's paying off.

It's not such a winter wonderland when you have to go out to work. Looks pretty magical, though :)

Non-Fiction Book Review - 'Misogynation: The True Scale of Sexism' by Laura Bates

When compared to Laura Bates' other published work, the utter perfection that is 'Everyday Sexism', based on the truth-revealing web phenomenon connecting women and girls and their experiences from all over the world, 'Misogynation' can seem like 'Everyday Sexism 2.0'. There isn't anything as terribly new here as I had hoped, or even brave, for a vital feminist publication in 2018. 

However, Laura Bates always does what she does best: state the facts. 'Misogynation' is a fast, easily digestible read listing no-nonsense essays from the past five years or so; all written to expand on many women's experiences in the UK and beyond - highlighting how practically every woman ever has at least feared rape, and sexual and/or murderous predators, at some point in their lives, if not all the time, with reasonable evidence to back up these fears. All incidents of clear misogyny, such as street harassment, which are too often seen as "a bit of fun" and a "compliment" to women, are linked to how dismally, how depressingly, our society and culture treats women: As second-class citizens; disposable, passive, sexual objects with no agency of their own as preferred. Only their relationships to men make them matter. 'Misogynation' contains a dash of cathartic humour in its answers to our prayers - in its solutions to our sufferings - for good measure. 

It also nicely shows great examples of why the UK's Daily Mail should be called the Daily Cesspool, or more accurately, the Daily Slowest-Newsday-Ever. Why is Page 3 still a thing? Why are there women in the 21st century who get fired from their jobs for being pregnant? Why is retro-sexism suddenly considered "cool"? Why stubbornly cater to trolls? And to dangerous stalkers and street harassers? This is monstrous. It is evil that isn't blindfolded. Women are dying because of such blatant misogyny. They are not stupid, they are not invisible - they are human beings. 

Wow, what a radical notion I just declared.

We have a long way to go.

'Misogynation: The True Scale of Sexism' keeps the conversation going. That it is a successor of sorts to 'Everyday Sexism' proves that everybody needs feminism still; that it is absolutely relevant to human progress, for female safety and survival, now more than ever. Intersectional feminism is definitely included. There is not a lot new or groundbreaking in the book, but if women in our misogynists' society have to repeat things again and again and again for something to finally change, told in similar circumstances and contexts surprising to everybody except for women themselves, then let's keep these feminist non-fiction books coming. I'm happy that, even if I can't read all of them, there are so many that exist, that are allowed to exist. People are bound to read at least one of the modern feminist texts.

Someone is bound to listen to women sooner or later, and help them to make real, honest to goodness changes. Women won't take misogynistic bullshit anymore. They can't afford to, as 'Misogynation' reveals.

Final Score: 3.5/5

Graphic Novel Review - 'Ms. Marvel Omnibus Vol. 1 (Ms. Marvel #1-4)' by G. Willow Wilson (Writer), Various artists

Well, I've finally read a chunk of Kamala Khan's adventures: her first four volumes in one big glorious omnibus that reads super fast, and is super emotional and packed with super, stupendous heart. It was about time that I consumed more stuff about the superheroine who first got me to read superhero comics, all those years ago.

The superpowered teenage Muslim and Pakistani-American Ms. Marvel, is one of Marvel's best superheroes fighting crime and beating sales records today. All in all, she is a normal, insecure, frustrated, confused teenage girl with relatable real world problems. Her caring and altruistic nature - influenced by Islamic teachings - is inspirational; a reminder to do the right thing by people. Even when absolutely helpless at the end of the world. She is an absolute badass who shows that young people are not useless or a cumbersome burden; she's not a credit to her millennial generation, just a wake-up call to the old generation to give the new one a chance to build a better future for humans. 

Kamala Khan is really funny as well. An endearing, growing, developing, awkward but competent, and hardworking superhero/fangirl with a heart of gold - whether she is working solo on her home turf of Jersey City, or teaming up with the likes of Wolverine, the Inhumans (including her adorable pet giant dog Lockjaw), Spider-Man (sadly she doesn't meet Silk here, even though they are featured in the same issue), S.H.I.E.L.D., and Carol Danvers in rescuing her kidnapped big brother while the world around them is ending due to the Marvel Secret Wars event.

Ms. Marvel ends up proving to everyone in the Marvel Universe that she is capable. An important hero for a new generation.

Not every issue ends satisfactorily, neither do a few plot threads and rather-underdeveloped character arcs - especially concerning the last issues and the pile-on of Marvel characters there; ranging from famous to "who're they?". But they are lovely stories in this collection; stories that do need to be told today. The pacing and tone are very breeze-through and exciting, without being too light, and they give back to the reader such a refreshing, wondrous experience. 

Love Kamala, love Carol Danvers. If there is any reason to believe in the power of progress, in diversity selling and going mainstream, in superhero comics containing vital messages for our current times, effortlessly mixed in with some good ole' action-packed storytelling, then the new 'Ms. Marvel' is it; a fantastic answer. 

Please read about this girl, no matter who you are. She is a hero in a myriad of ways, multilayered and perfectly imperfect. And heartily, tragically (In)human.

Final Score: 4/5

Scribble #69

Some people take cigarette breaks. I take thought breaks. Or fantasy breaks. This is where I just sit in the quiet with my own imagination and musings. Thinking up colourful ideas to myself, and catching up with old ideas, for an average of ten-to-fifteen minutes. It is an enriching, healthy, happy experience, before working in reality has to kick in. My own brain is my comforting friend and gift; no outer substances or anything recreational required.

As an aside, you all need to watch 'The Love Witch' too this Valentine's. It's so good!

:) ;)

I've made it a rule never to shelve books featuring relationships that are abusive and toxic as "romance". Abuse isn't love; it isn't romance. Alpha males, misogynists, and potential sexual predators, rapists and future murderers are not romantic or sexy. They're criminal. I'm just being honest with my shelving of genres, and keeping up with the finally-enlightening times.

Happy Valentine's Day #MeToo #TimesUp

Happy Pancake Day. I like mine with Nutella and Ben and Jerry's chocolate ice cream :) :)

In other news, I saw 'Coco' in the cinema today. Loved it - a warm reminder of goodness on a rainy day.

I feel like hardly anybody reads anymore, at least not my family and the people I know in social circles. That is one of the reasons why I love Goodreads - listing and rating every book, interacting with fellow, passionate bookworms I wouldn't have known elsewhere. It reminds me that there are thousands - millions - of people today who still read. Who still love books, and understand their importance in our culture.

Scribble #68

Creative Writing Session: Rory's Story Cubes - excerpt.



The snakes are not the only things in Medusa's hair this might. The sea breeze is so full of wonderful, icy sprites. The wide, neverending ocean splashes her on deck, soaking and freezing her through, along with the force of the wind, making her beautiful snakes hiss and coil deep into her skull. She lets them. She lets everything plow through her. She lets herself feel the capsizing, frozen solid sensations, for she can take it. She is resilient in her scaly, green, reptile skin, welcoming the cold.

But her physical state - meant to be a curse upon her - is not the only strength she possesses. Emotionally and mentally, she has suffered worse, at the hands of the gods. Those bastard gods. Those eternal children playing with mortals  as if they are toys. Things to use and toss aside. There was nothing the poor, suffering pawns could do to stop the reign of these powerful beings; the true monsters; the nightmares of fable made real; the reason behind the torture that is living for people.

Until now.

The ship rocks perilously as Medusa sails further into the crashing sea. Water hits her, it sloshes on the deck. No cloud of doubt to take hold of the mind now; a storm is brewing. But she flourishes in it. Her eyes sting, but no worse than is usual, and she has enough shuddering breath in her lungs to laugh. And laugh she does.

The sea is her worst enemy, her greatest fear, tearing into her insides as well as her flesh, and she laughs at it. She spits at it, throwing her voice deep into the storm; a triumphant bass breaking through the sounds of the wind and the waves.

Yes, come on Poseidon, she thrusts her thoughts, uninhibited, at the black, starless night, Do your worse, only you already did - to me, a millennia ago.

Through it all, Medusa sets sail, her only goal a certain god's attention.

"I'm not afraid!" she screams aloud, "You hear me, Poseidon, you fucking bastard. I'm coming for you - I'll never forget. I'll never let you forget. I am your one and only nightmare, even if that fate were to kill me."

Her snakes on her scaly head rattle manically in response, and the storm rages and rages. So much noise comforts Medusa: what she is doing is working.

Lightning. A crash. And the ship catches fire.

Light. Heat. Against the wet and the black. Still raging.

The tumultuous sea does nothing to put it out.

Graphic Novel Review - 'W.I.T.C.H.: Part I. Vol. 1 The Twelve Portals (W.I.T.C.H. Graphic Novels #1)' by Walt Disney Company, Elisabetta Gnone

For my past thoughts on this series - a childhood favourite of mine - read:


My The Power of Five (W.I.T.C.H. Chapter Books, #1) review


My The Power of Friendship (W.I.T.C.H. Graphic Novels, #1) review



So Disney is reprinting the original Italian 'W.I.T.C.H.' comics - with three volumes together in a single trade paperback. I am glad this is happening, for it shows that the franchise has not been forgotten about; it has not received any attention in over a decade, though it isn't even twenty-years-old yet. 

'W.I.T.C.H.' (the comics, not the cartoon) is to me what 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' is to the mass cultural landscape. An underrated and charming series about girl power, magic, and friendship - it is lathered and rinsed in them; foamy and bubbly but with added consequences, darkness and sharp violence (for a children's comic) to it as well.

'W.I.T.C.H.: Part I. Vol. 1 The Twelve Portals' is a straightforward beginning of the series, with a huge mystery element clouding and fogging it that is both frustrating (especially if you know everything that's going to happen already) and clever for making the reader want to find out more. Aside from the magical stuff reminiscent of fantasy series of old, what really sells 'W.I.T.C.H.' is the characters - the endearing, multilayered and likable cast, revolving around five pubescent girls. 

Real world struggles for young girls and otherworldly, universe-threatening ones are mirrored and explored - heck, Will, Irma, Taranee, Cornelia, and Hay Lin deal with brutish monsters and sorcerers far easier than they do school, family and boy drama, and keeping their friendship alive through so much. The five chosen Guardians of the Veil have each other, which is their greatest strength, never mind the Heart of Kandracar and the powers of water, fire, earth and air. They are pretty ordinary overall, yet they are extraordinary.

After reading this new release, I came to realize that I had talked a lot about 'W.I.T.C.H.''s theme of friendship before, but I haven't touched upon any other relationships the girls have. Specifically, Will's relationship with her mother. Susan wants to spend as much time as possible with her growing daughter, upon arriving in a new town to make a fresh start in their lives. They are loving, supportive friends as well as family, but between adjusting to a new life in Heatherfield and to her sudden duties as a Guardian and leader, Will doesn't have enough time anymore for her mum. She takes her for granted, not noticing the loving attention she gets, not appreciating the kindness and hard work Susan does for her. Add dating Will's school history teacher as the extra rust in the spanner in the works, and the mother and daughter bond seems tragically broken. They drift apart, much to Susan's dismay. But at the end of this volume, on the final page, their relationship, gradually tearing up throughout the comic, starts to repair itself, when mum sets up a candlelit dinner for herself and her complicated girl, rather than for her date. It is incredibly sweet and touching, and the most satisfactory conclusion to any of this volume's subplots. Susan is a nice, funny character in her own right, who has a life outside of care-giving motherhood, which works for the scene's favour, because the reader will want to see the two get along again, hence the vital emotional punch is successful. 

Mother and daughter relations need more focus in media - a focus that is positive - and 'W.I.T.C.H.' shows that as well as friendships between girls in the same age group, friendships between mums and daughters are just as real, just as powerful. They contain a magic of their own. Bonus for teaching kids to appreciate their caring parents, and telling them they love them as often as possible!

'W.I.T.C.H.: Part I. Vol. 1 The Twelve Portals' - yes, there are plot holes and things that don't make sense in this graphic novel series (most notably concerning the "traitor" magical girl Elyon and her motivations), but the charm is present. It doesn't fade. 

Creative, dramatic, funny and fun, I still love 'W.I.T.C.H.' with all my nostalgic heart.

Final Score: 3.5/5

Heroines of Legend: Fictional Universes - 35: Adora (She-Ra: Princess of Power)

Strengths: Big heart, extremely caring, selfless, honorable, friendly, helpful, courageous, determined, respectful, thoughtful, patient, cunning, witty, strategic, mature, independent but a team player always allowing needed help, experienced, a teacher, an activist, a rebel leader who never gives up on her values and beliefs.


Weaknesses: Electricity, power draining technology, some surprise attacks, susceptible and can be easily manipulated, a distaff counterpart to He-Man, can be categorized as a Mary Sue. 


Powers/Abilities: Transforms into She-Ra using the Sword of Protection - She-Ra possesses incredible super strength, speed, agility, leaping, and endurance. Deflects laser blasts with her sword. Sword changes into any form she wishes for any task. Can use her tiara and bracelets in fights, similar to Wonder Woman. Faithful steed and companion is Spirit, aka Swift Wind, a talking horse who transforms into a winged unicorn. ESP. Telepathy with animals and magical healing abilities. Strong leadership (possibly left over from her days as a Horde captain, put into good use), negotiation and diplomacy skills.


Will: Weak.


Home/Place of Origin: Born on the planet Eternia. Was raised and resides on Etheria.


Occupation: Former Horde Force Captain, leader of the Great Rebellion, She-Ra the Princess of Power, unofficial princess of Eternia.


Social Standing: Extrovert.


Ethnicity: Caucasian.


Sexuality: Heterosexual (though her love interests are very few and far between and she doesn't commit to any of them).


Other Trivia: Also known as the Most Powerful Woman in the Universe. He-Man/Prince Adam's twin sister, who was kidnapped by the Horde as a baby and raised by the ones who would become her arch enemies, mainly Hordak, the tyrannical ruler of Etheria. Started off bad, as a Force Captain, and turned good thanks to He-Man and the Sorceress; however she was not aware that the Horde is evil at first, and she was made ignorant due to being under magical spells. She is freed when she finds out her true destiny as She-Ra. From there she immediately dedicates her life to also freeing the planet Etheria from the Horde's rule, even if it takes years and her time away from her family on Eternia. She has a very kind and caring heart - an example of all that is good and righteous in a world corrupted by hate and ignorance. Due to her past she knows more about the Horde than the other rebels. Honorable and forgiving even towards her worst enemies - nobody will get hurt on her watch. She is also really, appropriately-cartoonishly strong for a female character in a children's cartoon in the eighties; she was created to appeal to a young female audience - like He-Man appealed to young boys - and she is very much a wish-fulfillment fantasy for them. She-Ra is capable to the max, sure to win every fight in every episode. She can be viewed as a woman warrior pop culture icon with a loving heart who proceeded Wonder Woman and is a precursor to Sailor Moon. Has more female friends and allies than male ones. Evidently, she is far more progressive a role model way back in the eighties in terms of strong female fighters in both cartoons and toylines, than today where companies outright refuse to appeal to a female demographic; certainly not with anything action-based. Her 2000s comic book counterpart is given the Horde name Despara, who willingly serves the evil villain. Her arc into becoming She-Ra is that of redemption, similar to Xena: Warrior Princess. A classic heroine, appealing not only to little girls, but to everyone. Will return in a 2018 reboot of her series.

Graphic Novel Review - 'Batgirl, Volume 2: Son of Penguin' by Hope Larson (Writer), Vita Ayala (Writer), Christian Wildgoose (Artist), Jon Lam (Artist), Iñaki Miranda (Artist), Eleonora Carlini (Artist)

A continuation of Barbara's adventures in 'Beyond Burnside', now taking place entirely in Burnside. Looks like it's back to basics.

Hope Larson really has a breezy writing style, and her characters and stories are eccentric yet human enough to get you invested in what is going on with them, even if the content is fairly predictable and not as dark or deep as you'd expect from a comic involving a member of the Bat family. It's just plain fun. I love the change in artists, too - this volume is a vast improvement on the art in the previous volume. It's colourful, cute and nice to look at, without so many distracting lines and off-putting character facial expressions. 

I think simple and fun are what I would best describe 'Son of Penguin', not that it doesn't make you think. Barbara is fantastic as ever, and it provides a lot of social commentary and insight into our current technological age. It's surprisingly up to date.

But it goes too far sometimes. The extremes of "social media is turning us all into mindless, corporate slaves who won't think for themselves" gave me flashbacks to Batgirl's first stories at Burnside - not a good sign. I will give 'Son of Penguin' credit for not feeling as gimmicky, though. But I mean, this is the second 'Batgirl' comic I've read in a row where a villain's plot involves mass mind control using social media. We get it, okay? It's getting stale at this point. I know computers and hacking are Babs' forte, but give her something new to fight against. At least give her more interesting, complex villains instead of disposable one-offs.

Yeah, Barbara dates the Penguin's son, and guess what? He does turn out to be evil. Go figure. 

Babs' extremely unlucky love life has existed pretty much since her inception, and I'm sure at this point DC is aware that it is a running gag, intentional or not. All her love interests seem to turn out to be evil or suspicious or both. 

With that said, Dick Grayson makes a cameo in this comic, which is lovely (and hunky). He is presented as a breather moment for Barbara in wanting an old friend to talk to and hang out with. Not that any of this bothers her much, since men are not her priority; not like her degree, her superhero-ing, and her female roommates, old and new. Larson brings back some of the best parts of Gail Simone's New 52 'Batgirl' run, whilst moving forward with her own creative ideas for the character's growth.

Barbara is majoring in Library Sciences now; a great callback to her days in the sixties as a librarian, and as someone who loves libraries this is endearing to me. There is a direct continuity nod from the previous comic in how she focuses on and switches off her eidetic memory via meditation, in order to relax and think outside of the box in a certain dire situation.

Alysia Yeoh is back! It's like she never left! Providing queer POC trans representation - her story is about the discussion of insemination for her female partner and what it would mean to be starting a family with her. Misgendering is briefly touched on; something I wish could have been delved into further. The final issue of 'Son of Penguin' is all about Barbara and Alysia's friendship. It is a celebration of female friendships and they are wonderful together, calling each other "babe" and everything (Alysia also calls Babs "GBG" - another great example of continuity from Simone's run!). Since they're so close, however, I can't quite understand why Babs doesn't just tell Alysia she's Batgirl, when Frankie Charles knows. It's not like she'll be in any more danger than she would be regardless. She's savvy, can take care of herself, and she can clearly be trusted with the secret. 

Speaking of Frankie, she is also a woman of colour with female partner issues, and her muscular dystrophy is not forgotten about. Nobody is a token. Nobody is a minority.

So the feminism and diversity is awesome to see in a modern DC comic, given genuine care by Larson and other women writers.

'Batgirl, Volume 2: Son of Penguin' - includes a bonus Batgirl and Supergirl issue to add to the female friendship theme, although the story is unfinished. Among the general, breezy lightheartedness, there is self-referential humour: such as a one-time villain making fun of Batgirl's new costume, specifically her yellow boots, which are sure to stand the test of time!

Whatever its flaws, I love Barbara Gordon and always will. An inspirational, incredibly brainy, career-driven, well-traveled, experienced young woman, who lets us know we are not alone. Whatever her own problems, she is here for us. She's so friendly, and written so complexly, that she manages to avoid the White Saviour stamp. Expertly.

Final Score: 3.5/5

Heroines of Legend: Fictional Universes - 34: Maya Kumashiro (Occult Academy)

Strengths: Assertive, headstrong, highly intelligent, courageous, hardworking, a leader who takes control of any situation, cares for her friends, spontaneous, slight and understated sense of humour, competent and respected in everything she does.


Weaknesses: Stubborn, harsh, cynical, easily provoked to anger, self-denial, self-conscious about her knowledge of the paranormal, which she has grown to hate, father issues.


Powers/Abilities: Expert in all things supernatural since childhood, can adapt to and cope with any dangerous circumstances, handles an array of weaponry - including a crossbow, can tame the tamable supernatural creatures, self-defense skills, leadership skills.


Will: Strong.


Home/Place of Origin: Japan.


Occupation: Both principle and student of Waldstein Academy, paranormal investigator.


Social Standing: Introvert, except when it comes to patching things up with her fellow occult-seeking friends.


Ethnicity: Japanese.


Sexuality: Indeterminate; her feelings for time traveler Fumiaki "Bunmei" Uchida are most likely strictly platonic.


Other Trivia: A stern teenage daughter (in 1999) of a renowned paranormal investigator and academy principle who is determined to steer clear of anything to do with the occult, since her obsessed father's apparent abandoning of her. This doesn't go well when she has to fill in for him as principle of Waldstein Academy after his (again apparent) death - her original intent was to destroy the boarding school. Over the course of the anime she will come to terms with her past - her inner demons, not just the outside threats - as she faces more and more dangers in Waldstein Academy, including a time paradox that must be prevented from destroying the world. She will also rekindle severed ties to childhood female friends at the academy. In a cast of memorable oddballs, she is entertaining in her own unique, bizarre way. No matter what, she wears the pants, figuratively speaking. She is an urban fantasy female lead worth routing for - no romance of any kind (certainly not the abusive, possessive, controlling kind) to undermine her. An underrated gem.

Heroines of Legend: Fictional Universes - 33: Daleina (The Queens of Renthia)

Strengths: Determined, brave, down-to-earth, hardworking, caring, protective, selfless, persistent, resilient, smart, well read, well organized, strategic, resourceful, creative, responsible.


Weaknesses: Sells herself short, self-doubt, is a little quiet and shy, overly-dependent, more intellectual than practical when out in the field with the deadly spirits.


Powers/Abilities: Affinity in sensing and controlling the nature spirits in Renthia to keep them from killing people, since their instinct is to slaughter the "intruding, destructive humans". She is unique in that she allows the spirits more freedom - to express themselves in creative, productive ways, rather than forcing them into submission. She encourages them to grow and develop other outlets for their anger at humans. As a queen she can summon and control all spirits far and wide in Aratay, keeping the peace.


Will: Moderate to strong.


Home/Place of Origin: Greytree (now destroyed), Aratay, Renthia.


Occupation: Queen of Aratay.


Social Standing: Extrovert - she makes friends easily and hangs out and about with them, whilst taking her study time in solitude very seriously.


Ethnicity: Indeterminate from the book's description; she could likely pass as looking Caucasian in her fantasy world.


Sexuality: Heterosexual (who is into polygamy, and taking different caretaker boys into her bed when fancy takes her). 


Other Trivia: The protagonist of The Queens of Renthia YA book series. Initially she is not gifted in possessing any special power; she has, however, always been gifted in mind and heart. A survivor of the village of Greytree's total destruction by spirits, she wishes to become a queen in order to be granted the power to control all the spirits in her country of Aratay, so nobody will ever again suffer a tragic loss like she has. Nothing comes easy for her. She will be faced with a lot more bloodshed and loss in her struggle, and on her hard-earned path to becoming queen; not to mention there are difficult political and moral issues. Everything is at stake. She will be forced to make hard decisions for the good of her people, even though, throughout her training, she got to know the base nature of the bloodthirsty spirits of earth, fire, air, water, wood and ice; such as finding a balance for creativity and peace between the humans and spirits. Being a queen is both a gift and a curse to her. She makes a great many female friends in Northeast Academy, where all girls with the affinity for spirits attend for competition to become queen of their country. But no competitiveness exists, and there are no rivals or enemies: for (almost) all of the girls look out for and support each other. Women rule in Renthia. As well as a subversion of a Mary Sue YA heroine, Daleina is a subversion of the virginal YA heroine. Has a pet wolf named Bayn. In the sequel to the first book, The Queen of Blood, titled The Reluctant Queen, she will try to recruit a new queen by her side, a wife and mother of two, Naelin, because she is dying in her duty as queen. It is hard for Daleina to be happy at all, but she doesn't give up, and always thinks of others and their needs. Very human, very determined.

Heroines of Legend: Fictional Universes - 32: Erin Gilbert (Ghostbusters)

Strengths: Smart, common sense, brave, well-organized, intuitive, dexterous, mentally and physically prepared, resourceful, spontaneous, kindhearted and sensitive, serious at the best of times, a friend to count on.


Weaknesses: Shy, socially awkward, insecure, worrier, childhood trauma and anxiety issues, is scared of what people think of her, is shallow, can be easily distracted.


Powers/Abilities: Scientific mind, mathematics genius, good with a proton-pack and other ghostbusting gadgets; is on her way to being an expert on these as well as on exctoplasms, and coolers. Pocket knives are handy, too.


Will: Moderate.


Home/Place of Origin: Battle Creek, Michigan, USA. Currently resides in New York City.


Occupation: Ghostbuster, paranormal investigator, scientist, physicist, college professor, author.


Social Standing: Introvert to extrovert over the course of the film.


Ethnicity: Caucasian.


Sexuality: Heterosexual.


Other Trivia: A tribute to female nerds and women working in STEM. Plus female friendship. A mousy woman, she is very brave and intelligent and inspirational, with plenty of social flaws - especially around handsome men - to make her relatable. She stays true to her tight-knit group of ghostbuster friends, whom she initially joined reluctantly, as she had started to make herself not believe in ghosts anymore after college and writing her book, Ghosts From Our Past: Both Literally and Figuratively: The Study of the Paranormal (somewhat updated version now available to buy!), coauthored by her life-long best friend and fellow ghostbuster Abby Yates. She worries about her degree, reputation and job options a lot. But she grows more confident and believes in herself again (while also coming to terms with the trauma of a ghost haunting when she was eight-years-old) through her busting ghosts and saving New York with her friends, whom she would self-sacrifice for without skipping a beat. Girls, be yourself, be smart, be caring, do not care what the naysayers say. Be awesome.