Meher Shiblee

Biography

Meher Shiblee is a full-time, 4th Year PhD Candidate at London College of Communication, University of the Arts London. Her research project is titled; 'Considering 21st Century Muslim Superheroines and Issues of Representation: Comics, Creators and Readers in Context'

The research project focuses on the issues of representation of Muslim superheroines in contemporary comics. It examines how the diversification of the superhero genre has offered up a space for Muslima representation to be challenged, and creating a space for more diverse, complex and multidimensional characters. 
 
Using G. Willow. Wilson’s Ms. Marvel (2013-2019) and Deena Mohamad’s Qahera (2013-2019) as her key texts, Meher will investigate how authors and artists situated in different cultural and political environments use the genre to create unique superheroines for a transnational readership, in an increasingly globalised world. As these comics are read and consumed by a diverse audience, this avenue of research will form an equally important component of the inquiry. Meher will critically analyse the ways in which the characters and their stories are written and visually realised, and the extent to which these representations challenge stereotypes associated with Muslim women in popular culture. Additionally, using qualitative research methods like fan surveys, fan, and creator interviews, Meher aims to get a deeper understanding of how comic book fans perceive this representation, as well as how the creators of the comics books negotiate their own place of power when it comes to creating/ writing/ drawing these diverse characters. 
 
This research will demonstrate the significance of comics diversifying their superhero cast to include Muslim superheroines and consider their role in subverting the status-quo when it comes to the representation of Muslim women.