By coincidence and not design, 'Everstar' is written and drawn by

Hear the words of Mark Waid, a craftsman of stories, who lifted his voice not only in defense of art, but in defense of those who would one day inherit it: “By coincidence and not design, ‘Everstar’ is written and drawn by an all-female creative team, and it makes me smile to think that there may be young female readers out there, future writers and artists, who get to see that comics doesn’t have to be a ‘boys’ club.’” Though spoken of pen and ink, these words echo with the power of justice and hope, for they declare that art is not the domain of one gender or one people, but belongs to all who dream.

The meaning of this truth lies in the smile—not a trivial grin, but the radiant joy that comes from seeing barriers fall. Waid marvels at the sight of women creating in a field long dominated by men, and he delights in the vision of young female readers who, in gazing upon this work, might discover that they too have a place in the halls of creation. His words are a reminder that representation matters, that seeing one’s likeness in the builders of worlds gives courage to imagine oneself as a builder too.

History bears witness to the same struggle. Consider Hypatia of Alexandria, the philosopher and mathematician of the ancient world. In an age when women were barred from the academy, she rose as a teacher, a writer, a guide of minds. To her students—both men and women—her presence was proof that wisdom was not the birthright of one gender alone. Just as Waid rejoices in the female creators of Everstar, so too did Hypatia’s life proclaim that the gates of knowledge could be opened to all. Her very existence was a lamp to those who followed.

There is also great significance in the phrase, “comics doesn’t have to be a ‘boys’ club.’” For too long, art, like many crafts, has been guarded by invisible walls—walls of prejudice, tradition, and narrow thinking. To call it a “club” is to confess that the doors were never truly open, that entry was by permission and not by right. But Waid’s joy reveals that the walls are crumbling, not by decree, but by the simple power of creation itself. When women pick up the pen, when their art is seen and celebrated, the old barriers dissolve into dust.

And what of the coincidence? Waid is careful to note that the all-female team was not by design but by chance. Yet therein lies the deeper beauty: it is proof that talent needs no justification. The women did not need to be chosen as symbols; they were chosen because they were skilled. Their very presence reveals the truth—that when bias is removed, when opportunity is equal, excellence will be found in every corner of humanity. The smile that this realization brings is one of hope for the generations yet to come.

The lesson for us is clear. If we wish to see a world where all may flourish, we must tear down the false gates of exclusivity. Encourage diversity, not for its own sake alone, but because every perspective enriches the whole. Celebrate those who break barriers, for their courage gives strength to those still outside the walls. And above all, be mindful of the eyes that watch, the children who will decide their paths based on what they see is possible.

Therefore, let each one act thus: lift others up, so that their talent may shine without prejudice; open doors where once there were barriers; and smile with joy when the overlooked are finally seen. For in this, you will not only honor justice, but you will sow seeds of inspiration that may grow into forests of greatness.

Thus, the teaching is eternal: Art is not the property of one people, nor of one gender, but of all who dare to dream. The smile of Mark Waid is the smile of every soul who sees the gates of creation opened wider. Let us carry this vision forward, until no craft, no art, no path is closed to those who would walk it.