Where would women in comics be without Trina Robbins? It’s certainly difficult to think of a woman who has worn more hats. Robbins has, since the early seventies, been a relentless advocate for women in the medium. Even in the counterculture underground commix movement, women were rarely heard from. In 1970, her It Aint Me Babe, a comic entirely authored, illustrated and edited by women—was a historic first. Since then, the writer and artist has not only energized and encouraged other women to take up the pencil, she’s also served as a virtual minute-taker, chronicling the achievements of women in comics. She’s published numerous non-fiction books to this effect including From Girls to Grrrlz: A History of Women in Comics and A Century Of Women Cartoonists. Still today she actively promotes comics written FOR the fairer sex as well.

Robbins, in interviews, has stated that she doesn’t particularly enjoy superhero books (though she did enjoy a short stint as Wonder Woman scribe in the eighties). She blames the dearth of girls who frequent comic shops largely on their meaty prevalence. If only, there was something on the racks that would appeal to girls. California Girls—all eight issues—as reprinted by CBG comics (originally published by Eclipse) was her Reagan-era stab at rectifying that. The title is also proof that you don’t need to be of bra-burning age to appreciate the charming output of this San Francisco ‘herstorian’. Essentially a teenage humour strip like that of Archie and Katy Keene, California Girls is all about Mo and Max Muldoon, two pretty California blondes with boyish names. They are the center of the book’s good-natured and culturally diverse clique.

Whilst Archie and his pack roam the streets of fictional Riverdale, Max and Mo shop for prom dresses and hold fund-raisers in the very real town of Los Angeles and the setting goes far in informing the stories. Fashion, beach parties, and even television commercial shoots drive the short but sweet plots. Valley girl slang peppers the dialogue.

Wholesome morality and a dash of liberal awareness make this the perfect comic for the children of parents who bring their own hessian sacks to the co-op. The girls, who live with their kindly ‘Grammy’ are likeable and morally centered—good news for any parent that might be suspicious of titles that don’t bare the Comics Code Authority seal. One story hinges on how they’re going to afford prom dresses (they don’t want to ask Grammy for money as they know that her pensioner’s budget is a lean one). Another tale sets them wise about dolphin-friendly tuna. In yet another they address poverty issues.

It’s not all morality tales though. There’s still the fun and frolic of high school romance to be had and whilst there are no openly gay characters, I do have suspicions about punky Latina Lulu. She’s a bit Joan Jett with her rock band The Crazy Babyz and her super aqua-net teased out hairstyle. Given just a few more issues, it’s possible that Max and Mo could have helped Lulu set up Hollyhock High’s Gay Straight Alliance.

The gang, naturally has a rich girl foil—or maybe frenemy—in Laverne Laverne (drag queens, take note of that name!). With her angry utterance of “pastafazool!”, her tantrums provide solid entertainment.

The book, whilst appropriate for young kids and tweens is also a treat for children of the eighties. The fashion is totally tubular. Robbins successfully captures both the awesome (Mohawks!) and the ridiculous (giant shoulder pads!). But, the real thrill for the readers was the chance to see their designs not only in print but as worn by their favorite characters (how many superhero comics can boast that?). This proved itself a draw not only for the girls but fashion-minded little boys as well. Besides regular contributors The Kim Sisters (Irene and Natasha of Alberta, Canada), you’ll ocassionally see a name like ‘Renaldo Barnette (of Brooklyn, New York)’ in print next to some bangly bracelets and polka dot leggings. You have to wonder if we’re seeing the artistic output of a regular Justin Suarez or perhaps someone who has since gone on to take his desgins to Project Runway.

A perfect gift for your niece, daughter, or any little guy whose fashionably inclined (gay or not), California Girls is utterly deserving of the ‘compilation’ treatment. What’s sad is that the gap in the market that Trina Robbins aimed to fill is still gaping wide. In fact, I think Ms. Robbins should write these again AND keep them stationed in the eighties. Everyone loves a time capsule. This Betty and Veronica with an indy heart is just what the racks need. Plus, the world could always use a few more paper dolls.