The comic strip Cathy, by American artist and writer Cathy Guisewite, addresses the insecurities and desires of a new generation of women trying to balance traditional pressures with the responsibility of careers and other personal freedoms. Premiering in November of 1976, Cathy introduced a character struggling with a mother urging marriage and children, a demanding boss, a noncommittal boyfriend, and a loathing for her figure. Although Guisewite was instrumental in bringing women's issues to the daily comics, Cathy also has its detractors who long for a less scattered, more self-confident female character. Nevertheless, Cathy has grown to syndication in more than 1,400 newspapers and has spawned books, television specials, and a line of merchandise.

Further Reading:

Friendly, Jonathan. "Women's New Roles in Comics." New York Times. February 28, 1983, p. B5.

Moritz, Charles, editor. Current Biography. New York, H.W.Wilson, 1989.

Sjoerdsma, Ann G. "Guisewite Could Be a Stronger, More Profound Voice for Single Women." Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service. August 15, 1997.