Saturday, 31 October 2015
Graphic Novel Review - 'Batman: Mad Love and Other Stories' by Paul Dini (Writer), Bruce Timm (Artist), Various
I'm giving this five golden stars, despite some ingrained sexism and the creators admitting to liking to draw pretty women and girls (for something aimed at a younger audience, no less), because the comic is a fun - as well as heartwrenchingly tragic - masterpiece.
The stories included in this tome, based upon the 90s Batman animated series, are good. But 'Mad Love' is genius storytelling, and I see why it is lauded as one of the best Batman stories ever written.
'Mad Love', written by Paul Dini and drawn by Bruce Timm, is the initially conceived origin story of the Joker's hopelessly devoted henchwoman Harley Quinn, and a magnum opus. Really, almost everything about it is perfect - the colours, the panelling, the characters, the expressions, the dialogue, the pace, the emotions: all adding up to a tragic tale about the adult subject of abuse. It’s great that Dini understands that the cycle of abuse is dangerous, and why it is so hard for victims to break out of a relationship built on mad, obsessive love. He makes you love the wonderfully charismatic Harley dearly, yet also feel deeply sorry for her, even though she is a villain. She’s someone that anyone can become; that the reader can emphasise with easily. What does that say about us as humans and our capacity to love unconditionally? How disturbing is that?
'Mad Love', starring Harley Quinn, is a cautionary tale to be sure.
I've always loved her complex character. In 'Mad Love' it seems she just wishes to see the best in the sociopathic and manipulative Joker, so that all her giving up on a career as a prestigious psychiatrist into a life of crime for a man will not have been for nothing. But it was a lost cause from the very start; one of the many reasons why Harley is so tragic a figure.
There are plenty of hints that suggest Harleen Quinzel might have lost the plot and ended up being used and abused even if she'd never met the Joker. Her backstory shows her not wanting to take psychology seriously, and to her it was a way towards publicity and fame. Plus there's the controversial implication that she might have slept her way towards her degree in university.
But another thing to love about her is she's always been a lot smarter than she lets on. Harley Quinn may be in love with a psychopath, and she may believe in changing others while finding it difficult to change herself, but her cunning and spontaneity are brilliant as well as funny; as shown when her intricate plan to trick Batman into thinking she's betrayed Joker actually works. She makes the effort to successfully lure him into her clever trap. All in a desperate attempt to make the Joker love her, yes, but it's a credit to her attention to detail and in knowing how the Dark Knight thinks and acts.
One other thing Harley (unintentionally) manages to achieve what the Joker couldn’t? Make Batman laugh. That she doesn’t see how this puts her above the Clown Prince of Crime - she never even tells him about it - is in its own way another tragedy in her poor, misguided life.
The clown lady of crime is just such an interesting character. I'm glad that through the years since her creation and in 'Mad Love' she's gotten her deserved attention and fame into mainstream superhero/comic book culture. So rare for a female character to accomplish.
'Batman: Mad Love and Other Stories' also features: Roxy Rocket, Catwoman, The Ventriloquist, Scarecrow, Poison Ivy in a very short segment that's more about Bruce Wayne, a very funny Batgirl Christmas story (Robin remains absent in the entire volume, which is refreshing), Ra's Al-Ghul and Talia (I never was interested in them, but they're passable here [and Talia is drawn as sexy in an appropriate, in-universe way]), the demon Etrigan, and another tragic tale - one about Two-Face.
The tragedy of smart (and beautiful, of course) women who are stubbornly devoted to the men in their lives seems to be a recurring pattern of storytelling for the creators of 'Batman: The Animated Series', as well as of this comic collection.
The whole thing is just such an enjoyable and insightful read. Definitely one of my favourite comics. 'Mad Love' is a thing of beauty not to be cast aside, and it's not merely for children, oh no.
Wholeheartedly recommended.
Final Score: 5/5
The stories included in this tome, based upon the 90s Batman animated series, are good. But 'Mad Love' is genius storytelling, and I see why it is lauded as one of the best Batman stories ever written.
'Mad Love', written by Paul Dini and drawn by Bruce Timm, is the initially conceived origin story of the Joker's hopelessly devoted henchwoman Harley Quinn, and a magnum opus. Really, almost everything about it is perfect - the colours, the panelling, the characters, the expressions, the dialogue, the pace, the emotions: all adding up to a tragic tale about the adult subject of abuse. It’s great that Dini understands that the cycle of abuse is dangerous, and why it is so hard for victims to break out of a relationship built on mad, obsessive love. He makes you love the wonderfully charismatic Harley dearly, yet also feel deeply sorry for her, even though she is a villain. She’s someone that anyone can become; that the reader can emphasise with easily. What does that say about us as humans and our capacity to love unconditionally? How disturbing is that?
'Mad Love', starring Harley Quinn, is a cautionary tale to be sure.
I've always loved her complex character. In 'Mad Love' it seems she just wishes to see the best in the sociopathic and manipulative Joker, so that all her giving up on a career as a prestigious psychiatrist into a life of crime for a man will not have been for nothing. But it was a lost cause from the very start; one of the many reasons why Harley is so tragic a figure.
There are plenty of hints that suggest Harleen Quinzel might have lost the plot and ended up being used and abused even if she'd never met the Joker. Her backstory shows her not wanting to take psychology seriously, and to her it was a way towards publicity and fame. Plus there's the controversial implication that she might have slept her way towards her degree in university.
But another thing to love about her is she's always been a lot smarter than she lets on. Harley Quinn may be in love with a psychopath, and she may believe in changing others while finding it difficult to change herself, but her cunning and spontaneity are brilliant as well as funny; as shown when her intricate plan to trick Batman into thinking she's betrayed Joker actually works. She makes the effort to successfully lure him into her clever trap. All in a desperate attempt to make the Joker love her, yes, but it's a credit to her attention to detail and in knowing how the Dark Knight thinks and acts.
One other thing Harley (unintentionally) manages to achieve what the Joker couldn’t? Make Batman laugh. That she doesn’t see how this puts her above the Clown Prince of Crime - she never even tells him about it - is in its own way another tragedy in her poor, misguided life.
The clown lady of crime is just such an interesting character. I'm glad that through the years since her creation and in 'Mad Love' she's gotten her deserved attention and fame into mainstream superhero/comic book culture. So rare for a female character to accomplish.
'Batman: Mad Love and Other Stories' also features: Roxy Rocket, Catwoman, The Ventriloquist, Scarecrow, Poison Ivy in a very short segment that's more about Bruce Wayne, a very funny Batgirl Christmas story (Robin remains absent in the entire volume, which is refreshing), Ra's Al-Ghul and Talia (I never was interested in them, but they're passable here [and Talia is drawn as sexy in an appropriate, in-universe way]), the demon Etrigan, and another tragic tale - one about Two-Face.
The tragedy of smart (and beautiful, of course) women who are stubbornly devoted to the men in their lives seems to be a recurring pattern of storytelling for the creators of 'Batman: The Animated Series', as well as of this comic collection.
The whole thing is just such an enjoyable and insightful read. Definitely one of my favourite comics. 'Mad Love' is a thing of beauty not to be cast aside, and it's not merely for children, oh no.
Wholeheartedly recommended.
Final Score: 5/5
Friday, 30 October 2015
Graphic Novel Review - 'The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Vol.1: Squirrel Power' by Ryan North (Writer), Erica Henderson (Artist)
WARNING: AFTER READING THIS COMIC YOU WILL NEVER LOOK AT SQUIRRELS THE SAME WAY AGAIN.
Such a fun Marvel gem, about such an obscure and unique little superheroine. I knew nothing of her or her role within the Avengers before reading, but this does not matter in the slightest: 'The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl' is for everyone to enjoy.
Squirrel Girl, aka the infectious Doreen Green, is like a parody of Spider Man or the X-Men mutants. But as a superhero in her own right she's as bright and charming as they come. She has fun while fighting bad guys - even sings her own theme tune - and in trying to suss them out before they destroy the world. She also always tries to do the right thing in the face of different kinds of impending doom, sometimes when they all happen at once. What an admirable hero who happens to be partially a woodland animal! I love her faithful, adorable squirrel sidekick Tippy-Toe, and her awesome, three-dimensional college roommate Nancy Whitehead (plus Mew the kitten, because Nancy would definitely hate me for not including her).
Squirrel Girl, who originally began as a one-off joke of a superhero in the 1990s, becomes another character much needed in comics today - a female hero taking centre stage whose attributes involve fighting crime and using her powers and (surprising) intelligence; rather than the focus being on whether or not her sex appeal will sell for fanboys. This Spectacular Squirrel Girl comic is so body-positive, feminist and diverse!
Packed with tons of meta humour, self-awareness humour, Marvel universe humour, modern humour, pop culture reference humour, and college experience humour, 'The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Vol. 1' aims to be a good time out for its readers. It's endearing, exactly like its kooky protagonist. Like a better version of Faith Erin Hicks’ ‘The Adventures of Super Hero Girl’; one of the reasons being that ‘Squirrel Girl’ actually has a much stronger plot and characters.
Is Squirrel Girl really unbeatable? Could she truly be Marvel's greatest superhero? Outrageous, but with the light-hearted hilarity on display, I'd totally buy it.
Needs to be added: Doreen Green's Deadpool villain trading cards are hilarious.
Another additional note: I’m finding Iron Man to be more interesting all the time now.
Iron Suit Squirrel Girl - WIN!
Top 3 Squirrel Girl quotes/taglines:
"Eats nuts kicks butts!"
"I don't need luck, I eat nuts!"
... Too many to narrow down to just three.
Colourful, clever, nutty fun!
Final Score: 4/5
Such a fun Marvel gem, about such an obscure and unique little superheroine. I knew nothing of her or her role within the Avengers before reading, but this does not matter in the slightest: 'The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl' is for everyone to enjoy.
Squirrel Girl, aka the infectious Doreen Green, is like a parody of Spider Man or the X-Men mutants. But as a superhero in her own right she's as bright and charming as they come. She has fun while fighting bad guys - even sings her own theme tune - and in trying to suss them out before they destroy the world. She also always tries to do the right thing in the face of different kinds of impending doom, sometimes when they all happen at once. What an admirable hero who happens to be partially a woodland animal! I love her faithful, adorable squirrel sidekick Tippy-Toe, and her awesome, three-dimensional college roommate Nancy Whitehead (plus Mew the kitten, because Nancy would definitely hate me for not including her).
Squirrel Girl, who originally began as a one-off joke of a superhero in the 1990s, becomes another character much needed in comics today - a female hero taking centre stage whose attributes involve fighting crime and using her powers and (surprising) intelligence; rather than the focus being on whether or not her sex appeal will sell for fanboys. This Spectacular Squirrel Girl comic is so body-positive, feminist and diverse!
Packed with tons of meta humour, self-awareness humour, Marvel universe humour, modern humour, pop culture reference humour, and college experience humour, 'The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Vol. 1' aims to be a good time out for its readers. It's endearing, exactly like its kooky protagonist. Like a better version of Faith Erin Hicks’ ‘The Adventures of Super Hero Girl’; one of the reasons being that ‘Squirrel Girl’ actually has a much stronger plot and characters.
Is Squirrel Girl really unbeatable? Could she truly be Marvel's greatest superhero? Outrageous, but with the light-hearted hilarity on display, I'd totally buy it.
Needs to be added: Doreen Green's Deadpool villain trading cards are hilarious.
Another additional note: I’m finding Iron Man to be more interesting all the time now.
Iron Suit Squirrel Girl - WIN!
Top 3 Squirrel Girl quotes/taglines:
"Eats nuts kicks butts!"
"I don't need luck, I eat nuts!"
... Too many to narrow down to just three.
Colourful, clever, nutty fun!
Final Score: 4/5
Why is it that when a genuinely strong female character is made, her creators have an almost compulsive want to put her in a love triangle? She's still a prize for men to win, then, regardless of what she accomplishes.
Is this so the straight male gaze can feel comfortable knowing she'll settle down with any different man at her side? She should be liked on her own - and women have more than one personality type!
Is this so the straight male gaze can feel comfortable knowing she'll settle down with any different man at her side? She should be liked on her own - and women have more than one personality type!
Thursday, 22 October 2015
Book Review - 'Welcome To Orphancorp' by Marlee Jane Ward
2021 EDIT: How could I have forgotten about Ara, the South Asian nonbinary teen? They're awesome! How could I have also forgotten about Freya, the evil little shit?
Just as good and thought-provoking as the first read. All at once sweet and horrifying - it's humanity in its constant, contradictory flux. There's nice symbolism added here; the littlest details mean so much.
I still mean everything I wrote about this dystopia novella in my original review.
Final Score: 4/5
Original Review:
'Welcome To Orphancorp' is a welcome surprise in my current reading slump. It's a dystopia novella set in an industrial orphanage that is tough, biting and gets to the point quickly, and is narrated by a wonderful protagonist.
'Welcome To Orphancorp' is short and sweet, with the events taking place within a week. The voice of the daring, snarky, funny and instantly sympathetic Mirii brings to life the realism and humanity taking place in the horrible prison (for that's what the orphanage actually is) called Verity House. The novella is packed with:
• Perfectly-timed-and-written character action and reaction passages.
• Memorable children of all ages.
• Warm, tender and sad touches as well as tense and truly heinous, hateful moments.
• And the non-white female lead gets into a polygamous LBGTQ relationship. ‘Nuff said.
In such a short time 'Welcome To Orphancorp' seems to have captured what it means to be human; specifically the need for compassion, for communication - for release - when trapped in a confined and fear-mongering environment. That the oppression is happening to orphaned children makes the experience all the more harrowing.
Though because it is such a short book, very little is explained in terms of worldbuilding, and at the end there are things left unanswered and there seems to be a set-up for drama for a sequel. There isn't much that can be said of a plot beforehand.
But the characters - especially the spirited, talented, opinionated and indomitable Mirii - and their relationships with one another feel real enough that I would want to hang out with them whatever happens. Or doesn't happen.
‘Welcome To Orphancorp’ - a cracking gem I thought would bore me like many other books of its ilk have done in the past. I'm glad that a friend of mine on Goodreads recommended it to me. Thank you.
Final Score: 4/5
Just as good and thought-provoking as the first read. All at once sweet and horrifying - it's humanity in its constant, contradictory flux. There's nice symbolism added here; the littlest details mean so much.
I still mean everything I wrote about this dystopia novella in my original review.
Final Score: 4/5
Original Review:
'Welcome To Orphancorp' is a welcome surprise in my current reading slump. It's a dystopia novella set in an industrial orphanage that is tough, biting and gets to the point quickly, and is narrated by a wonderful protagonist.
'Welcome To Orphancorp' is short and sweet, with the events taking place within a week. The voice of the daring, snarky, funny and instantly sympathetic Mirii brings to life the realism and humanity taking place in the horrible prison (for that's what the orphanage actually is) called Verity House. The novella is packed with:
• Perfectly-timed-and-written character action and reaction passages.
• Memorable children of all ages.
• Warm, tender and sad touches as well as tense and truly heinous, hateful moments.
• And the non-white female lead gets into a polygamous LBGTQ relationship. ‘Nuff said.
In such a short time 'Welcome To Orphancorp' seems to have captured what it means to be human; specifically the need for compassion, for communication - for release - when trapped in a confined and fear-mongering environment. That the oppression is happening to orphaned children makes the experience all the more harrowing.
Though because it is such a short book, very little is explained in terms of worldbuilding, and at the end there are things left unanswered and there seems to be a set-up for drama for a sequel. There isn't much that can be said of a plot beforehand.
But the characters - especially the spirited, talented, opinionated and indomitable Mirii - and their relationships with one another feel real enough that I would want to hang out with them whatever happens. Or doesn't happen.
‘Welcome To Orphancorp’ - a cracking gem I thought would bore me like many other books of its ilk have done in the past. I'm glad that a friend of mine on Goodreads recommended it to me. Thank you.
Final Score: 4/5
Saturday, 17 October 2015
Friday, 16 October 2015
Graphic Novel Review - 'Bitch Planet, Vol 1: Extraordinary Machine' by Kelly Sue DeConnick (Writer), Valentine De Landro (Artist), Robert Wilson IV (Artist), Cris Peter (Artist), Clayton Cowles (Artist)
ARE YOU WOMAN ENOUGH TO SURVIVE...
'Bitch Planet' is a graphic novel series that might be better analysed than, say, wholeheartedly enjoyed. But I agree that it is a very important read for this day and age.
So here's proof #2901 that anyone who says that comic books are only for children has never actually read one in his/her life.
'Bitch Planet' - a perfect, eye-catching title for such a punching, in-your-face premise and execution. It is a sci-fi-B-movie-homage satire comic meant to be taken seriously; for similar to Margaret Atwood's 'The Handmaid's Tale', it is not hard to believe that this sort of thing could eventually happen to women. Where they are punished for being "non-compliant", or NCs for short, and are sent to a prison planet where rich, white middle-aged men would not have to deal with them and their problems.
Women and girls can be taken from their home and family - at any age - for not fitting a socially-acceptable label, for being too "masculine", for being too opinionated, for being "hysterical", for being too independent, for liking and being good at sports, for being too talented at anything, for being too sexual, for having a respectable career, for not living up to ludicrous and impossible beauty standards, for making their own choices, for not smiling enough even when they're not honestly happy, for not being married, for not being mothers or not fitting into a box that allows for nothing other than what is socially deemed as being a "good mother".
In other words, women are punished for being human.
I love the diversity of the main cast - Kamau Kogo, Penny Rolle and Meiko Maki are awesome - and how nearly every antagonist is a rich, white middle-aged man; the more diverse of the privileged men are more sympathetic. The one female villain, Miss Whitney, is a white blonde Stepford-type and she is scary as hell. Though I have a feeling that, like Severus Snape, she might turn out to be an ally later down the line. There is a reason why the majority of the NCs are women of colour, and are of different shapes and sizes other than the young, slim, poreless white girl which is our society's standard of godlike beauty. It is risky and bold commentary, and I love these characters to pieces.
The messages regarding the patriarchy and how sexism is ingrained in our culture (such as saying "We are not anti-woman, ‘cause look, see-", “We the Fathers have your best interests at heart...”, etc.) are poignant in surprisingly subtle ways. It tackles the subject of propaganda and how modern technology is used to influence people's way of thinking and living.
Rereading 'Bitch Planet, Vol 1', I noticed images in certain panels that show the effort put into making the feminist subtext work; like the little hints of a once-elected female president of the United States in this future. The political subtext drawn in to aid the narrative reminded me of 'Watchmen'. 'Bitch Planet' also uses the colour pink in its artwork for either a badass or eerie effect (such as with the holographic Auxiliary Compliance Outpost lady), and it is not feminine or "girly". It's a colour. Nothing more. It can mean anything to anyone, regardless of sexist social constructs.
Sure, there are people who may get defensive and declare that 'Bitch Planet' is "too feminist". Well, pardon me for not being compliant, but-
Fuck. That. Shit.
Because I firmly believe that equality is a huge necessity that benefits everyone. That helps people no matter their gender, race, background, family, sexuality, religion or other differences which make it awesome to be human, because all forms of oppression harm us all. Or so that should be what feminism and equality stand for to make the world a better place.
In 'Bitch Planet', anger is a healthy emotion for a woman to express, especially at the injustices done to her. Let her be outraged and unafraid to show it. She can be confident for who she is, and not give a damn what other people think of her. Her strong will and physical and mental strengths are things to be admired, not repulsed because they're oh-so "unladylike". Aggression is a virtue.
Meanwhile, women who are portrayed as "compliant" have no real personalities of their own; they are always smiling, passive, are mostly white and blonde, and only exist for their relationship with the rich working men of the patriarchy. They are only referred to as Mrs-insert-man's-name-here, and the female news anchors (or any woman on TV) are constantly called "sweetheart" instead of their name. They are objects - like household and public conveniences - and when they become inconvenient for men, they are shipped off to another planet, which as a bonus could become a death sentence for them if warranted...
The first volume of the series can be over-the-top - as well as hard-hitting violence, there is a lot of nudity and female and male sex organs on display - and subtle at the same time. The downsides are that sometimes I prefer the OTT moments because they are so much more fun to read - they always involve the women of Bitch Planet, and I get bored of the scenes where fancy-suited men talk politics in skyscrapers. These scenes seem to exist for exposition and worldbuilding purposes only, and I was impatient to see the fighting, rebellious NCs again. Also, there are a lot of story threads and character arcs left unexplained and delayed for the future. Further gender-double-standard issues could have been added in or implied as well, even though the volume is only the first five comic issues of a much bigger story to come.
But on further rereads, yeah, 'Bitch Planet, Vol 1' is important, with great characters and the beginnings of social and political discussions (on the subject of race as well as of sex and gender relations) to be taken from it. As a feminist, I can appreciate it all the more. It's complex, and emotional in a positive manner, not in a stereotypical "women's problems" BS manner that's dismissive and patronising.
A shocking riot of a book: holding back nothing, with underplayed character moments.
Prepare to be CAGED AND ENRAGED!!!
Final Score: 4/5
'Bitch Planet' is a graphic novel series that might be better analysed than, say, wholeheartedly enjoyed. But I agree that it is a very important read for this day and age.
So here's proof #2901 that anyone who says that comic books are only for children has never actually read one in his/her life.
'Bitch Planet' - a perfect, eye-catching title for such a punching, in-your-face premise and execution. It is a sci-fi-B-movie-homage satire comic meant to be taken seriously; for similar to Margaret Atwood's 'The Handmaid's Tale', it is not hard to believe that this sort of thing could eventually happen to women. Where they are punished for being "non-compliant", or NCs for short, and are sent to a prison planet where rich, white middle-aged men would not have to deal with them and their problems.
Women and girls can be taken from their home and family - at any age - for not fitting a socially-acceptable label, for being too "masculine", for being too opinionated, for being "hysterical", for being too independent, for liking and being good at sports, for being too talented at anything, for being too sexual, for having a respectable career, for not living up to ludicrous and impossible beauty standards, for making their own choices, for not smiling enough even when they're not honestly happy, for not being married, for not being mothers or not fitting into a box that allows for nothing other than what is socially deemed as being a "good mother".
In other words, women are punished for being human.
I love the diversity of the main cast - Kamau Kogo, Penny Rolle and Meiko Maki are awesome - and how nearly every antagonist is a rich, white middle-aged man; the more diverse of the privileged men are more sympathetic. The one female villain, Miss Whitney, is a white blonde Stepford-type and she is scary as hell. Though I have a feeling that, like Severus Snape, she might turn out to be an ally later down the line. There is a reason why the majority of the NCs are women of colour, and are of different shapes and sizes other than the young, slim, poreless white girl which is our society's standard of godlike beauty. It is risky and bold commentary, and I love these characters to pieces.
The messages regarding the patriarchy and how sexism is ingrained in our culture (such as saying "We are not anti-woman, ‘cause look, see-", “We the Fathers have your best interests at heart...”, etc.) are poignant in surprisingly subtle ways. It tackles the subject of propaganda and how modern technology is used to influence people's way of thinking and living.
Rereading 'Bitch Planet, Vol 1', I noticed images in certain panels that show the effort put into making the feminist subtext work; like the little hints of a once-elected female president of the United States in this future. The political subtext drawn in to aid the narrative reminded me of 'Watchmen'. 'Bitch Planet' also uses the colour pink in its artwork for either a badass or eerie effect (such as with the holographic Auxiliary Compliance Outpost lady), and it is not feminine or "girly". It's a colour. Nothing more. It can mean anything to anyone, regardless of sexist social constructs.
Sure, there are people who may get defensive and declare that 'Bitch Planet' is "too feminist". Well, pardon me for not being compliant, but-
Fuck. That. Shit.
Because I firmly believe that equality is a huge necessity that benefits everyone. That helps people no matter their gender, race, background, family, sexuality, religion or other differences which make it awesome to be human, because all forms of oppression harm us all. Or so that should be what feminism and equality stand for to make the world a better place.
In 'Bitch Planet', anger is a healthy emotion for a woman to express, especially at the injustices done to her. Let her be outraged and unafraid to show it. She can be confident for who she is, and not give a damn what other people think of her. Her strong will and physical and mental strengths are things to be admired, not repulsed because they're oh-so "unladylike". Aggression is a virtue.
Meanwhile, women who are portrayed as "compliant" have no real personalities of their own; they are always smiling, passive, are mostly white and blonde, and only exist for their relationship with the rich working men of the patriarchy. They are only referred to as Mrs-insert-man's-name-here, and the female news anchors (or any woman on TV) are constantly called "sweetheart" instead of their name. They are objects - like household and public conveniences - and when they become inconvenient for men, they are shipped off to another planet, which as a bonus could become a death sentence for them if warranted...
The first volume of the series can be over-the-top - as well as hard-hitting violence, there is a lot of nudity and female and male sex organs on display - and subtle at the same time. The downsides are that sometimes I prefer the OTT moments because they are so much more fun to read - they always involve the women of Bitch Planet, and I get bored of the scenes where fancy-suited men talk politics in skyscrapers. These scenes seem to exist for exposition and worldbuilding purposes only, and I was impatient to see the fighting, rebellious NCs again. Also, there are a lot of story threads and character arcs left unexplained and delayed for the future. Further gender-double-standard issues could have been added in or implied as well, even though the volume is only the first five comic issues of a much bigger story to come.
But on further rereads, yeah, 'Bitch Planet, Vol 1' is important, with great characters and the beginnings of social and political discussions (on the subject of race as well as of sex and gender relations) to be taken from it. As a feminist, I can appreciate it all the more. It's complex, and emotional in a positive manner, not in a stereotypical "women's problems" BS manner that's dismissive and patronising.
A shocking riot of a book: holding back nothing, with underplayed character moments.
Prepare to be CAGED AND ENRAGED!!!
Final Score: 4/5
Friday, 9 October 2015
So to most pop culture circles and the mainstream media, I - as someone of a gender making up half the human race - am a unicorn. Rarely spoken of or seen, and probably don't exist - or it's preferred that I don't exist, because women-I mean unicorns become scary and complicated when they speak and express humanity. But we're lookers, so let's use us as eye candy.
Unicorns shine. Spread the love and progress!
Unicorns shine. Spread the love and progress!
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