aanna's review against another edition
3.0
Love the concept, love the in your face intersectional feminism, love the realistic bodies and underrepresented characters! But in the end the characters' personalities were pretty dull and the plot lacked nuance. I didn't feel attached or that curious about what would happen next. I'll still read the next volume and hope it gains focus and depth.
roberts0208's review against another edition
4.0
WHOA.
This comic surprised me (in a fantastic-mind-blowing way). My first exposure to Kelly Sue DeConnick's writing was her recent Captain Marvel run. I was not a fan. The storyline was all over the place and unfortunately, I can only take so much of Carol talking to her cat.
So I went into Bitch Planet with a bit of hesitation. Thank goodness, it didn't disappoint! The plot was exciting and the little quirks in the advertisements were hilarious and witty. I loved seeing the characters' backgrounds so early on unlike most comics where we're given them much later.
I can't wait to read on! If you're reading this KSDC, you've made me #noncompliant ;)
This comic surprised me (in a fantastic-mind-blowing way). My first exposure to Kelly Sue DeConnick's writing was her recent Captain Marvel run. I was not a fan. The storyline was all over the place and unfortunately, I can only take so much of Carol talking to her cat.
So I went into Bitch Planet with a bit of hesitation. Thank goodness, it didn't disappoint! The plot was exciting and the little quirks in the advertisements were hilarious and witty. I loved seeing the characters' backgrounds so early on unlike most comics where we're given them much later.
I can't wait to read on! If you're reading this KSDC, you've made me #noncompliant ;)
nglofile's review against another edition
2.0
Possibly 2.5 stars. I'll have to see what a bit of distance offers.
I understand what the creators are trying to do, but the choices in execution are problematic. Yes, it's refreshing to see women of different body types represented (the primary reason this was recommended to me), and the exploration of women's agency and empowerment against a backdrop of patriarchal dystopia holds promise. Many will disagree, but I find that potential undercut by choosing repeatedly to depict the women unclothed and by indulging in women-in-prison clichés. There are ways to represent the denigration of the characters without resorting both to full body nudity and angled close-ups. The characterization is disappointingly thin, though perhaps this was all table-setting for the events to come?
The inclusion of discussion questions was a surprise -- and the thoughtfulness of them actually raised my assessment of the collection. I understand that the original issues each included feminist essays that were not incorporated here but may be for a hardcover edition. My interest is somewhat piqued to see if that juxtaposition may have improved the sum total.
The retro-style art is wonderfully evocative, and the satirical advertisement pages modeled after old comic inserts were clever and biting.
I understand what the creators are trying to do, but the choices in execution are problematic. Yes, it's refreshing to see women of different body types represented (the primary reason this was recommended to me), and the exploration of women's agency and empowerment against a backdrop of patriarchal dystopia holds promise. Many will disagree, but I find that potential undercut by choosing repeatedly to depict the women unclothed and by indulging in women-in-prison clichés. There are ways to represent the denigration of the characters without resorting both to full body nudity and angled close-ups. The characterization is disappointingly thin, though perhaps this was all table-setting for the events to come?
The inclusion of discussion questions was a surprise -- and the thoughtfulness of them actually raised my assessment of the collection. I understand that the original issues each included feminist essays that were not incorporated here but may be for a hardcover edition. My interest is somewhat piqued to see if that juxtaposition may have improved the sum total.
The retro-style art is wonderfully evocative, and the satirical advertisement pages modeled after old comic inserts were clever and biting.
karimorton33's review against another edition
4.0
I liked this one. I don't read many graphic novels, so I wasn't always 100% clear on what was happening, but I definitely liked the feminism and the newspaper ad type pages at the end of each volume. (Read for Book Riot Live 2016)
rattybluestocking's review against another edition
5.0
I. Hated. This. The patriarchy, the women being sent to prison, that opening. This comic is amazing. If you haven't read it yet, you need to read this! ! It is simply awesome though if you're any kind of feminist you'll also get so angry at it. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
This comic is going on my list of must own. I wish I had words to adequately express how I felt while this. Seriously just read this, even if comics aren't your thing, read this! !!
This comic is going on my list of must own. I wish I had words to adequately express how I felt while this. Seriously just read this, even if comics aren't your thing, read this! !!
sillypunk's review against another edition
3.0
Hmmm. This was a lot stranger than I imagined. I'll still probably pick up the next TPB thought.
lakecake's review against another edition
3.0
I wanted to like this more than I actually did. The premise isn't well-explained (I actually was only really able to follow what was happening thanks to an NPR story I had heard about this which prompted me to actually get the collection), and the characters aren't well fleshed out besides Penny. I'll keep reading the next collection, probably, because I want to see what happens next, but it's not super compelling.
space_gaudet's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
a_ghostintheroom's review against another edition
5.0
Thinly veiled references to the ugly nature of our current state of affairs in the world. While we might not live under the iron fist of an interplanetary government of the Fathers, it's important to read into the text, which aims to show a woman's worth. Too good.
kaytemi's review against another edition
4.0
Reading this made me so damn angry. It was fabulous.
I'm definitely going to be continuing to follow DeConnick's work.
I'm definitely going to be continuing to follow DeConnick's work.