Of Two Minds

Part of me really loves or wants to loves *itch Planet.

Part of me is uneasy with *itch Planet.

It's feminism is intersectional but that doesn't mean it's not bull. Intersections and depictions are tricky, especially when you don't reside in the specific crosshairs.

I've seen white women mess up time and again. Sometimes things just feel iffy & I can't articulate it. This is one of those times.

If I saw more positive reviews from black women and a black woman at the helm of this production, my mind would be more at ease.

As it is, my fellow white women, stay vigilant.

As a comic reader: I loved the 80s art and style. The fake ads were clever and well used.

It's satire of the Juvenal pursuation. Taking the oppressive sexism to extreme futuristic dystopian levels.

I like the discussion guide in the back, how it names intersectional feminism directly taking the bull by its horns.

There is nudity but it's tied to the story & I don't think perpetuates the male gaze. BUT given it's majority POC and black women bodies, it's entirely possible I'm missing it as I've been inundated with media's problematic usage my whole life.

There is violence, institutional devised violence. I again don't think it's gratuitous but grain of salt.

As far as comparing it to Orange is the New Black: I've never seen it though I've heard all the high praise for it so I don't get the problem?

Bitch Planet is one of those graphic novels everyone seems to recommend. And I can see why! It's about a group of women who are deemed "disobedient" from the male-dominated government and are sent to a distant prison planet called "Bitch Planet" to be "straightened out." There they have to do what they're told if they hope to survive. But the main group of women we follow are definitely not keen on such a notion. Then, obviously, rebellion ensues.

 

I first heard of Bitch Planet through BookTube. When I heard so many people talking about how feminist and inclusive it was, I had to give it a read. And I'm so glad I did! The entire first volume is incredible! The art is gorgeous! It's very colorful when it wants to be and gritty when it has to be. I love the character designs the most! All the women have different body shapes, skin color, and sexual orientations. I love the diversity within these pages and the women portrayed therein.

 

The plot itself is so intriguing. I want to know what our characters are going to do now that they are within this prison. We got to see some background stories for a couple of characters. I love Penny's background story the most. It's tragic, yes, but it helps the reader understand who she is as a person. It helps the reader understand some of the actions she chooses to make. I love her so much. I love ALL the characters so much! Well... except the ones we're supposed to hate... I don't like them as much.

 

And that's all I'm going to say about it! Read this graphic novel! It's fun, engaging, intersectional feminism, daring, and intriguing! However, this is for a very mature audience. There's violence, nudity, sexual content, and gore. But if you're okay with that sort of content, then I highly recommend you pick up this graphic novel. It's filled with a diverse cast of women trying to make it in a world that refuses to allow women to be themselves. It's a fantastic read.

The art and the characters are great, but I couldn't quite get into the story. I wasn't in the mood for detailed views of a fictional version of patriarchy. Idk.