DeConnick and De Landro kick the series off in a big, exciting way. It's an unabashed feminist screed, but it avoids being preachy, and it's also highly entertaining. It sets up a bit of a dystopia, where corruption is incredibly common, and people who are "non-compliant" are sent to a completely different planet. While there are subtle hints that men also have to be careful, the primary focus is on the treatment of women, with the writing and art both working to show the problems women face. The art shows all sorts of billboards with suppressive messages. (For example, one saying "Less of you to love," another saying "We get by when we comply," with others that are similar to one or the other.) The writing probably makes it even more apparent. A chunk of the issue focuses on the idea of disposable women, with a husband trading for a "newer model."So that stuff isn't exactly subtle. But it's not the only thing going on. There's also the start of what promises to be a great story, with a wonderful cast of characters. Penny Rolle, in particular, is bound to be a fan favourite.KSD's a writer who makes no bones about her feminism, but she's also a writer who specializes in making incredibly human characters, and she's combining those two traits in great ways here. De Landro's art does a great job channeling the Women In Prison exploitation movies being satirized, while still avoiding the sexploitation aspect. Even the full front nudity doesn't feel exploitative or titillating.This book's off to a fantastic start, and promises to be one worth keeping an eye on in 2015. I'm a big fan of Kelly Sue DeConnick, so I definitely wanted to pick up this first issue of her new book the day it came out. I'm still more of a fan of reading books in trade rather than single issues. The only thing I didn't like about this issue was that it was over too quickly. I wanted more! It could have used a little more in depth explanation about what exactly was going on, but at least we have a good taste of what's to come.Already, we can tell this is a rich world with fascinating characters, and I just want to know more about Kamau Kogo, Penny Rolle, and the rest of the NCs. It's still unclear what exactly qualifies you as noncompliant. Is it being reported by someone like your murderous husband who wants to "trade you in for a newer model"? Is it being a murder yourself? Is it not looking like what people expect? I guess we'll see as the issues roll out.On a personal note, I definitely have become more of a feminist over the years as I've gotten older. It's been a strange, sometimes uncomfortable struggle at times, but at this point in my life, I don't particularly care what people other than my family and friends think of me. And even with those people, there are some things that I still don't care what even those people think, mostly about superficial but expected-of-women things like shaving legs and wearing makeup and dressing up and being skinny. The beauty standards expected of women irks me to no end, because even if I don't personally feel pressured by them anymore, I can't make anyone else not feel that pressure themselves. I worry about my 9 nieces as they grow up, I worry about my sisters and friends as they stress about their weight and finding the perfect outfit, I worry about my family and friends potentially worrying about me NOT caring about those things. All I can do is try my best to be supportive and reiterate when things don't really matter. It seems so natural to me not to care that I often have to remind myself that most people don't feel the way I do. I feel like it will be a constant struggle as life goes on.There are lot more feministy things I could say, but I'll save those for my review when the trade comes out. For now, I'll just leave you with this: great art, good beginning to a story, and an introduction to some interesting characters. If you're into single issue comics and fighting back against the patriarchy, definitely pick this one up today. Otherwise, add it to your list and check it out with me when the trade comes out.
What do You think about Bitch Planet #1 (2014)?
Bad ass start to a series! Ìm excited to see the character development.
—rtraspadini
Oh man I'm SO EXCITED for next month's issue to come out!
—nyechi
