Bitch Planet: Book 1 - Extraordinary Machine

Bitch Planet Volume 1 - Kelly Sue DeConnick, Robert Wilson IV, Valentine De Landro

Created with a retro 70s feel Bitch Planet has never felt more topical than now. From the art style, world building, narrative arc, characters, and even the fake ads at the back of each issue this graphic novel makes itself heard. Every panel calls attention to the misogyny inherent in our culture. By setting the story in a futuristic sci-fi setting DeConnick has the freedom to point at problems we face now with a clarity the present tends to muddy. The underlying issues are the same ones we face now, except blown up to a nightmarish conclusion, and the results are striking.

 

In addition to its feminist roots Bitch Planet also calls attention to the topics of racism, mass incarceration, body shaming, gender roles, normalization of rape culture, the dumbing down of our society, and how all of these things work together to hurt not only women but all of us. While every issue made my blood boil it also made me want to keep fighting. An unfortunate side effect in reading a lot of feminist literature is being left feeling overwhelmed, and like there is no use - the problems are so endemic that once you really dig into them it can feel depressing or daunting. This didn't make me feel that way. This made me want to go out and conquer the world.

 

I feel like I should also point out that it's a good story. Well written, well executed, and stunningly illustrated, Bitch Planet delivers a roundhouse kick to the establishment while simultaneously delivering a heaping dose of entertainment. Smashing the patriarchy has never been so fun.