Rhys Nunnelly

Summary:

Wylie Kogan is an aspiring artist, stumping for work in 1963 California. When a fawning fan letter grants him access to his cartoonist hero, the wealthy and celebrated Joseph Ahlstrom, he's quick to take advantage of a proffered portfolio review... but winds up learning more than he ever wanted to about Joe when he stumbles across some of his idol's illicit fetish art. His hasty, ill-considered theft of a drawing triggers a series of events he never planned on... most of which involve Joseph's imposing and resolute partner, Roya.

Yes, Roya Review:

Critiquing the moral aspects of an erotic graphic novel can be challenging, given the inherent gray morals that contribute to the genre's appeal. We've collectively acknowledged and embraced this aspect in adult-oriented works. However, in the case of "Yes, Roya," there's a distinct unease I find troubling.

One notable concern in "Yes, Roya" revolves around a significant power imbalance within the relationship's three participants. Wylie, being a fan of Joseph, the comic artist, faced a situation where agreeing to intimate involvement seemed almost inevitable when Joseph initiated it. Complicating matters further is the age difference, with Wylie lacking sexual experience and not even meeting the legal age for drinking. The dynamics within the relationship in the story raise concerns about the thin line between consensual interactions and potential abuse. While Roya and Joseph may not overtly engage in morally corrupt actions towards Wylie, the power imbalances and the questionable nature of Wylie's consent introduce a nuanced layer that prompts reflection on the potential harm within the narrative. A notable omission in "Yes, Roya" is the absence of conversations around consent, particularly in the context of Wylie's understanding of the intimate aspects of the relationship. The narrative fails to provide a clear explanation of what Wylie is consenting to, a crucial element, especially in femdom relationships with elements of BDSM. The lack of discussion and clarification is glaring, as Wylie seems conveniently comfortable with all actions without explicit communication or understanding.

Summary:

From notorious kink writer Tina Horn, and featuring a diverse group of artists comes SFSX (SAFE SEX), an LGBTQ, feminist social thriller about sex, love, and torture. It's Sex Criminals in Gilead, Hustlers with a Sunstonetwist. In a draconian America where sexuality is strictly bureaucratized and policed, a group of queer sex workers keep the magic alive in an underground club called the Dirty Mind. Using their unique talents for bondage and seduction, they resolve to infiltrate the mysterious government Pleasure Center, free their incarcerated friends, and fight the power! - Amazon

SFSX Review:

"SFSX" kicks off with a bold start, featuring compelling art and a narrative that is initially clear and engaging. However, as the story progresses, it becomes a bit confusing and loses some of its initial vigor. The comic shines brightest when it leans into visual storytelling, showcasing its strength. Notably, the intimate and sensual sex scenes contribute significantly to the story without being distracting, adding a substantial layer of depth.

The call for increased representation in comics, exemplified by works like "SFSX," is crucial. It introduces characters with diverse body shapes and sexualities, breaking away from traditional norms. The inclusion of a male character with a penchant for BDSM is a refreshing departure from the usual comic narrative. However, the commendable effort is somewhat marred by a lack of clarity in the messages conveyed. For those well-versed in feminism, it's evident that the critique is directed at white feminism or anti-sex feminism. Unfortunately, without this background knowledge, one might misconstrue the comic's criticism as targeting feminism in general. That made me almost put the book down.

The script of "SFSX" raises questions about its effectiveness as a comic script. A substantial portion of the reading experience felt dominated by dialogue, and while the visual storytelling is impactful, there's a concern that without the accompanying dialogue, the comic's narrative might be challenging to grasp. Flipping through the pages, one could discern the presence of sex-related themes, but the overarching storyline might remain elusive without delving into the dialogue. It seems that the comic relies heavily on dialogue rather than achieving a seamless collaboration between visuals and text.

I know Anya's Ghost is an old comic, but I have been looking back at the best YA comics, and this one came up. So, I decided to finally read it.

Summary:

Of all the things Anya expected to find at the bottom of an old well, a new friend was not one of them. Especially not a new friend who's been dead for a century. Falling down a well is bad enough, but Anya's normal life might actually be worse. She's embarrassed by her family, self-conscious about her body, and she's pretty much given up on fitting in at school. A new friend―even a ghost―is just what she needs.

Anya's Ghost Review: Or so she thinks. Spooky, sardonic, and secretly sincere, Anya's Ghost is a wonderfully entertaining debut graphic novel from author/artist Vera Brosgol. The initial element that drew my attention to "Anya's Ghost" was its cover. Despite its simplicity, the shapes within the illustration contribute to a pleasing flow. The cover avoids being overly busy or cluttered with numerous characters, allowing for a clear representation of the plot. The interior of "Anya's Ghost" is skillfully crafted, featuring easily readable panels, a notable accomplishment for a Young Adult (YA) artist. The style exudes a powerful appeal, effortlessly captivating the audience. Throughout the read, I never experienced confusion, and the characters felt both intriguing and relatable. I appreciate the nuanced portrayal of Anya, the main character." She isn't presented as a conventionally "likable" character, showcasing flaws like a degree of conceit and insecurity. Apart from standing up to bullies, she often aligns with them. Fortunately, as the narrative unfolds, her character undergoes significant growth, transforming into a better person. Yet, I found the rocky start to her journey quite engaging. One aspect of "Anya's Ghost" that didn't resonate with me is its early depiction of being somewhat fat-phobic. While it's understandable for a teenage girl to grapple with such issues, what stood out to me was the lack of correction or acknowledgment of Anya's behavior throughout the narrative. The story doesn't provide resolution to the fatphobia or image-related challenges. The absence of overweight main characters further reinforces the notion that being a fat young woman is portrayed negatively.

Vacant: