Monstress
I’m going to keep this review fairly high level for two reasons - 1) this is just a series-so-far review and 2) I’m reviewing all 6 volumes out so far but its very likely I’m going to reread them all again this year. So I’ll keep the more detailed thoughts on hold for now for each individual volume.
I rarely get into comics. I love the concept, but usually I end up reading them too quickly without appreciating the art, or when I do stop to admire the art I’m reminded all too aggressively that I’m not the target market for most comics. I’m not exactly against the soft-core style of constant sex appeal radiating off the page, but its isn’t something I generally want to seek out. I won’t talk a lot about other comics here - I’ve added links at the bottom if the Male Gaze isn’t something you’re familiar with and want to better understand what I’m referencing. What’s important here is that it doesn’t exist in Monstress. The writer and artist are both women, and they’ve flipped the traditional ratio - virtually every main character is a woman, with men sprinkled in as background characters and main characters only when their gender specifically relates to the plot. (If that statement caused an immediate decrease in interest in the series, I'd ask you to think about why. This is a war story, not ‘chick lit’.) The artist also refrains from constantly sexualizing the characters, men and women alike. There are still beautiful people and rippling muscles, but the focus of the scene is always on the character motivations, rather than how good their ass looks while accomplishing their goals. (Don’t get me wrong, there’s still some steamy art when the plot calls for it. It just isn’t constant.)
The series continues its refreshing approach in the rest of the categories of representation - we see LGBT+ characters portrayed as casually as any straight character may be, and the default isn’t white/generically tan. I especially love this last aspect as I’m terrible at faces, so the greater diversity means I can tell the damn characters apart more consistently. (Looking at you Disney. The number of times I’ve mixed up Elsa/Anna is embarrassing for us all.) For those about to argue something about shoehorning diversity in for diversity’s sake - no. None of the character arcs are based purely on their race or orientation. Their cultures inform their reactions to events and their orientation determines who we see them sleep with when the occasion arises, but the arcs are focused on the social/political upheaval of a society on the brink of war, not ‘gay man comes out of closet then dies’.
And speaking of character motivations - the intricacy of the plot weaving through this series is incredible. I’ll compare it to Game of Thrones in its complexity if not its feel. Each character is fully fleshed out in their individual goals and motivations, and many are sympathetic enough that you’re rooting for them even as they act against each other. We’re learning about the new forces moving in the world along with the main character, a useful trope that allows for extra explanation to the audience when needed but also keeps us confused and guessing along with the heroine when the plot demands. The intersection of corruption in politics, magic, and technology is fascinating and I honestly have no idea where this series will go next - all I know is that I can’t wait to find out.
Drop me a note in the comments if you have recommendations for other comic series I should check out!
More Reading on the Male Gaze:
http://www.composingdigitalmedia.org/f15_mca/mca_reads/mulvey.pdf - the origin of the term the Male Gaze
