Scan barcode
A review by kitsuneheart
The Big Feminist But: Comics about Women, Men and the Ifs, Ands & Buts of Feminism by Gabrielle Bell
4.0
I did want to write this more, but there was so much in here that not only wasn't done very well, but seemed to be only tangentially related to feminism. In fact, the end of the story includes a comic by the curator bemoaning collections where there's a general lack of quality, partially due to the rigid focus of the collection, while ironically releasing an anthology which does the same. For example, the first main comic, Pillowtalk, seems to have NOTHING to do with feminism! It's just a couple in bed, griping about one coughing and making random statements. It's useless in the context of feminism.
Honestly, the bits I wound up liking the most were the single-picture cartoons reminiscent of the New Yorker.
I did particularly like "How to Make a Man Out of Tinfoil," which examines the way that misogyny harms not only women, but also men who don't conform to gender stereotypes. "Queer, Eh?" was also a standout, taking a look at gender identity itself, with the narrator explaining their development of their non-identifying gender.
So, So, overall, this book is a few really good stories about feminism, but packaged with a bunch of filler. Go in expecting some of it to breeze by you as you read, waiting for the bits that will draw you in, and you'll be well prepared.
Honestly, the bits I wound up liking the most were the single-picture cartoons reminiscent of the New Yorker.
I did particularly like "How to Make a Man Out of Tinfoil," which examines the way that misogyny harms not only women, but also men who don't conform to gender stereotypes. "Queer, Eh?" was also a standout, taking a look at gender identity itself, with the narrator explaining their development of their non-identifying gender.
So, So, overall, this book is a few really good stories about feminism, but packaged with a bunch of filler. Go in expecting some of it to breeze by you as you read, waiting for the bits that will draw you in, and you'll be well prepared.