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Viscera: Epic Frail
"Epic Frail" is the first in Nathan Massengill's "Viscera" graphic novel series. Viscera is a "killer virgin" who plays a deadly game of hard to get. A cultural rebel fighting a one-woman revolution, she not-so-quietly wages her own "invisible" war. The series is a revisionist, feminist take on the “Bad Girl” tradition popularized many branches of pulp fiction, particularly in 1990′s-era comics. The book is rendered in stark, intense, and unconventional indie black and white by Eisner and Harvey award-winning artist Nathan Massengill, known previously for his work in mainstream comics (Deadpool Classics, Batman: City of Crime, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Nine).
Viscera is a strange, haunted, and complex female lead character quite unlike any seen before. From the book's introduction:
"My name is Viscera. I wear a silver ring on a necklace. The ring is removable and free for the taking. Lift the ring off the hook and you get one date with me.
Though I am locally famous as the “Killer Virgin”, that’s all most people know about me. But there’s more to me than just that. For one thing, I’m not human. My species is an evolutionary offshoot. Our men are many times stronger than human men and have a far thinner veneer of civilization. Our women are shielded with what you might call an invisible force field. Our shields allow us at least the possibility of surviving the brutality of the men. Thanks to our species’ very secretive nature, you have probably never heard of us, though there are millions of us scattered around the world. Of all these, I am unique. I am the only woman not in captivity to a man or in hiding from male hunters. I am the only member of our species in public life. I am the only free woman.
As a child, I was told that my only purpose in life was reproductive. I was told I was the weaker sex. But I have found another purpose. And though I am many things…I am not weak. If you think you can prove me wrong...Take the ring. Humans, though they seem to enjoy trying, aren‘t strong enough to reach through my shielding and take the ring.
The men of my species have the brute strength to push through and lift the ring off its hook. They love nothing more than hunting “wild” females. They can’t resist taking the ring and, on the “date”, can’t resist trying to take me. This personal strategy of mine, I call it “Ringrunning”, accomplishes many of my goals. Foremost, it keeps the hunters from attacking me en masse. In sum, Ringrunning gives me the only thing I ask from life: A fighting chance.
My club and home, called “Ringrunners”, is protected by very dangerous ghosts. If a hunter wants to lure me away from that protection, they must take the ring. Those who take the ring can choose any place, any time, and I will meet them. I will be alone and unarmed. Since they all want me for themselves, they always arrive alone. After all, taking me seems simple. Easy. Yet…Many hunters have taken the ring. None have survived the “date”. The “Killer Virgin” is still alive. She still has her secrets. She still has her ring. Viscera is not weak. If you can and if you dare, take the ring. But if you do, you will die."
Viscera is a strange, haunted, and complex female lead character quite unlike any seen before. From the book's introduction:
"My name is Viscera. I wear a silver ring on a necklace. The ring is removable and free for the taking. Lift the ring off the hook and you get one date with me.
Though I am locally famous as the “Killer Virgin”, that’s all most people know about me. But there’s more to me than just that. For one thing, I’m not human. My species is an evolutionary offshoot. Our men are many times stronger than human men and have a far thinner veneer of civilization. Our women are shielded with what you might call an invisible force field. Our shields allow us at least the possibility of surviving the brutality of the men. Thanks to our species’ very secretive nature, you have probably never heard of us, though there are millions of us scattered around the world. Of all these, I am unique. I am the only woman not in captivity to a man or in hiding from male hunters. I am the only member of our species in public life. I am the only free woman.
As a child, I was told that my only purpose in life was reproductive. I was told I was the weaker sex. But I have found another purpose. And though I am many things…I am not weak. If you think you can prove me wrong...Take the ring. Humans, though they seem to enjoy trying, aren‘t strong enough to reach through my shielding and take the ring.
The men of my species have the brute strength to push through and lift the ring off its hook. They love nothing more than hunting “wild” females. They can’t resist taking the ring and, on the “date”, can’t resist trying to take me. This personal strategy of mine, I call it “Ringrunning”, accomplishes many of my goals. Foremost, it keeps the hunters from attacking me en masse. In sum, Ringrunning gives me the only thing I ask from life: A fighting chance.
My club and home, called “Ringrunners”, is protected by very dangerous ghosts. If a hunter wants to lure me away from that protection, they must take the ring. Those who take the ring can choose any place, any time, and I will meet them. I will be alone and unarmed. Since they all want me for themselves, they always arrive alone. After all, taking me seems simple. Easy. Yet…Many hunters have taken the ring. None have survived the “date”. The “Killer Virgin” is still alive. She still has her secrets. She still has her ring. Viscera is not weak. If you can and if you dare, take the ring. But if you do, you will die."
- GenresGraphic Novels
55 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2013
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 17, 2014
I met this author on a website that brings authors and book bloggers together and immediately wanted to read this book. The cover is what originally drew me in. Then, reading the book description and finding out that it was anti-rape, I began reading it as soon as he sent it to me.
I am an opinionated person, especially when it comes to things I'm passionate about. Over the last couple of years, I've forgotten just how opinionated I am. This graphic novel, well, it reminded me.
It was a difficult story for me to read, not because of the writing or the story, but because of what the story was about. And writing this review was something that, to be honest, I put off for a bit because I knew that I wasn't going to do the book justice.
It is a very powerful story with some good artwork (all of which the author did himself). Viscera refuses to be a victim anymore, so instead she makes the men who hurt women the victims.
I want to know more about Viscera and the world she lives in. I truly hope that the author continues on with this story and gives us much much more.
Note: I received a copy of this graphic novel in exchange for my honest review. Since reading this book, I have had a few conversations with Nathan about his reasoning behind this book and his view on the rape-culture that seems to be prevalent in this country (the fact that it happens and that there really isn't much the victim can do about it, a he said-she said event happens, if you can even get someone to listen to you). Knowing that he wrote this book and dedicated it to rape survivors (not victims) really gives the book a much deeper meaning.
I am an opinionated person, especially when it comes to things I'm passionate about. Over the last couple of years, I've forgotten just how opinionated I am. This graphic novel, well, it reminded me.
It was a difficult story for me to read, not because of the writing or the story, but because of what the story was about. And writing this review was something that, to be honest, I put off for a bit because I knew that I wasn't going to do the book justice.
It is a very powerful story with some good artwork (all of which the author did himself). Viscera refuses to be a victim anymore, so instead she makes the men who hurt women the victims.
I want to know more about Viscera and the world she lives in. I truly hope that the author continues on with this story and gives us much much more.
Note: I received a copy of this graphic novel in exchange for my honest review. Since reading this book, I have had a few conversations with Nathan about his reasoning behind this book and his view on the rape-culture that seems to be prevalent in this country (the fact that it happens and that there really isn't much the victim can do about it, a he said-she said event happens, if you can even get someone to listen to you). Knowing that he wrote this book and dedicated it to rape survivors (not victims) really gives the book a much deeper meaning.
January 29, 2014
This book is an epic failure for trying to portray any sort of female empowerment. Instead, it try to milk out those sentiments by producing this kind of garbage. It was a genuine short read with all sort of misogynistic and BDSM symbolism in black sharpies. There were parts where it was pretty structured, some in long words while the rest was just an artistic expression of someone's "kaki ayam" scrawl. I have no better english word for that btw.
This novel have a good intention to portray all sorts of the wrong things like women who are deathly conformed into being sexualized creatures functioned only to get laid and procreate. And the main character uses all of this stigma to gain an upper hand to the guy who want to rape and intentionally impregnate her by being seductive at the face of her would-be rapists and sexually tantalizing in all her naked glory because she had this invisible shield that protect her from these would be attacks that the later part of the book was an epic violent altercation involving a speeding subway train, a sewer and a gigantic hammer.
Colour me not pleased. I'm not sure what the author use drug himself to think that this was in anyway educating about violence against women in graphic novel form. I could keep an open mind about the possibility of it but the end product was disappointing. I suppose there was a long lengthy explanation to all of these and symbolism including some fine lines and vague words in the dialogues but this is the part where the 'show' contradicted the 'telling' part in the most mind-boggling way. I appreciate black and white renderings like Sergio Toppi but there were a lot of potential to the art for this book but when you're bombarded with all sorts of sexual objectification, female body exoticism and fleshing out the physical fragility of a woman in face of brute force she knowingly place herself into while maintaining a veil of control, it became a complete fluke. There wasn't even a plot in it and neither was an ounce of realism as it is probably a legit sci-fi as they're all aliens but apparently common sense and intelligence was lacking. But mistaking female empowerment by consensual sexual abuse and vigilantism? That was a very long shot in the spectrum of awareness in any sexual violence.
I got duped by the promise of a strong female character. Sure, she's pretty invincible with her sharp nails, stiletto heels and anti-rape force field. But that was just a trope using comic book logic written by men who can't understand how some grandmothers can be a real strong female character. When depth and intelligence became optional over superficial vague madness, landfill is the appropriate solution. As someone who had experiences with aggressive assault in sexual nature and also a supporter of female's right, the book is disturbing but its more disturbing when it try to sell you that the idea of achieving sexual independence was to literally dangle yourself into a situation where you purposely became a bait for potential rapists. Whatever message it have or any subtle plot it might trying to portray, it was destructive that no matter how you play it out through these sort of limited perspectives and barren plots, you end up doing the same thing you're trying to educate your readers against.
The ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This novel have a good intention to portray all sorts of the wrong things like women who are deathly conformed into being sexualized creatures functioned only to get laid and procreate. And the main character uses all of this stigma to gain an upper hand to the guy who want to rape and intentionally impregnate her by being seductive at the face of her would-be rapists and sexually tantalizing in all her naked glory because she had this invisible shield that protect her from these would be attacks that the later part of the book was an epic violent altercation involving a speeding subway train, a sewer and a gigantic hammer.
Colour me not pleased. I'm not sure what the author use drug himself to think that this was in anyway educating about violence against women in graphic novel form. I could keep an open mind about the possibility of it but the end product was disappointing. I suppose there was a long lengthy explanation to all of these and symbolism including some fine lines and vague words in the dialogues but this is the part where the 'show' contradicted the 'telling' part in the most mind-boggling way. I appreciate black and white renderings like Sergio Toppi but there were a lot of potential to the art for this book but when you're bombarded with all sorts of sexual objectification, female body exoticism and fleshing out the physical fragility of a woman in face of brute force she knowingly place herself into while maintaining a veil of control, it became a complete fluke. There wasn't even a plot in it and neither was an ounce of realism as it is probably a legit sci-fi as they're all aliens but apparently common sense and intelligence was lacking. But mistaking female empowerment by consensual sexual abuse and vigilantism? That was a very long shot in the spectrum of awareness in any sexual violence.
I got duped by the promise of a strong female character. Sure, she's pretty invincible with her sharp nails, stiletto heels and anti-rape force field. But that was just a trope using comic book logic written by men who can't understand how some grandmothers can be a real strong female character. When depth and intelligence became optional over superficial vague madness, landfill is the appropriate solution. As someone who had experiences with aggressive assault in sexual nature and also a supporter of female's right, the book is disturbing but its more disturbing when it try to sell you that the idea of achieving sexual independence was to literally dangle yourself into a situation where you purposely became a bait for potential rapists. Whatever message it have or any subtle plot it might trying to portray, it was destructive that no matter how you play it out through these sort of limited perspectives and barren plots, you end up doing the same thing you're trying to educate your readers against.
The ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 11, 2014
TRIGGER WARNING: Rape and violence against women.
Viscera, or so she calls herself now, having defined this viscous “killer virgin” persona from the previous scared, victim, is of a race of humanoid creatures that live secretly among us. The women – assuming they are even permitted to live at birth – are nothing more than property to males who very violently use and abuse them for the sole purpose of procreation. The females have one small hope of survival: a personal shield.
Viscera is a “wild female” and the men love nothing more than to hunt down such treacherous “gashes,” but Viscera has turned the tables on them by inviting them to her fortress, a club called Ringrunners, where any man who can make it through her shields and remove the ring from the hook on her necklace is permitted a “date” with her. Thus luring her prey, she goes through this invitational vigilantism process of killing the men of her race who try to take her.
My summary makes this story sound as harsh and over the top as the story actually is, drawn in violent lines of stark black ink. It is meant to be a story of female empowerment – Massengill’s attempt at putting the power back into the hands of women, telling us that we can make the choice not to be victims (even as he has Viscera purposely present herself as such, trussed up in chains to greet her next victim.)
Viscera does have one moment that I wish had been explored more deeply. It is during an incongruous scene, two pages of mostly text, where she discusses her plans and her former self with Rictus, the one man she trusts.
The book is peppered with quotes from the likes of Mary Wollstonecraft to make the positive intent clear, but the delivery is going to be hit or miss. This will not be an easy book for some to swallow, if they choose to make it past the introduction at all. Some might be completely offended by the attempt. While I was not offended, I felt it went too over the top with Viscera's defiance. There is no seeking equality or respect. Only vengeance and punishment. Which might be fine for some, but it’s not the lesson I would prefer to see taught. The male victims in this story learn nothing in continually falling to Viscera’s claws, and Viscera gains only an empty victory and the knowledge that she will continue to be hunted until someone finally succeeds in smashing her shields and fucking her to death.
Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Viscera, or so she calls herself now, having defined this viscous “killer virgin” persona from the previous scared, victim, is of a race of humanoid creatures that live secretly among us. The women – assuming they are even permitted to live at birth – are nothing more than property to males who very violently use and abuse them for the sole purpose of procreation. The females have one small hope of survival: a personal shield.
Viscera is a “wild female” and the men love nothing more than to hunt down such treacherous “gashes,” but Viscera has turned the tables on them by inviting them to her fortress, a club called Ringrunners, where any man who can make it through her shields and remove the ring from the hook on her necklace is permitted a “date” with her. Thus luring her prey, she goes through this invitational vigilantism process of killing the men of her race who try to take her.
My summary makes this story sound as harsh and over the top as the story actually is, drawn in violent lines of stark black ink. It is meant to be a story of female empowerment – Massengill’s attempt at putting the power back into the hands of women, telling us that we can make the choice not to be victims (even as he has Viscera purposely present herself as such, trussed up in chains to greet her next victim.)
Viscera does have one moment that I wish had been explored more deeply. It is during an incongruous scene, two pages of mostly text, where she discusses her plans and her former self with Rictus, the one man she trusts.
The book is peppered with quotes from the likes of Mary Wollstonecraft to make the positive intent clear, but the delivery is going to be hit or miss. This will not be an easy book for some to swallow, if they choose to make it past the introduction at all. Some might be completely offended by the attempt. While I was not offended, I felt it went too over the top with Viscera's defiance. There is no seeking equality or respect. Only vengeance and punishment. Which might be fine for some, but it’s not the lesson I would prefer to see taught. The male victims in this story learn nothing in continually falling to Viscera’s claws, and Viscera gains only an empty victory and the knowledge that she will continue to be hunted until someone finally succeeds in smashing her shields and fucking her to death.
Review copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2015
Viscera, also know as the Killer Virgin, comes from an alien race in which women are little more than slaves to men, their only purpose to procreate. But Viscera is different, unique – she is the only free woman left. She wears a silver ring around her neck. Any man who can take it from her will get one date. Taking the ring isn’t hard for the men of her species; taking her, on the other hand, has proven deadly for every man who has tried. But now there’s a new man after her, he has taken her ring but his interest is that of a fanatic, a man who believes that a free woman is an abomination and her death is the only way to put things right.
Epic Frail: Viscera is the first in a graphic novel series by Nathan Massengill who is both writer and artist and, given the stated intended purpose of the novel, it is no surprise that Massengill was involved in the production of graphic novels based on the TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer which I will admit is still one of my favourite shows even after all these years. And, because of this, I so wanted to read and like this graphic novel. In the end though I had very mixed feelings about it. The things that made Buffy such a great character - she liked men both as friends, sidekicks, and lovers; she also liked other women as friends as well as sidekicks; but, perhaps most important, she was able to accept help when offered or needed while always remaining her own woman – she represented female empowerment at its most positive and powerful.
The female protagonist here felt less like a strong heroine and more like a woman who deliberately set out to entice men so that she could take revenge on them. There is no hint of hope or possibility of change in this world – it is stark unending violence with no sense of letup or a positive outcome – this is not female empowerment but Dirty Harry in skimpy drag. In the end, Viscera is not much different or better than the men she is battling- perhaps that was the point and perhaps, since this is the first in the series, this would change in future issues…perhaps but unfortunately there is little here to entice me to read future issues.
Still, I liked the art that perfectly complements the bleak nature of the story – the black and white illustrations seemed to have been slashed across the pages denoting this violent world and Viscera’s actions. They are as gritty and dark as the storyline. And I love Massengill’s work on Buffy – sadly, I can’t say I liked Epic Frail but that doesn’t stop me from looking forward to other things by him in the future.
2.5
Epic Frail: Viscera is the first in a graphic novel series by Nathan Massengill who is both writer and artist and, given the stated intended purpose of the novel, it is no surprise that Massengill was involved in the production of graphic novels based on the TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer which I will admit is still one of my favourite shows even after all these years. And, because of this, I so wanted to read and like this graphic novel. In the end though I had very mixed feelings about it. The things that made Buffy such a great character - she liked men both as friends, sidekicks, and lovers; she also liked other women as friends as well as sidekicks; but, perhaps most important, she was able to accept help when offered or needed while always remaining her own woman – she represented female empowerment at its most positive and powerful.
The female protagonist here felt less like a strong heroine and more like a woman who deliberately set out to entice men so that she could take revenge on them. There is no hint of hope or possibility of change in this world – it is stark unending violence with no sense of letup or a positive outcome – this is not female empowerment but Dirty Harry in skimpy drag. In the end, Viscera is not much different or better than the men she is battling- perhaps that was the point and perhaps, since this is the first in the series, this would change in future issues…perhaps but unfortunately there is little here to entice me to read future issues.
Still, I liked the art that perfectly complements the bleak nature of the story – the black and white illustrations seemed to have been slashed across the pages denoting this violent world and Viscera’s actions. They are as gritty and dark as the storyline. And I love Massengill’s work on Buffy – sadly, I can’t say I liked Epic Frail but that doesn’t stop me from looking forward to other things by him in the future.
2.5
February 3, 2016
Есть такая раса, «во многом похожая на людей». Ее представители отличаются большой физической силой, выносливостью и женоненавистничеством. Женщины у них – рабыни, их используют исключительно как средство для воспроизводства потомства. Желательно мужского. И это еще если женщине повезет пережить осеменение. Боги и короли в этом обществе – мужчины, прирожденные охотники, для которых нет ничего приятнее, чем выследить и сломать любую женщину, возомнившую себя свободной.
Единственная слабая защита женщин против произвола – невидимый форсфилд, ломать который доставляет мужчинам немало приятных минут. У героини по имени Viscera получилось сделать практически невозможное: навязать свои правила игры, тем самым обезопасив себя от мгновенного поражения. Она забурилась в подпольный клуб, охраняемый мертвыми душами, и предлагает всем желающим соотечественникам снять с ее шеи кольцо, пройдя через форсфилд. Те, кому это удается, удостаиваются возможности пойти с ней на «свидание». Стоит сказать, что еще никто из «поклонников» не ушел со свидания живым...
Извращенная идея. Настоящий гений. Мастермайнд, с которого стоит брать пример. Вместо того, чтобы быть выслеженной и задушенной в кустах, она играет на своем поле. Она убегает, но делает это не слепо, а расчетливо, беспощадно расправляясь со всеми, кто попытался сделать ее своей. Все 60 страниц книги пропитаны болью, страданием, унижением и превосходством по признаку «я больше и сильнее».
Графика взорвала мне мозг. Впрочем, я уже начиная с обложки ждала бомбы. Говорить про нее бесполезно, она просто крутецкая, хотя фломастеры на вкус разные. И можно было бы обойтись без послесловия. Такая непростая тема должна, имхо, у каждого в голове перевариваться самостоятельно, без подсказок автора.
annikeh.net
Единственная слабая защита женщин против произвола – невидимый форсфилд, ломать который доставляет мужчинам немало приятных минут. У героини по имени Viscera получилось сделать практически невозможное: навязать свои правила игры, тем самым обезопасив себя от мгновенного поражения. Она забурилась в подпольный клуб, охраняемый мертвыми душами, и предлагает всем желающим соотечественникам снять с ее шеи кольцо, пройдя через форсфилд. Те, кому это удается, удостаиваются возможности пойти с ней на «свидание». Стоит сказать, что еще никто из «поклонников» не ушел со свидания живым...
Извращенная идея. Настоящий гений. Мастермайнд, с которого стоит брать пример. Вместо того, чтобы быть выслеженной и задушенной в кустах, она играет на своем поле. Она убегает, но делает это не слепо, а расчетливо, беспощадно расправляясь со всеми, кто попытался сделать ее своей. Все 60 страниц книги пропитаны болью, страданием, унижением и превосходством по признаку «я больше и сильнее».
Графика взорвала мне мозг. Впрочем, я уже начиная с обложки ждала бомбы. Говорить про нее бесполезно, она просто крутецкая, хотя фломастеры на вкус разные. И можно было бы обойтись без послесловия. Такая непростая тема должна, имхо, у каждого в голове перевариваться самостоятельно, без подсказок автора.
annikeh.net
February 19, 2014
Viscera is a "wild female" of a race of humanoids that treat women like property. Women are subject to extreme violence, forced rapes and even death. Viscera, how she now calls herself, has taken on the personnae of her predecessor. She dangles her status as "wild and virgin female" to lure the humanoid men to her clutches. If they can dominate her, they can have her. The issue is that she is a formidable opponent.
I was all primed to like this story, then I read it. It was boring, confusing, lacking depth and superficially exploring the themes of women issues and all that. I think this graphic novel misses the mark as it has no redeeming qualities (neither the story nor the characters). They learn nothing, they are not sympathetic, and it is all about vengeance. I love stories of vengeance but, give me an end goal, hope or a possibility of .. something. This story lacks purpose. The story is just about vengeance and vengeance without a purpose (in a story) is just, well, boring. It is in thsi way that the book fails with what appears to be its main theme, female empowerment. Yeah, there is none. There is just this female character taunting all the males that want to dominate her and then killing them and all of it without a lesson or goal in sight.
Moreover, the art was lacking. Sometimes it is all a jumbled mess of black pen to paper. I did not like this novel and won't continue the series, even if it had a cool name.
I was all primed to like this story, then I read it. It was boring, confusing, lacking depth and superficially exploring the themes of women issues and all that. I think this graphic novel misses the mark as it has no redeeming qualities (neither the story nor the characters). They learn nothing, they are not sympathetic, and it is all about vengeance. I love stories of vengeance but, give me an end goal, hope or a possibility of .. something. This story lacks purpose. The story is just about vengeance and vengeance without a purpose (in a story) is just, well, boring. It is in thsi way that the book fails with what appears to be its main theme, female empowerment. Yeah, there is none. There is just this female character taunting all the males that want to dominate her and then killing them and all of it without a lesson or goal in sight.
Moreover, the art was lacking. Sometimes it is all a jumbled mess of black pen to paper. I did not like this novel and won't continue the series, even if it had a cool name.
February 15, 2014
Nathan Massengill’s Viscera has earned her rightful place among Femme Fatales such as Wonder Woman, Batgirl, and Captain Marvel. What makes her different? She’s a Femme Fatale on steroids. This poignant creator-owned comic, in the making since 1993 is an emotionally intoxicating rendition of a superior female, and a story I strongly recommend.
As one who is an obstinate advocate of female characters within the comic book world, I instantly gravitated toward the subject matter of this book. It is an in-your-face commentary on the subject of female vs. male aggressor. Massengill’s chaotic art style coupled with his writing works beautifully to address a very controversial subject, and it was a sincere pleasure to read.
Viscera is the only self-governed female of her species among the public sphere. She is known among her male counterparts as the “Killer Virgin”. Men who endeavor to take the ring from her neck are allowed one date. It remains common knowledge that no male has survived. Most men are nervous about a first date.If you’re going on a date with this broad, you should be nervous for one reason only: You gotta stay alive.This emotionally raw comic is well worth the read. I found myself wanting to flip the page only to find volume 1 was over.If you want to see how Viscera’s first date goes, read up!
As one who is an obstinate advocate of female characters within the comic book world, I instantly gravitated toward the subject matter of this book. It is an in-your-face commentary on the subject of female vs. male aggressor. Massengill’s chaotic art style coupled with his writing works beautifully to address a very controversial subject, and it was a sincere pleasure to read.
Viscera is the only self-governed female of her species among the public sphere. She is known among her male counterparts as the “Killer Virgin”. Men who endeavor to take the ring from her neck are allowed one date. It remains common knowledge that no male has survived. Most men are nervous about a first date.If you’re going on a date with this broad, you should be nervous for one reason only: You gotta stay alive.This emotionally raw comic is well worth the read. I found myself wanting to flip the page only to find volume 1 was over.If you want to see how Viscera’s first date goes, read up!
January 15, 2014
I am incredibly torn on this one. This was such a polarizing book in that there were things that I both loved & hated.
I am a sucker for stark black & white art. Some of it was amazing and reminded of Aubrey Beardsley, especially inside Ringrunners, the club that Viscera hangs (literally) in. However, then there are several pages that look like it was simply a sharpie and 5 seconds of effort which was disappointing.
Pages 19-21 are simply odd. I don't know why it was decided to put her interaction with Rictus in more of a kid's novel format with just a few illustrations and lots of verbage. It created a huge disconnect and really much of that back story could have probably been put in the beginning blurb instead so this scene could have been done in storyboards also. I really kinda liked Rictus so would have enjoyed a bit more art with him.
As a woman, this was a difficult read. The physical brutality and emotional belittling that Viscera face are very hard to swallow. It sucks to think that there are still men out there that think a woman's worth is simply in laying there to be a baby factory. And, having her referred to simply as "gash" as if that's all she has to offer is very off putting.
*Digital review copy provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
I am a sucker for stark black & white art. Some of it was amazing and reminded of Aubrey Beardsley, especially inside Ringrunners, the club that Viscera hangs (literally) in. However, then there are several pages that look like it was simply a sharpie and 5 seconds of effort which was disappointing.
Pages 19-21 are simply odd. I don't know why it was decided to put her interaction with Rictus in more of a kid's novel format with just a few illustrations and lots of verbage. It created a huge disconnect and really much of that back story could have probably been put in the beginning blurb instead so this scene could have been done in storyboards also. I really kinda liked Rictus so would have enjoyed a bit more art with him.
As a woman, this was a difficult read. The physical brutality and emotional belittling that Viscera face are very hard to swallow. It sucks to think that there are still men out there that think a woman's worth is simply in laying there to be a baby factory. And, having her referred to simply as "gash" as if that's all she has to offer is very off putting.
*Digital review copy provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
December 16, 2013
Badass virgin, who won't take yes for an answer
"Viscera: Epic Frail" is a scathing inditement of traditional courtship expectations. It's abstracted and set in a skewed world, where science fiction, metaphysics and sex collide.
In this twisted love triangle between man, woman, and misogynistic mores, Viscera dangles a delicate trophy from her neck as a lure for any man bold enough to take the bait. Once on the line, a battle of the sexes begins, with rules of attraction that a preying mantis would envy.
This surreal story morphs between sultry and splattered, demure and degraded, tender and tormented, and a poetic subtext between the panels.
If you enjoy comics like; Bill Sienkiewicz’s Electra Assassin or Stray Toasters, Frank Miller's Sin City, Alan Moore’s From Hell or Swamp Thing, or Howard Chaykin's Time Squared, you might want to delve into this somber and sobering take on the ultimate social game.
"Viscera: Epic Frail" is a scathing inditement of traditional courtship expectations. It's abstracted and set in a skewed world, where science fiction, metaphysics and sex collide.
In this twisted love triangle between man, woman, and misogynistic mores, Viscera dangles a delicate trophy from her neck as a lure for any man bold enough to take the bait. Once on the line, a battle of the sexes begins, with rules of attraction that a preying mantis would envy.
This surreal story morphs between sultry and splattered, demure and degraded, tender and tormented, and a poetic subtext between the panels.
If you enjoy comics like; Bill Sienkiewicz’s Electra Assassin or Stray Toasters, Frank Miller's Sin City, Alan Moore’s From Hell or Swamp Thing, or Howard Chaykin's Time Squared, you might want to delve into this somber and sobering take on the ultimate social game.
December 15, 2014
A graphic novel is an extensive undertaking, hence the two stars. It requires a commitment to create and it requires a belief in a vision. I think that Massengill meant well with this book, in violently empowering women in a brute attempt at feminist literature.
Truth is, it's still half-naked women. It's still women as sex objects inviting penetration. No matter how you shape it, that's nowhere near a feminism perspective. Granted, failing a huge paradigm shift, feminism will always be necessary, which might be what Massengill intended but I'm probably reaching.
I guess it's the problem with men trying to write this kind of book. We're trapped in what we believe to be a progressive perspective, while it's actually a continual perpetuation of the same old tropes. Props for trying, I guess.
Truth is, it's still half-naked women. It's still women as sex objects inviting penetration. No matter how you shape it, that's nowhere near a feminism perspective. Granted, failing a huge paradigm shift, feminism will always be necessary, which might be what Massengill intended but I'm probably reaching.
I guess it's the problem with men trying to write this kind of book. We're trapped in what we believe to be a progressive perspective, while it's actually a continual perpetuation of the same old tropes. Props for trying, I guess.
January 17, 2014
Recensione su: http://wp.me/p3X6aw-ey
Review at: http://wp.me/p3X6aw-ey
Review at: http://wp.me/p3X6aw-ey
February 6, 2014
Nothing to recommend this at all. Scrappy, preachy and unpleasant. Yes have a message, but at least write it and draw it well.
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