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Bitch Planet (Single Issues) #4
Bitch Planet #4
A secret prisoner may be the ringer Kam's girls need if they hope to survive the coming deathmatch. Series co-creator VALENTINE DE LANDRO (X-Factor) rejoins KELLY SUE DeCONNICK (PRETTY DEADLY, Captain Marvel) on art.
32 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2015
About the author
Kelly Sue DeConnick
363 books2,235 followersKelly Sue DeConnick’s work spans stage, comics, film and television. Ms. DeConnick first came to prominence as a comics writer, where she is best known for reinventing the Carol Danvers as “Captain Marvel” at Marvel and for the Black Label standard-setting Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons at DC. Her independent comics Bitch Planet and Pretty Deadly (both from Image Comics) have ranked as New York Times best-sellers and been honored with Eisner Awards, British Fantasy Awards and Hugo nominations.
Ms. DeConnick’s screen work includes stints on Captain Marvel, a film that earned $1B for Disney worldwide, and 2023’s forthcoming The Marvels with Marvel Studios; in addition to having consulted on features for Skydance and ARRAY, and developed television for NBCUniversal, Legendary Entertainment and HBOMax. Her most recent stage work is the mythic spectacle AWAKENING, which opened at the Wynn Resort Las Vegas in November 2022.
Mission-driven, Ms. DeConnick is also a founding partner at Good Trouble Productions, where she has helped to produce non-fiction and educational comics including the “Hidden Voices” and “Recognized” series for NY Public Schools and Congressman John Lewis’ Run, in partnership with Abrams Comics.
In 2015, Ms. DeConnick founded the #VisibleWomen Project, whose mission is to help women and other marginalized genders find paid work in comics and its related industries. The project continues to this day and recently expanded in partnership with Dani Hedlund of Brink Literacy.
Ms. DeConnick lives in Portland, OR with her husband, writer Matt Fraction, and their two children.
Ms. DeConnick’s screen work includes stints on Captain Marvel, a film that earned $1B for Disney worldwide, and 2023’s forthcoming The Marvels with Marvel Studios; in addition to having consulted on features for Skydance and ARRAY, and developed television for NBCUniversal, Legendary Entertainment and HBOMax. Her most recent stage work is the mythic spectacle AWAKENING, which opened at the Wynn Resort Las Vegas in November 2022.
Mission-driven, Ms. DeConnick is also a founding partner at Good Trouble Productions, where she has helped to produce non-fiction and educational comics including the “Hidden Voices” and “Recognized” series for NY Public Schools and Congressman John Lewis’ Run, in partnership with Abrams Comics.
In 2015, Ms. DeConnick founded the #VisibleWomen Project, whose mission is to help women and other marginalized genders find paid work in comics and its related industries. The project continues to this day and recently expanded in partnership with Dani Hedlund of Brink Literacy.
Ms. DeConnick lives in Portland, OR with her husband, writer Matt Fraction, and their two children.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 1, 2023
Good issue i loved the essay as well!
I am disappointed to find out that Megaton is a stupid sport, but whatever really... i like the whole theme of this comic series its new to me!
I am disappointed to find out that Megaton is a stupid sport, but whatever really... i like the whole theme of this comic series its new to me!
March 9, 2019
Kam empieza a seleccionar a las chicas que formaran el equipo. Nos cuentan las reglas del juego y vemos un entrenamiento donde presenciamos el potencial del equipo. Aunque también le cuentan algo preocupante a Kam para lo que trata de buscar una salida.
April 30, 2015
Not too long ago, another avid Bitch Planet reader sent me a tweet from Kelly Sue. It was Kelly apologizing, saying that Bitch Planet issue number four would reach our hands at a later date. Like many readers I was totally bummed out and stayed optimistic by rereading the first three issues and then even reintroduced a friend to the world of comics by way of a care package of comics which included a copy of issue one. (I racked up some serious awesome friends points and Karma there!
Going in, I couldn’t help but notice the two men who act as surveillance techs of sorts, the first two men we see in the prison colony observing and taking notes on the inmates. One questions the other with the fate of the inmates, beginning to ask if things had been different before his coworker stops him–perhaps what? That these women could be spared suffering? Humilation? Abuse? It’s just that tone of the man on the right that I hear too often nearly everyday, whether it be the comments, (ugh the comments) on video with or about Anita Sarkeesian or more recently one of my parents telling me that there is a right way and a WRONG way to protest regarding the uprising that’s happening in Baltimore (that’s #BaltimoreUprising, yall)
There's more of my review of this issue at:
http://blacknerdproblems.com/site/bit...
Going in, I couldn’t help but notice the two men who act as surveillance techs of sorts, the first two men we see in the prison colony observing and taking notes on the inmates. One questions the other with the fate of the inmates, beginning to ask if things had been different before his coworker stops him–perhaps what? That these women could be spared suffering? Humilation? Abuse? It’s just that tone of the man on the right that I hear too often nearly everyday, whether it be the comments, (ugh the comments) on video with or about Anita Sarkeesian or more recently one of my parents telling me that there is a right way and a WRONG way to protest regarding the uprising that’s happening in Baltimore (that’s #BaltimoreUprising, yall)
There's more of my review of this issue at:
http://blacknerdproblems.com/site/bit...
June 12, 2017
Non-compliant
June 11, 2015
I am enjoying the hell out of this series, but I absolutely cannot wait to reread it all from beginning to end.
February 23, 2020
Was going through comics at the shop and saw this cover. Did a little research, loved the concept and decided to read it.
I am an outspoken feminist and this is exactly the kinda stuff I can get behind. No shame to outwardly feminist entertainment, but it's usually not as well written as Bitch Planet is. A lot of feminist media I consume has a thick layer of academic language marinara that makes it almost inaccessible to anyone who might be interested in, y'know, human and social rights.
This comic was funny, raw and the satire is both amusing and poignant. I especially loved the shower scene- everyone was naked, but under no circumstance would anyone think it titillating to a male viewer.
I can't imagine that being easy. But it serves as a nice response to empowered female characters who are overtly designed (whether intended or not) for the male gaze. *Cough* Bayonetta *Cough*
Female characters can still be sexual and empowered without being framed for a male viewer. (*Not that there is anything intrinsically wrong with that on the surface; but when society has framed media specifically around male arousal and interest, then it starts to seem a little unfair).
Oof. I just remembered why I don't like writing from a feminist perspective. I gotta use footnotes to explain "well, not every man" or else someone gets the wrong idea and assumes I mean everyone and everything and blah blah blah.
I kinda wish this book had been around when I was in full feminist mode back in 2011 and 2012. I would have adored this book.
Bottom line: I liked it a lot. The art wasn't really my thing (has that early webcomic vibe), but it grew on me by the end.
I am an outspoken feminist and this is exactly the kinda stuff I can get behind. No shame to outwardly feminist entertainment, but it's usually not as well written as Bitch Planet is. A lot of feminist media I consume has a thick layer of academic language marinara that makes it almost inaccessible to anyone who might be interested in, y'know, human and social rights.
This comic was funny, raw and the satire is both amusing and poignant. I especially loved the shower scene- everyone was naked, but under no circumstance would anyone think it titillating to a male viewer.
I can't imagine that being easy. But it serves as a nice response to empowered female characters who are overtly designed (whether intended or not) for the male gaze. *Cough* Bayonetta *Cough*
Female characters can still be sexual and empowered without being framed for a male viewer. (*Not that there is anything intrinsically wrong with that on the surface; but when society has framed media specifically around male arousal and interest, then it starts to seem a little unfair).
Oof. I just remembered why I don't like writing from a feminist perspective. I gotta use footnotes to explain "well, not every man" or else someone gets the wrong idea and assumes I mean everyone and everything and blah blah blah.
I kinda wish this book had been around when I was in full feminist mode back in 2011 and 2012. I would have adored this book.
Bottom line: I liked it a lot. The art wasn't really my thing (has that early webcomic vibe), but it grew on me by the end.
August 25, 2022
I read every issue of this series and wanted more. It's so wonderfully cathartic, and I'm a feminist who is cis male. I have to believe it would be at least as cathartic for women, or at least any woman who has come face to face with institutional and cultural gender bias through trying to speak up and step out of expected roles.
To paraphrase Kelly Sue DeConnick telling this story somewhere... Someone whined to her that one of her big franchise comics was "angry feminism." She replied with something like, "You want angry feminism? Try my other work called 'Bitch Planet'." Or something along those lines.
BELIEVE ME WHEN I SAY, there's nothing wrong with that description. It's perfectly appropriate and, like I said, tremendously cathartic. Thank you, Ms. DeConnick.
Have fun stawmin' da castle!
To paraphrase Kelly Sue DeConnick telling this story somewhere... Someone whined to her that one of her big franchise comics was "angry feminism." She replied with something like, "You want angry feminism? Try my other work called 'Bitch Planet'." Or something along those lines.
BELIEVE ME WHEN I SAY, there's nothing wrong with that description. It's perfectly appropriate and, like I said, tremendously cathartic. Thank you, Ms. DeConnick.
Have fun stawmin' da castle!
April 28, 2018
And we're back to the main story and getting to some meaty plot points too! The story is starting to really develop in these panels, and I can start to see where the creators are going.
In this issue, you also start to see some friendships and relationships forming and it's just powerful to witness. And then there's Kam doing her badass things, being the fucking protector that she is.
Just another exceptional issue.
In this issue, you also start to see some friendships and relationships forming and it's just powerful to witness. And then there's Kam doing her badass things, being the fucking protector that she is.
Just another exceptional issue.
December 11, 2017
Finally, some action. We see the team getting assembled, and we get a closer look at Kam and who she is.
February 14, 2025
Kam is working night and day to ensure the survival of her team. We can only hope it’s not all for naught.
December 17, 2025
4 ⭐
It takes me longer to read the essay at the end than the actual comic 😃. But they are just as fantastic!
It takes me longer to read the essay at the end than the actual comic 😃. But they are just as fantastic!
February 21, 2016
I'm pretty much on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what will happen with the Megaton match.
The essay in this issue was stellar, as they have all been. This series is amazing on so many levels, not least because it's hitting me on such an intellectual level. I'm pretty new to intersectional feminism, and I'm eager to learn all I can, so the essay really made me think.
The forward is also fantastic and dead on. Non-compliant isn't just a catchphrase for the series, it's a lifeline for women tired of worrying about conforming. Any time I start to think about doing something I don't want to just to feel I'm "acceptable" (I.e. smiling at some jerk in the hopes he'll go away and leave me alone, holding my tongue if someone says something racist or sexist because I'm afraid of making waves, wearing uncomfortable clothes so I can look "cute", etc.), I'm going to chant that word in my head. It's no surprise to me that it's becoming a mantra for so many readers, because it speaks to universal frustrations.
Lastly, I think the faux ads in this issue were the best ever, viciously, hilariously sending up the bs women are sold by the bushel.
The essay in this issue was stellar, as they have all been. This series is amazing on so many levels, not least because it's hitting me on such an intellectual level. I'm pretty new to intersectional feminism, and I'm eager to learn all I can, so the essay really made me think.
The forward is also fantastic and dead on. Non-compliant isn't just a catchphrase for the series, it's a lifeline for women tired of worrying about conforming. Any time I start to think about doing something I don't want to just to feel I'm "acceptable" (I.e. smiling at some jerk in the hopes he'll go away and leave me alone, holding my tongue if someone says something racist or sexist because I'm afraid of making waves, wearing uncomfortable clothes so I can look "cute", etc.), I'm going to chant that word in my head. It's no surprise to me that it's becoming a mantra for so many readers, because it speaks to universal frustrations.
Lastly, I think the faux ads in this issue were the best ever, viciously, hilariously sending up the bs women are sold by the bushel.
May 2, 2015
I missed a couple issues so right now I've only read #1 and #4 but it's fine keeping up after reading the summary at the front. Bitch Planet manages to point out and twist a whole bunch of social issues and societal "norms" to point out just how ridiculous and unfair they are. It shines a light on things that happen in real life (though usually on a less obvious scale). It's pure genius. And just like the first issue, this has a badass ending.
May 16, 2015
4.5 Stars
I've been waiting for this issue for a hot minute, and after reading the end of this issue I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for issue five.
I can see the interworking of these first couple issues coming together and I can tell the end is gonna be fucking epic. Kamau Kogo, our main character, is smart and is looking out for her number one which is herself, but i also think we're going to be seeing a different side to her in the next issues.
I've been waiting for this issue for a hot minute, and after reading the end of this issue I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for issue five.
I can see the interworking of these first couple issues coming together and I can tell the end is gonna be fucking epic. Kamau Kogo, our main character, is smart and is looking out for her number one which is herself, but i also think we're going to be seeing a different side to her in the next issues.
October 19, 2017
4.5, really. This is an issue that has the potential to really open up: There's a clear way in which this sets certain paths, and then sets certain balls rolling down those paths. I'm hoping it goes well. There's a smidge, here, where it becomes hard to balance the prison exploitation aspects of the series -- but I'm confident that they'll do well, and most importantly, they'll think and respond well if the readership becomes upset over something.
May 1, 2015
This series continues to get me jacked up over both the story and the essays. Issue 4 introduces the rules of Megaton, sees Kam kicking booty and taking names as she gets her team ready, continues to show off the doucheness of menfolk, and asks readers to question feminist racism. I get inarticulate attempting to express how much I love and look forward to Bitch Planet each issue <3
May 6, 2015
I cannot describe the fulfillment I get with every issue. I devour every word and then want to cry at how good it was and wish that I had savored it more slowly. This is the best of contemporary comics. Kelly Sue DeConnick has written the body and it is a masterpiece. MORE OF THIS, PLEASE.
June 14, 2015
Can you tell what I spent the afternoon doing? One Bitch Planet after the other. This is great, nude scenes and even a lesbian sex scene without it being male gaze-y and gross. Such an awesome series.
July 26, 2015
This was the first issue I wasn't amazed by. I may not be as interested in the fighting aspect of this series as I thought I would be. Which may be a problem since I think that's a main part of what is supposed be happening in the series.
May 10, 2017
Initial thoughts review: Yay for intersectional feminism (the essay)! With the gawkers in the shower scenes, this issue really got me thinking about the hyper-sexualization of black women, women of color, and over-sexualization of women in general.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2015
So fucking rad.
May 22, 2015
I love this series so damn much, as well as the feminist essays at the back. I highly recommend buying these as they come out because this is seriously amazing.
May 4, 2015
La última escena se merece todas las estrellas del mundo.
May 9, 2015
The male gazey tropes were too heavy handed and a bit off the mark for me. I did enjoy the plot progression, though.
May 19, 2015
This just keeps getting better and better.
May 29, 2015
I'm so invested in Kam's storyline.
Do I seek out issues 4-7 or do I hold out, pre-order Vol 1 and binge read?!?!?
Do I seek out issues 4-7 or do I hold out, pre-order Vol 1 and binge read?!?!?
June 12, 2015
Cara: 3 stars.
Emily:
I am enjoying the hell out of this series, but I absolutely cannot wait to reread it all from beginning to end. 4 stars.
Emily:
I am enjoying the hell out of this series, but I absolutely cannot wait to reread it all from beginning to end. 4 stars.
June 19, 2015
you should read this
July 12, 2015
Shaping up to be something good, will be interesting to see when the games begin.
Read
August 21, 2015Not holding back any punches
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews