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A review by flowerbinsh
SFSX (Safe Sex), Vol. 1: Protection by Tina Horn
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Read as a requirement for my Queer Genre class.
Within the first few sections, I honestly didn’t think I was going to like this comic. I’m not huge on extremely graphic content, and I was a little out off by it at first. But I think that’s kind of a part of the point Horn is making. This uncomfortableness Western culture has surrounding sex and kink between consenting adults is what leads to this dystopian society focused on reformation and the policing of “true” womanhood. While I still don’t think this comic is for me, I loved the concept and the message it has so much that I think it deserves its rating.
To focus on the actual story, however, I think the plot is a little rushed. I wished we spent more time with the characters’ past and motivations. They feel like plot developments rather than people. I also wish we got a little more world building about how this governmental structure started. What’s the time line? What are important historical events in this fictional world?
I know there are more volumes, so they could potentially cover all of these questions and concerns, but not everyone is going to continue a series for the sake of answers. These questions should be answered from the beginning, or at least be given a reason for the secrecy so it feels more like a cliffhanger than neglecting the reader’s experience.
Within the first few sections, I honestly didn’t think I was going to like this comic. I’m not huge on extremely graphic content, and I was a little out off by it at first. But I think that’s kind of a part of the point Horn is making. This uncomfortableness Western culture has surrounding sex and kink between consenting adults is what leads to this dystopian society focused on reformation and the policing of “true” womanhood. While I still don’t think this comic is for me, I loved the concept and the message it has so much that I think it deserves its rating.
To focus on the actual story, however, I think the plot is a little rushed. I wished we spent more time with the characters’ past and motivations. They feel like plot developments rather than people. I also wish we got a little more world building about how this governmental structure started. What’s the time line? What are important historical events in this fictional world?
I know there are more volumes, so they could potentially cover all of these questions and concerns, but not everyone is going to continue a series for the sake of answers. These questions should be answered from the beginning, or at least be given a reason for the secrecy so it feels more like a cliffhanger than neglecting the reader’s experience.