




Images and text are a powerful means of conveying a message, they can use different techniques to lead the viewer or reader to the true meaning that is intended. Sometimes it is fairly straightforward, other times one needs to navigate through the individual aspects of the image or text in order to truly make sense of it. Bitch Planet, by Kelly Sue DeConnick combines the two to convey the stories message, but the image alone can tell the whole story. One image in particular displays the overall theme of individualism, embracing your true self, and oppression through its use of color, light and facial expressions.

The image shows Penelope strapped down while the men use a device that shows a vision of her ideal self. They expect to see a skinny, pretty version of Penelope, one who has conformed to their description of an ideal woman. Instead, the image the device shows is simply a reflection, this means that Penelope truly wants to be who she is. Because of this individualism, the men on the monitors seem visibly disgusted by the outcome, they question if the results are correct and send her to the outpost as punishment. This image in particular displays their societies oppressive treatment of women, as well as displays an important theme of the story, which is to embrace who you truly are.

The image uses color and light to draw the viewer to the focal point of the image. This focal point is Penelope’s face, it is very light and the orange of her clothes draws the viewer’s attention. This area of the image is important because it shows Penelope laughing at the men, she is truly happy with who she is even though she is going to be punished for it. This helps develop the overarching message of the story by giving an example of a person in a horrible situation keeping their beliefs, rather than changing them just to make their lives easier. Penelope does not care what the rest of the world thinks she should look like, or who they think she should be. She simply cares about being herself, someone she is proud of. The contrast in light between Penelope and the men also shows the difference in their emotions. Penelope, who is in the light is very happy, she is excited that she does not fit the men’s description of an ideal woman. While the men, who are cast in darkness are horrified by her appearance and the image of her true self. They do not understand how a person could be this way, and they think she is sick and that they have to help her, but in reality the only thing wrong in the situation is their treatment of her.

DeConnick also uses facial expressions to help convey the meaning of the story. In this example Penelope is laughing, she seems truly happy about the results despite the imminent punishment that will come as a result of it. The viewer can tell just how strong Penelope is through her expression in such an awful situation. The men on the other hand are horrified to see this. The society they live in in has taught them that a women should look a certain way and act a certain way. They are appalled when they see Penelope act the way she does, and send her to the outpost to be fixed. They want to control who Penelope is, but she resilient and defies their demands. DeConnick gives the audience an extreme example of the oppression of individualism, she is saying that if Penelope can stay who she is through this situation, then a person in a much less harsh situation in our world can stay who they are. It is important for people to be themselves, and for the world to be a genuine place. 

The themes of individualism and oppression are evident throughout the story, but are particularly relevant in this image. Different techniques such as the use of light and color, and facial expressions are used to develop these themes, and Penelope is a model of strength and resilience to oppression. DeConnick uses Penelope to teach her audience to embrace who they truly are, no matter what anyone else says. 

