Kelly Sue DeConnick’s dystopian comic book relays to the reader a story of how a woman who, throughout the entirety of her life, has dealt with a great deal of prejudice and hate simply for not conforming to what her futuristic society depicts as satisfactory. Ms. Penelope Leona Rolle is a 22 year old woman who has been taken in to be evaluated and treated by her “fathers” in an attempt to fix her. This strange society seems to only exist with thin, self-absorbed woman, and men who despite not sharing the same movie-star-like appearances the women were forced to maintain, seemed to have a far superior standings when compared to their feminine counterparts. The men in this society definitely run things which is exhibited by their leaders being named their “fathers.” These men are very average looking and are not holding themselves to as near a standard as the women are expected to be which, in turn, could be a testament to our society today. One scene where Penelope is being attached with all sorts of wires to reveal what she really wishes to look like, shocks her superiors just as the comic ends. 

The protagonist is found being strapped to an upright, metal chair while two armored men are hooking her up to some sort of mind-reading machine. The imagery in this scene is actually rather strong. The fact that Penelope is of African-American descent and is being restrained by two Caucasian males is a clear nod to the society we live in today. The two men are dressed in militaristic type armor that is similar to that of a SWAT team member which could once again be mocking today’s society. It can also be presented that the majority of the men projected on the screens judging her as members of the “fathers” group are older Caucasian men who are far from perfect themselves. These examples are definite references to the way police brutality and prejudice have escalated exponentially and elevated its way into the national spotlight, especially when concerning those of the African-American culture. The restraints being forced onto Penelope tying her to the chair are being tightened by the authority figures and it is quite possible that this could be symbolic of the way the government has been seemingly holding this group of people back and restraining them from reaching their full potentials. Dystopian, according to Vocabulary.com, is defined as “the exact opposite- it describes an imaginary society that is as dehumanizing and as unpleasant as possible.” This comic strip and its aforementioned examples, perfectly fits this description. This society is led on to believe that the only way for them to be happy is to please their “fathers” and set yourself to a certain, mandatory standard that if not kept up with can lead to a severe disconnect and abuse from your peers or even arrest and treatment. It is interesting to observe the way DeConnick has depicted the main protagonist to almost make her look as if she could just as easily considered as the villain as well. The way Penelope is presented to the reader is done so that she is intentionally viewed as a villain or antagonist and that is exactly how she is viewed by the “fathers.” The woman has a large build, being both quite tall and thick. The way her hair is cut is also done so to create an edgier appearance for her to once again paint her as the bad guy in this scenario. Her clothing is also used to push forth this ideal onto us as she is donning the typical orange jumpsuit that prisoners are often seen wearing when in the confines of a prison. Her sleeves also appear to be ripped off to give her a no nonsense kind of aura. The only reason that Penelope is not forseen as a main antagonist for this work is through the use of the flashbacks provided to the reader throughout the main protagonist’s interrogation session. It is also interesting to note while appearance is being discussed that all of the females in the author’s visual literature are wearing brightly colored clothing. This is done in an attempt to create a more cheerful mood and add a false sense of happiness within this society. These characters, at a glance, can be seen ashappy, sweet, and ideal, but once the story starts to focus in on them more, it becomes quite obvious that they are just as self-absorbed and shallow as it gets. The way the author presented her dystopia was done in a way to make it seem perfect when it is, in fact, anything but that. She depicts all her characters, especially the female ones, as joyous and complacent individuals despite them being controlled by some shady, overpowering government. 

Mrs. Kelly Sue DeConnick does a masterfully job when it comes to implementing subtle details into her texts to really set the stage. By using the colors she was able to deliver certain feelings and notions to the reader with them maybe not even noticing, per se. The author carefully gives her own story a protagonist that looks like trouble and someone who would be tearing people down according to her own agenda rather than being what seems to be one of the only sensible human beings left on this overruled planet. The permanent scowl on her face does not depict an evil plan, but actually is there due to years and years of being looked down upon for something that is largely out of her control. Penelope is trying to get the message across to these dull-minded “fathers” that your looks are not everything and that there is more to life than being pretty. One can find happiness without the approval of others. This is such a powerful message that can and should be looked at more from those in today’s society as well. There is an old phrase that rings true especially when in context with the main point of this comic, which states that true beauty is found in the eyes of the beholder. Look for happiness within and not through the eyes of the sheep that surround others, laying false expectations and silly standards upon us all.