All of the elements used in the comic, “Bitch Planet”, such as color, tone, and symbolism, help to show a number of major problems with today’s society. The idea that women are systematically being oppressed is the biggest issue displayed, but it also tackles issues of too much power, negative stigmas of social groups, and the destructive influences of technology. This misogynistic society tries its best to tear down Penelope and make her conform to their mold but Penelope is rock-solid in her beliefs and ends up becoming the person she needed to be all along.  Although this comic is slightly over exaggerated, it is still a useful resource in understanding what is wrong with society in today’s world. 

            The choice of colors used in the comic helps to distinguish between negative and positive scenes. When Penelope is with her grandma, the colors are lively and jubilant (DeConnick 179). In contrast, when Penelope is in the presence of “The Fathers,” the colors appear washed out and the men all have bluish tint to them (DeConnick 177). The choice to make the men blue indicates that they are in a position of authority. For example, police officers wear blue. This idea of only men being in power transfers directly to today’s society in America. When Penelope expresses violent behavior towards another student, she is reprimanded by “Mother Siebertling.” During this scene, the color pink is prevalent (DeConnick 186). The color pink is used to express Mother Siebertling’s femininity. The color pink is often used in our society as a standard for women, there’s even a whole line of clothes labeled “Pink” that women seem to have a fascination for. In the scene where Penelope is working, the colors are bleak and drab. Overall, it appears more washed out than other scenes in the comic, and upon glancing at other scenes it is apparent. (DeConnick 191). The colors are used to illustrate Penelope’s mental state at this point in her life. She has been pushed to the limit and is at her lowest point, which forces her to break. In the last scene, the colors are back to being authoritative, but there is one slight difference (DeConnick 198). When Penelope sees her “ideal self” in the mirror, the colors are bright and lively (Deconnick 199). This indicates that she still views herself in a positive way even after society has tried to conform her. The message is clear that we, as a whole, shouldn’t let society bring us down, we all need to be confident in who we are. 

               The opening statement, “I can’t see you, but I feel you… judging me,” (DeConnick 176) is very powerful and works to set the whole tone of the comic. Penelope is obviously angry and is not going to be swayed by anything they say. When “The Fathers” talk to Penelope, their statements are dull and droning, which is elaborated by the use of washed out colors. (DeConnick 177-178). The Fathers attempt to tell Penelope what they believe is best for her in a way that seems condescending, and as if they don’t actually care about who she is, just their idea of who they think she should be, and what they want her to do. Many times I’ve experienced people in a position of power trying to tell me how or why to do something but it seems to make absolutely no sense.  When Penelope is conversing with her grandma, there is a more upbeat tone, she even laughs (DeConnick 180-181). At the end of the scene, when the armed officials come, the tone is back to being serious and frightening (DeConnick 182). When Penelope is fighting with the other student, the tone is authoritative. (DeConnick 185). “Mother Siebertling” reprimands Penelope in a condescending tone for her violent behavior (DeConnick 186-188). There are many instances of this happening in the school system every day, when school officials deliver a swift and often unjust punishment without understanding the whole situation. The tone displayed in the scene of her working is slightly aggressive from the start (DeConnick 191). The customers speak to her in an arrogant manner, even going so far as to talk about her behind her back as if she’s below them. Later, when a customer attempts to order a “sugar free, salt free, gluten-free muffin”, Penelope’s facial expressions reinforce the idea of an irritated, annoyed tone (DeConnick 194). The tv program droning in the background gives the idea of a superior, conceited tone, along with the color choice of pink. When Penelope finally snaps and attacks these people, the tone is aggressive and violent. The tone expressed in the next section of the comic is authoritative and assertive (DeConnick 198-199). But, contrasting to this, Penelope’s tone is honest and sincere. 

            There are subliminal symbols used in the comic that work to explain what is really going on. In the first scene, “The Fathers” all have a red and yellow symbol behind them (DeConnick 177). This symbol is used to group them in a certain way, much like how the Nazi’s used the swastika. Similar to the Nazi’s, the people in the Fathers’ society don’t see their symbol as being something negative, and many of them might not understand what’s actually going on in their society. I would also argue that Penelope’s natural hair is used as a symbol of her free-will. This is the reason why Mother Siebertling wants her to change it, she wants Penelope to fit into “The Father’s” mold (DeConnick 188). In today’s society people with radical styles of hair or clothing are usually left out and persuaded to change the way they look. In the scene where Penelope is working there are actually two symbols on display. The first is the technology, including the headgear and television screen. It seems like everyone in there is addicted to some form of entertainment or media. They think that it “builds community,” (DeConnick 193) when in fact they’re just being more secluded and brainwashed by it. This is similar to real life, and many of us witness this happen all the time, because our society is also very addicted to technology. The other symbol being used is the woman on the television. She is dressed in all pink and even has pink hair (DeConnick 192). The color pink has been used a lot in this comic to express femininity and the standard for women. So, with this woman being all pink and having the attention of many women, the media is using her to try and brainwash women into being more like her. With this symbol being added to the work, it brings up an idea that women in today’s society have unattainable standards set for them.

            This comic is filled to the brim with many devices to help illustrate the short comings of humans. We all spend too much time trying to conform to society instead of trying to be who we’re destined to be. A quote from the legendary Eminem really sums this piece up quite well. I believe, it goes, “I'ma be what I set out to be, without a doubt undoubtedlyAnd all those who look down on me I'm tearing down your balcony.” So even if you are a female, or just someone who doesn’t seem to fit in, rise up past the constraints of society, and just be yourself. 
