All of the elements used in this comic, 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 repressed 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. Although this comic is mostly over the top, it is still a useful resource to understanding what is wrong with us.

            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 Pg. 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 Pg. 177). The choice to make the men blue indicates that they are in a position of authority. This idea of only men being in power transfers directly to our society. Most of the CEO’s of today are men. Later when Penelope expresses violent behavior towards another student, she is reprimanded by “Mother Siebertling.” During this scene, the color pink is prevalent (DeConnick Pg. 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 (DeConnick Pg. 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 Pg. 198). When Penelope sees her “ideal self” in the mirror, the colors are bright and lively (Deconnick Pg. 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 who we want to be.

               The opening statement, “I can’t see you, but I feel you… judging me,” (DeConnick Pg. 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 (DeConnick Pg. 177-178). They appear very annoying and as if they don’t really know what they’re talking about. This sometimes happens in our society as well. 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 Pg. 180-181). At the end of the scene, when the armed officials come, the tone is back to being serious and frightening (DeConnick Pg. 182). When Penelope is fighting with the other student, the tone is authoritative. (DeConnick Pg. 185). “Mother Siebertling” reprimands Penelope in a condescending tone for her violent behavior (DeConnick Pg. 186-188). There are many instances of this happening in the school system every day, when school officials deliver a swift and often times unjust punishment without understanding the whole situation. The tone displayed in the scene of her working is slightly aggressive from the start (DeConnick Pg. 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 Pg. 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 Pg. 198-199). But, contrasting to this, Penelope’s tone is honest and sincere. Again, we need to work at being more like Penelope.

            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 Pg. 177). This symbol is used to group them in a negative way, much like how the Nazi’s used the swastika. 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 Pg. 188). In our society there are people with radical styles of hair or clothing and they 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 Pg. 193) when in fact they’re just being more secluded and brainwashed by it. Everybody witnesses this happen all the time, our society is 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 Pg. 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 who you need to be.
