Notorious kink writer TINA HORN teams up with artist MICHAEL DOWLING (Unfollow, Death Sentence) for SFSX, a social thriller about sex, love, and torture that reads like SEX CRIMINALS in Gilead crossed with Oceans 8—with a SUNSTONE twist! In a draconian America where sexuality is bureaucratized and policed, a group of queer sex workers keep the magic alive in an underground club called the Dirty Mind. Using their unique bondage skills, they resolve to infiltrate the mysterious government Pleasure Center, free their friends, and fight the power!

This comic book presents a provocative exploration of a dystopian world where personal freedoms, particularly sexual ones, are heavily policed. Despite its intriguing premise and bold themes, the comic ultimately struggles to deliver a cohesive and engaging narrative.

The story in this comic book is set in a near-future society where a regime known as the Party enforces strict control over sexual expression and identity. The protagonist, Avory, is a former member of an underground club that celebrates sexual freedom. As she navigates this repressive world, the narrative aims to tackle themes of censorship, identity, and resistance.

While the concept in this comic book is timely and relevant, the execution falls short in several areas. The plot is often overshadowed by its heavy-handed messaging, which can feel more like a lecture than a story. While the themes are important, the narrative struggles to weave them seamlessly into the plot, resulting in a disjointed reading experience.

The character development is another area where this comic book falters. Avory, despite being the central figure, lacks depth and complexity. Her motivations and internal conflicts are not fully explored, making it difficult for me personally to connect with her journey. The supporting characters, who could add richness to the story, are similarly underdeveloped, often serving as mere symbols rather than fully realized individuals.

The artwork is a bright spot in this comic book. The illustrations effectively capture the gritty, oppressive atmosphere of the dystopian setting. The art style complements the dark themes of the story, using stark contrasts and detailed line work to convey the tension and unease of the world. The artwork in this comic book has the ability to depict emotion through facial expressions and body language adds some depth to the otherwise lacking character development.

The dialogues in this comic book tends to be clunky and expository. While it attempts to convey the oppressive nature of the regime and the characters’ resistance, it often feels forced and unnatural. The dialogue could benefit from more subtlety and nuance to allow the themes to emerge organically through the characters’ interactions and experiences.

I Give This Book 2 / 5