Lee’s characters Rande Yong and Grae also defy gender classification when they are introduced, but the confusion is cleared up when they become central to the plot, thus allowing the audience to focus on the story. The ambiguity of Griffen’s gender provides an interesting riddle to readers who don’t check Lee’s F.A.Q., but also can distract from the story. Rather, it’s a quality of the Dicebox universe that Griffen neither conforms to the standard “tough chick” stereotype of Hollywood sci-fi or the “butch lesbian” of US culture. Lee is more than capable of drawing feminine females, and Griffen’s looks aren’t confusing to other characters. With her angular body and strong facial features, not to mention her abrasive personality, more than one reader – myself included – has mistaken her for a male. In Dicebox, the most obvious example of this is Griffen.
#In the dicebox update#
With 36 planned chapters, it’s years from even being at the halfway point, but Lee has already moved the story beyond initial setup and it seems appropriate for an update review.Ī true definition of feminist science fiction is probably beyond the scope of this review, but it’s sufficient to observe that science fiction can allow the exploration of gender and gender roles by creating worlds where traditional conceptions and expectations don’t apply. In the time since the review, Dicebox has moved to, and more than doubled in length with extra chapters contributed by guest comickers. With mostly just introduction and bits of foreshadowing, the reviewer concluded that it was a beautifully illustrated story with enough potential to make it a worthwhile read.
#In the dicebox full#
With an internet full of science fiction webcomics inspired by anime or 1950s pulp, Dicebox promises an interesting change of pace.ĭicebox was reviewed by Comixpedia 18 months ago, back when Lee was just completing the second chapter. According to the author’s notes, Dicebox is the story of an eventful year in the lives of two middle age women, itinerant workers who are traveling across the galaxy. The science fiction of Jenn Manley Lee’s Dicebox is more akin to the soft/feminist science fiction of Ursula K.
No muscular heroes toting huge laser cannons, piloting light-speed-capable spaceships, rescuing buxom and scantily clad females, thwarting evil empires, and, in general, saving the universe. Dicebox isn’t your older brother’s science fiction comic.
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