As capitalism ever further expands its boundaries, manifesting itself in ever more humanoid forms – AI / robots, et al – which are assuming ever more the roles, power and significance of human (re)production, our species' animal function feels ever more diminished and the physical energies of humanity ever more displaced.  As these energies have to go somewhere, they are being transferred elsewhere, with one clearly evident destination that of being translated into the symbolic realm.  

 

  Here, in the pages of Ms. Understood, Juliette Collet has chosen the particular corner of the symbolic realm occupied by the pornographic film industry, where it can be seen as a synecdoche for contemporary America. This aspect also serves to highlight and forefront the impact of the inscription of gender roles on the young women – and, in particular, on their bodies and body images – that predominate in its pages.  

 

  Ms. Understood and her high spirited supporting cast of characters demonstrate great resilience as they gamely try to make the most of it – although not without sadness – here in these playful, colorful comics that portray a dual displacement of sex and work, with each becoming the other and neither existing independently, in a manner that is hinted at through its cleverly indeterminate, quantum-state title, where what is being shown both is and isn’t what is being said – and vice versa – until the arrival of a decisive moment… which need not necessarily ever arrive.

 

  Ms. Collet can be counted among the most productive young, independent comics makers in America, and this 96 page full color work amply demonstrates both her drive and abilities.