Graphic Novel Review: SFSX (Safe Sex) Volume 1: Protection

Before we continue any further with this review, please know, if you hadn’t picked it up from the title, this title is for mature audiences only. 

SFSX, or SaFe SeX, is anything but “safe” and so much better for it. Establishing itself in a version of San Francisco where all forms of “perversion” are considered illegal due to a takeover of everything by “The Party”, we meet a young couple, Avory and George. They met when Avory, a former porn star and sex worker, was working at “The Dirty Mind” (one part brothel, one part adult playground, one part BDSM club). The Party sends a task force to shut down the club, and they run away.

Years later, when the world is so locked down that you have to file paperwork to have sex with your spouse, Avory is driven back to her friends and coworkers when her husband is arrested. Seems she must join the rebellion against purity after all…

This book is extremely sex and kink-positive. Being an open-minded person, the level of blatant sexuality in this title didn’t shock me at all, but I feel it is necessary as a reviewer to keep you informed when content could shock you. Other than the sexual content, this title is an action-packed story, with a great amount of psychological depth, specifically towards its very well written characters. Author Tina Horn (LOVE NOT GIVEN LIGHTLY) takes her first foray into the world of comics with a genre that she knows very well. Her award-winning essays, workshops, and podcast have helped establish her as a known entity in the fields of feminism and sex-positivity.

I believe it is important to have comics like this. Having previously read SEX CRIMINALS, which is a similar book yet focused more on humor, SFSX VOL 1: PROTECTION is a necessary title in today’s world. Supporting a cast of characters of all races, genders, and orientations, SFSX gives a much needed boost to the comic book scene. High recommend… and looking forward to the next Volume.