Author: Bobika
Genre: Nonfiction - Health - Comic
Publisher: Europe Comics - Copyright 2022
Publication Date: December 21, 2022
ISBN: 9791032813737
Read: March 20, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a digital advance reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
Trigger Warnings: This is a "graphic novel"-style nonfiction tale of one man's journey into the world of male contraceptives. As such, it contains both textual and artistic representations of male genitalia, contraceptives, intercourse, and cis heterosexual men. Therefore, the subject matter may be disturbing or offensive to some readers and is not suitable for very young audiences.
Synopsis from Publisher: Bobika is a man who has been practicing birth control since 2016. This is the sometimes moving, and often enlightening, story of his journey as he explores the methods of contraception available to him. Full of nutty anecdotes and accounts of his meetings and discussions with sociologists, doctors, and feminists, Balls Up is a reminder that, in addition to a personal choice, (male) contraception is above all a social issue.
Review: I am by no means an expert on contraceptives, especially male contraceptive techniques. (After all, I am female.) However, I do know that for the majority of time it has fallen to women (yes, I'm aware this is a cis-heterosexual-centric view point but I can only speak from my personal experience) to bear the brunt of contraceptive responsibility. It's unfair, really, since human reproduction does take two participants. Bobika, the author of Balls Up, agrees with the unfairness. Hence...this book.
Now, unless you've been living under a rock here in the United States, you are surely aware that women's reproductive rights are very much in the news. With the reversal of Roe v. Wade, options for women--regardless of personal beliefs/views on the subject--to take control of their own bodies are dwindling. Rather than being a personal choice, reproduction has become a political and social matter, which is one reason I find Balls Up and the idea of male contraceptive practices to be timely.
Bobika addresses the issue from historical, medical, social, and personal views. The book is informative, but also shouldn't replace sound medical advice from a licensed physician. (Men, if you're interested in the topic, do your research and have a frank discussion with your doctor before trying any of the techniques mentioned in this book.) At times humorous, Balls Up is candid look at the subject, and as the author writes, "...We [cis-heterosexual men] have a debt to pay, and it would be super dope of use to move our lazy butts and take the initiative, without waiting for women to rouse us out of our dormancy (p. 101)."
So, how about it, guys? Are you ready to go Balls Up?
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