Meaning: Chester Brown, a prominent Canadian cartoonist and author, made this statement in reference to his experience with PENTHOUSE magazine and his interest in seeing the faces of the women featured in the publication. The quote reflects Brown's dissatisfaction with how the magazine portrayed its female subjects and his desire to see more focus on their faces.

In the context of the quote, it is important to understand the historical and cultural significance of PENTHOUSE magazine. PENTHOUSE, founded by Bob Guccione in the 1960s, was known for its explicit content, particularly its depictions of nudity and sexual content. The magazine gained notoriety for its provocative photography and was considered a competitor to Playboy in the adult entertainment industry.

Brown's observation about the lack of emphasis on the girls' faces in PENTHOUSE reflects a broader critique of the objectification of women in media and popular culture. Throughout the 1980s, there was a growing awareness and criticism of the way women were portrayed in media, often as objects of male desire with little consideration for their individuality or agency. Brown's comment suggests that he found the magazine's approach to be dehumanizing and focused solely on the physical attributes of the women, rather than representing them as whole individuals.

As a cartoonist and artist, Brown's interest in the portrayal of women in media is particularly relevant. His work often delves into themes of sexuality, identity, and social norms, and he has been known for challenging traditional narratives and stereotypes in his art. Therefore, his observation about the portrayal of women in PENTHOUSE can be seen as an extension of his broader artistic and social concerns.

It is worth noting that Brown's comment also raises questions about the ethics of representation in media and the responsibility of publishers and creators to consider the impact of their content on the audience. By expressing his desire to see the girls' faces in PENTHOUSE, Brown is advocating for a more humanizing and respectful approach to depicting women, one that acknowledges their individuality and personhood beyond their physical appearance.

In conclusion, Chester Brown's quote about PENTHOUSE magazine reflects his critical perspective on the portrayal of women in media and his desire to see a more respectful and humanizing approach to representing female subjects. His comment sheds light on the broader cultural and social conversations about the objectification of women and the ethical considerations in media representation. As an artist and commentator, Brown's perspective adds depth to these important discussions and encourages a reevaluation of how women are depicted in popular culture.