It’s international Pride Month in June, and DC Comics pays tribute to LGBTQIA+ characters!
DC Pride #1 features nine stories plus pinups and profiles of the LGBTQIA+ actors and characters of DC Television!
As always, reviewing an 80-page comic is challenging. I’ll list the characters and the creators and then talk briefly about two of my favourite stories.
Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, Midnighter, Extraño, Batwoman, Aqualad, Alan Scott, Obsidian, Future State Flash, Renee Montoya, Pied Piper, plus new hero Dreamer all appear.
Story writers include James Tynion IV, Vita Ayala, Steve Orlando, Mariko Tamaki, Danny Lore, and Sina Grace.
Art is by Trung Le Nguyen, Stephen Byrne, Amy Reeder, Klaus Janson, Lisa Sterle, Travis Moore, and more.
To me, the most interesting stories in the issue are those who delve further into the LGBTQIA+ world than simply discussing ‘date night’, or show the quickest of hugs or pecks on the lips. Beyond ‘lip service’ then, and presumably ‘riskier’ (gasp) or more adventurous then, are:
The Wrong Side of the Looking Glass, written by James Tynion IV, and illustrated by Trung Le Nguyen (letters Aditya Bidikar). Batwoman ‘reflects’ on her childhood, seeing Beth/Alice in the looking glass. She’s the girly girl to Batwoman’s less frilly persona. This elliptical, poetic, and poignant story is worth purchasing this book for. Le Nguyen’s storybook illustration style is amazingly rendered, so perfect for telling this story.
Also, I thought “Be Gay, Do Crime” written by Sina Grace had the right moxie, the fighting spirit, sass, attitude. Pied Piper in Central City, doing some dirty deeds at a fundraiser. Until Pied Piper shows up and spoils the milking! The sarcastic dialogue, the balls-to-the-wall bluntness, and Ro Stein and Ted Brandt’s artwork (letters by Aditya Bidikar) are marvellously well choreographed. A fantastic four page tale, so good!
Be sure to check out this issue, it’s innovative, shares unique stories, and is well-curated!
DC Comics, DC Pride #1 $9.99 for 80 pages of content.
Newsdesk