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**Spoiler Warning: The following review contains minor spoilers for the 2024 DC Comics Pride Issue. If you prefer to experience these stories firsthand, consider this your heads-up.***
As a millennial gay man, the 2024 DC Comics Pride Issue feels like a heartfelt celebration of diversity and queer representation in the multiverse.
Each story within this special issue brings unique perspectives, showcasing the vast spectrum of LGBTQIA+ experiences with care, authenticity, and a touch of superhero flair.
The love represented and themes of acceptance and self-discovery round out an issue that is sure to warm even the coldest of hearts.
Story Synopsis and Reviews:
“Hello, Spaceboy” written by Al Ewing and Art by Stephen Byrne
In “Hello Spaceboy,” we follow Komak and Mikaal (Starman). They are two aliens from the same destroyed home planet, in a thrilling, chemistry-laden encounter. Komak’s unconventional courtship (foreplay?) involves releasing a major threat for them to tackle together. The epic battle leading to an inevitable and steamy union. The palpable tension between them leaps off the page, making their connection both compelling and sexy.
Art: The visuals are stunning, with expert shading and vibrant colors that enhance the chemistry and drama between the characters. The clean lines and overall visual style has a very neon futuristic vibe,. It lends itself well to a story about aliens.
“The Rivers and the Lakes That You’re Used To” story and art by Ngozi Ukazu
Ngozi Ukazu delivers a story that, while well-intentioned, feels somewhat inconsequential. It centers on Jackson Hyde’s journey towards finding belonging and questioning his place in the world. Despite its cheese factor, it effectively highlights the importance of allowing oneself to follow their heart and authenticity in relationships. As cliché as it sounds, Jackson learns that home really is where your heart is.
Art: The artwork complements the story’s themes very well. Although, it doesn’t stand out as much as other entries in the issue. The backgrounds in particular are a little vague and uninteresting.
DON’T MISS ALAN SCOTT: THE GREEN LANTERN!
“Poison Ivy and Janet from HR in Marasmius” by Gretchen Felkin Martin
Gretchen Felkin Martin presents Poison Ivy in full badass mode! Ivy effortlessly dismantling a group of human bigots from Earth on an alien planet. The narrative parallels colonization and forced religious ideologies, concluding on a highly satisfying note. Clear undertones of allowing people to live their lives peacefully, and not trying to force your ideologies onto others are clear throughout the narrative.
Art: Artistically brilliant and intriguing. There are tons of intricate details and a vintage comic vibe. This story is visually captivating, full of depth, and contains rich setting elements. The backgrounds are designed to tell a story of their own. In one particular frame, Ivy and Janet walk by a window reminiscent of a Chinese restaurant window in New York’s China Town. It is complete with hanging alien birds ready to be cooked, resembling the ducks you might see in real life. It creates a whole vibe to their surroundings.
“Steeling Time” written by Jamila Rowser art by Oneilljones
“Steeling Time” is a cute, concise story about Natasha Irons (Steel) confronting an estranged ex post-breakup. The writing emphasizing that self-worth isn’t dependent on others’ validation. The narrative stresses the importance of not allowing your own hang-ups get in the way of your happiness. Its flow is smooth and effective, yet relatable on a real-world level.
Art: The artistic style and coloring are superb, with characters’ casual “street style” looks being particularly well-executed. When Natasha shows up at The Oblivion bar, I am not sure why she is so self conscious because she looks snatched.
“Bros Down in A-Town” Written by Jarrett Williams art by DJ Kirkland
Jarrett Williams pens a heartwarming tale about the power of friendship and chosen family. The story follows Jonathan Kent’s Superman, his boyfriend Jay Nakamura, and friends Miguel (Bunker) and Ray (The Ray) on a boy’s afternoon hanging out. It discusses themes of feeling like an outsider, resonating deeply with LGBTQIA+ themes.
A great story about the power of friendship and finding those you’re comfortable to be yourself with. Sometimes, it’s more about your chosen family and being around people who accept you for you even if you can’t always relate to those with varying life experiences that differ from your own.
Art: The almost manga-style animation brightens the narrative, adding a bubbly, cheerful energy to the story. You can practically feel the sunny day the characters are enjoying through the shading and coloring choices Kirkland made.
“Lessons in Astral Projection” written by Nicole Maines art by Jordan Gibson
Nicole Maines’ story centers on Dreamer and delves into parental trauma and the journey of a transgender individual navigating family legacies. The story touches on topics like being excluded from partaking in gender related teachings from cisgendered parents while growing up and before transitioning, something that affects many transgendered adults.
An interesting topic that is not widely touched upon. It’s a poignant exploration of self-discovery and acceptance, mirroring the real-life transition process.
Art: Visually interesting with lots of dreamy coloring. While not a busy background, the shots created a vibe that you almost feel like you’ve experienced in a dream before.
“Phantom Rodeo” written by Calvin Kasulke art by Len Goguo
This story follows Jules Jourdain and Jay Garrick who team up to stop a monster seemingly hunting speedsters. I found this one to be my least favorite of the stories covered in this pride issue. I found the narrative confusing and short, so much so that I did not understand the point. A trans man’s story that feels disconnected from the broader LGBTQIA+ themes in the issue, “Phantom Rodeo” nonetheless adds to the diversity of perspectives.
Art: Well drawn and colored, but lackluster in comparison to other entries in this issue. Very obscure or boring background details which give nothing to the story.
“The Strange Case of Harleen and Harley” written by Melissa Marr art by Jenn St-Onge
This fun, spirited story showcases adorable teenage hijinks between Harleen (Harley) Quinn and (Poison) Ivy as they execute a heist to free birds from an animal testing laboratory. Quick yet impactful, it’s a delightful read with some adorable moments between the two.
Art: The style of this entry is a bit grittier and lends itself to a Gotham-esque setting. Lots of dark red shading on green backdrops showcasing the main character’s signature colors.
MORE DC COMICS!
“Spaces” written by Phil Jimenez and art by Giulio Macaione
“Spaces” by Phil Jimenez is a meta-narrative about escapism in the face of adversity. It beautifully portrays how finding solace in fantastical worlds can provide hope, safety, and a sense of belonging. The story follows the author’s younger self fantasizing about being the only boy raised amongst Wonder Woman on her island of strong fantastic woman. As a “latchkey kid”, he discusses how fantasy and imaginary places helped him escape his mundane reality.
It leads up to his adult self going on to work for DC, and how he has felt making fantastical worlds for other queer people to escape into. The story is deeply relatable and emotionally resonant. It reminds us that there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. Themes of finding purpose and loving yourself and your differences are apparent throughout.
My ABSOLUTE favorite story of the entire issue. Just when I was getting misty eyed, Jimenez throws in a joke! It’s about tortillas and reminds me that this wasn’t meant to be a sad story. The story was meant to be one of hope and possibility. It’s something to look to as inspiration. The writing reminds us that even in the darkest moments of the real world there is hope for those of us who grew up feeling different. Isn’t that what escaping into comic books has always been about anyway?
Art: The watercolor painting style evokes nostalgia, making the reader feel as if they’re peering into the artist’s personal memories, fantasies, and recollections. Truly one of the deepest entries in this issue.
Final Thoughts
The DC Comics Pride Issue 2024 is a well-rounded collection that touches on a wide range of LGBTQIA+ issues, bringing relevant representation without resorting to stereotypes or caricatures. Using their characters, DC has crafted stories that are based on a wide range of people’s experiences. It also pays tribute to their real-life based brilliance and uniqueness. It’s a testament to the importance of diverse voices in comics, offering stories that are both impactful and inspiring.
Grade: 9.6/10
Thank you DC comics for delivering such a meaningful and beautifully crafted tribute to the LGBTQIA+ community! It truly meant so much to see these characters and their stories being handled with such incredible care.
Hey hey, I’m Max Taff! If you found my insights on the 2024 DC Pride issue compelling, join me for more discussions on Twitter @VigilanteVibes. Dive deeper into the world of nerd culture with my podcast, Vigilante Vibes: A Marvel Podcast. AND if you’re looking for a welcoming community to explore all things nerdy, join my non-toxic Facebook group, MediaVerse: Comic Unwrapped, boasting over 50k members. Let’s connect and delve into our favorite fandoms together!
