“Justice League Dream Girls – A DC Pride Event #2” Review – Full Of Pride Indeed

When we last saw Dreamer and Galaxy, they were onboard the Justice League’s space station, in bed while members of the team debate their eligibility to join the ranks. Picking up this issue, it’s a seamless transition, so if you read the previous issue, you won’t be lost at all. Also like the previous issue, this one is an absolute blast and emotional rollercoaster, so have the tissues ready! With that said, let’s get this review started!

Writers: Jadzia Axelrod, Nicole Maines
Artists: Ro Stein, Ted Brandt, Stephen Sadowski, Norm Rapmund, Dan Jurgens, Vincent Cecil, Joe Quinones
Colorists: Vincent Cecil, Joe Quinones, Trish Mulvihill, Dearbhla Kelly, Hi-Fi

“Green Lantern Corps” Writers: Steven Underwood, Morgan Hampton
“Green Lanterns Corps” Artist: Alitha Martinez
“Green Lantern Corps” Colorist: Matt Herms

The Writing

I have to say, I really have no idea where to begin here. I absolutely loved everything about this issue, from Green Arrow’s usage to how hard I was able to connect to Dreamer and her struggle. In regard to Green Arrow, Axelrod and Maines handled him beautifully! In my opinion, the best way to use him is as the moral compass in issues of equality. We see as he actively sticks up for Galaxy and Dreamer and just seeing that brought the biggest smile to my face.

Speaking of having a smile on my face, I was absolutely in love with how our history was represented. Just like in the previous issue, we see as Galaxy and Dreamer enter different realities. The first one we see them in here is set in the 1960’s, which is when the Stonewall Riots happened. For those who don’t know, the Stonewall Riots were a series of protests that started on June 28th, 1969 at the Stonewall Inn in response to secret police raids. During that time, being queer was mostly criminalized and police would raid gay bars and clubs, looking for same sex couples and people they deemed were cross-dressing or transgender.

During the raid of the Stonewall Inn, the people decided they had finally had enough, starting the six-day series of riots, fighting the police and sacrificing themselves. It’s thanks to those brave souls that we have, not just Pride Month, but the rights we have today. Axelrod and Maines worked this in expertly, teaching the history in such an empowering way that I don’t want to entirely spoil here.

One thing that made me feel empowered and seen on a personal level however was finding out about Dreamer’s internal struggle. Without going into too much detail, her moment in this book made me cry harder than Galaxy’s moment in the previous book. If you know the character, you know she has a tendency to be seen as a screw-up and having a hard time trusting others, something I can relate to all too well. Following this is a message I think perfectly sums everything up, one we all need to hear; it’s okay not to be okay and that in times of need, its best to lean on each other and our communities.

As for the Green Lantern side of things, I loved learning about the existence of Jo Mullein and as a pansexual girly, I’d love to see so much more of her. Underwood and Hampton did such a good job at getting readers interested in the character based solely on her personality and struggle. Within just a few pages, the made the character feel relatable.

The Art

When it came to the art, every few pages felt like a breath of fresh air, having their own distinct styles. Just like with the previous issue, everyone brought their own voices and shined through. The different facial expressions were perfect and they completely captured the intricate emotions and changes of emotion.

As for the colors, they were used amazingly well here. Each blend of colors perfectly set the mood and tone for each reality they were in. For example, in the aforementioned ’60s setting, everything looked like the panels were lifted directly from a comic from that era.

When it comes to the art and colors for “Green Lantern Corps”, I absolutely love Jo’s design. She looks so insanely unique with her stylish glasses and cool looking hair. The two also worked together to create this amazing flow that’s absolutely gorgeous to look at.

Final Thoughts

I can’t even begin to describe how much I’m loving this run. It teaches our history while simultaneously adding so much more depth to these characters. The more I read, the more I’m anxious to see where this all leads. I’m consistently left on the edge of my seat, crying as it’s so easily to relate to what these characters are experiencing and going through. If you aren’t picking this up or adding it to your pull-list, I promise you won’t regret it if you do.

Read more from here and check out my socials!

Overall Grade: 10/10

Comments

Are you reading “Justice League Dream Girls”? If so, what do you think so far? Let’s discuss in the comments below!