If you somehow missed the phenomenal previous issue of “Justice League Dream Girls: A DC Pride Event,” let me give you the low-down! We find out that Dreamer may or may not be in full control of the different realities they’re entering. In a moment of vulnerability, she gives a heartfelt monologue to Galaxy about how she feels, believing herself to be a bad person and someone not worth saving. Someone that’s untrustworthy. As someone that can relate, I know exactly how she feels, but also how untrue that is.
Upon waking up, Galaxy finds out that the futures of her and Nia on the League are in limbo. Where will all of this lead? Well, pick up your copy and find out with me!
Writers: Nicole Maines, Jadzia Axelrod
Artists: Jan Bazaldua, Ted Brandt, Ro Stein, Rosi Kämpe
Colorists: Adriano Lucas, Tríona Farrell, Dearbhla Kelly
“Poison Ivy” Writer: G. Willow Wilson
“Poison Ivy” Artist: Maria Llovet
The Writing
Having just finished reading right before writing, this book has me riding a high like you wouldn’t believe! I know I’ve said it before, but this entire series is making me feel every range of emotion. However, this particular issue tackles something that I haven’t come by in a comic in a minute; the need to be perfect.
As trans people, we’re often expected to be perfect or to not stand out. Every day that we walk out the door, we feel this need to not only represent the community, but to not out ourselves. Basically, we feel like we have to blend in, being proper in society instead of being our authentic selves. This is to both protect us from a society that oppresses us while also representing the community.
However, that isn’t how people are. Every person is imperfect and no one does the right thing one hundred percent of the time. The best thing we can do for ourselves is to live authentically and be like “this is me”. Seeing that whole message be beautifully represented here was seriously amazing and I love that it was positioned to both us and Galaxy by an absolute icon. Maines and Axelrod are absolutely killing it on every single issue and have yet to let up on the gas!
The Art
The team-up of Bazaldua, Brandt, Stein and Kämpe is an absolutely magical one in some unexpected ways! With there being two major settings this time around, they both felt very diversified from one another. Not only that, but all of the character designs (outside of maybe Guy with his onesie) look absolutely great here! My personal favorites are the designs of Galaxy and Wonder Woman. I also love just how Galaxy’s powers are represented in various ways. From making all of the monitors in the main hall fritz to seeing one character’s heartbeat through x-ray vision, Galaxy’s powers have this stunning visual style that truly stands out.
As for the colors from Lucas, Farrell and Kelly, what is there to say that I haven’t said before? Their work here continues to be stunning to look at. Especially when we’re in Dreamer’s realm. The colors seriously make every page pop and suck you into the world. They truly add an amazing amount of depth and character while remaining heavily varied with the artwork being done.
The Magic of “Poison Ivy”
Written by the wonderful G. Willow Wilson herself, this mini story for Harlivy was as sweet as a strawberry-filled pastry. I absolutely loved the comparison being made, about how creating a healthy relationship is like baking. It feels very from the heart, perfectly matching the vibe set by Maines and Axelrod in the previous pages. It also felt very refreshing seeing this down to Earth, slice of life moment between the two that we rarely get to see.
What truly made this story feel unique however was the art and colors from Maria Llovet. I can’t even find the words to describe it other than “pure beauty.” It almost has this Warhol vibe, but not exact. I also love how here, Harley and Ivy just look like normal people you see on the street every day. Not a single costume in sight, just dresses, sun hats and booty shorts. While a simple change, it really does a lot to make these characters feel more relatable.
Final Thoughts
From the deep messages and fantastic storytelling to the excellent and varied art & colors, “Justice League Dream Girls” continues to astound! Maines and Axelrod continue to prove they put their souls into their writing while Wilson more than delivers on a fantastic Harlivy side story. This is a fantastic series that you won’t want to miss!
Overall Grade: 10/10
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Comments
Have you been reading “Justice League Dream Girls?” What’re your thoughts so far? Let me know in the comments below!
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