REVIEW: ‘DC Pride: Tim Drake Special,’ Issue #1

With Pride Month already well on its way, it wouldn’t be right not to highlight one of DC’s well-known queer characters: Tim Drake. And that’s exactly what DC Pride: Tim Drake Special #1 does. This special collects Tim’s breakout story from Batman: Urban Legends along with a brand-new tale that has Tim teaming up with his former Young Justice teammates and sets up Tim’s future in 2022.

Being a collection, there are plenty of people who have worked hard on the stories collected in this Special. Therefore, full credits for each creative team are listed at the end of this review. There’s plenty this collection offers at 64 pages in length, but its primary focus is on Tim’s relationships with himself and others.

Probably the most moving story in this special is the “Sum of Our Parts,” which has Tim searching for a missing friend who was kidnapped by the Chaos monsters. This search not only leads Tim back to his friend but also leads Tim to realize that he’s bisexual. It’s a powerful story because of its focus on self-reflection. Tim admits that he not only needs to take time for himself, away from being a hero, but that he doesn’t have to live up to everyone’s expectations. It’s fine not to have all the answers; going with the flow and discovering yourself along the way is fine. It’s a message that anyone in the LGBTQ+ community will understand and a reminder for anyone struggling with their identity—you don’t have to label yourself until you’re ready.

The message comes through powerfully with Meghan Fitzmartin’s writing, but the impact of Tim’s realization and growth wouldn’t be as punchy without the support from the rest of the creative team. The art is wonderfully emotive, the action fluid and fun, and the colors capture the tone of each panel. And while there is a healthy heaping of fight scenes, the focus is really on the characters’ faces, emotions, and body language. Although it’s obvious when the artist and colorists change between stories, the color palette and lettering—such as Tim’s red, sharp speech bubbles—stay consistent, which really helps bond the stories together.

The other significant theme running through this special is relationships. We see Tim bonding with Batman—having a true father and son moment—and making up with his ex, whose acceptance of his new relationship is just so heartwarming. This special really has nothing life or death about it; it’s just a bit of angst thrown into a vat full of good feelings that anyone can relate to.

You’ll likely enjoy this special if you’re a Bat-Fam or Tim Drake fan. But for anyone looking to read more comics featuring LGBTQ+ characters and themes, this is the one. And while DC Pride: Tim Drake Special #1 sets the scene for Tim in 2022, it’s just an easy read for anyone looking for a feel-good, no-stakes comic.

DC Pride: Tim Drake Special #1 is available now wherever comics are sold.

“Sum of Our Parts” is written by Meghan Fitzmartin with art by Belén Ortega, colors by Alejandro Sánchez, and letters by Pat Brosseau. “Happy Holidays” is written by Meghan Fitzmartin with art by Alberto Jimenez Alburquerque, colors by Nick Filardi, and letters by Pat Brosseau. “The Elephant in the Room” is written by Meghan Fitzmartin with art by Belén Ortega, colors by Luis Guerrero, and letters by Pat Brosseau. DC Pride: Tim Drake Special #1 is published by DC Comics.