REVIEW: ‘DC Pride 2024’ Issue #1

DC Pride 2024 #1 is an anthology published by DC Comics, featuring multiple stories from various artists. “Hello, Spaceboy,” is written by Al Ewing, art and colors by Stephen Byrne and letters by Aditya Bidikar. “The Rivers and The Lakes That You’re Use To” is written, art and colors by Ngozi Uzaki and letters by Lucas Gattoni. “Marasmius” is written by Gretchen Felker-Martin, art by Claire Roe, colors by Triona Farrell and letters by Bidikar. “Steeling Time” is written by Jamila Rowser, colors by ONeillJones and letters by Jodie Troutman.

“Bros Down in A-Town” is written by Jarrett Williams, art and colors by D.J. Kirkland and letters by Gattoni. “Lessons in Astral Projection” is written by Nicole Maines, art by Jordan Gibson and letters by Ariana Maher. “Phantom Rodeo” is written by Calvin Kasulke, art by Ken Gogou, colors by Marissa Louise and letters by Morgan Martinez and Andworld Design. “The Strange Case of Harleen and Harley” is written by Melissa Marr, art by Jenn St-Onge, colors by Jeremy Lawson and letters by Gattoni. “Spaces” is written by Phil Jimenez, art and colors by Giulio Macaione and letters by Frank Cvetkovic.

The stories have a variety of plots, genres, and tones, all celebrating LGBTQ+ creators and characters. Some stories are individual adventures, such as “Phantom Rodeo.” Jay Garrick and Circuit Breaker hunt down a creature hunting Speedsters. The story is directly connected to the current Flash book, showing how attached this anthology is to the ongoing DC Universe. Other tales are gatherings between heroes in famous DC locations, such as A-Town or the Oblivion Bar.

Many of these, especially “Steeling Time” and “Bros Down in A-Town,” result in frank, open discussions about sexuality and finding a place within society. Throughout the comic is a tone of acceptance, celebration, exploration, and concern. “The Strange Case of Harleen and Harley” is a prologue for an upcoming graphic novel, opening the door for further stories. The comic is enormous, allowing each story to be told at the pace the writers desire it. There is something for every reader inside the issue.

It should be noted that whilst the tone is generally positive and cheerful, the anthology can also take a step in a darker direction. For most of “Bros Down in A-Town,” the century is lively and loud. It’s got a larger cast than the rest. But towards the end, it gets more sombre and thoughtful, with a slower pace and an essential message to finish.

Elsewhere, “Lessons in Astral Projection” is notable isolation for Dreamer, the main character. Her storyline is one of trauma and dismissal. But perhaps the darkest is “Marasmius,” featuring Poison Ivy. It’s a sci-fi story featuring alien lifeforms and fancical fungi, but she soon faces bigotry and horror. The response is angry, and the ending is surprisingly violent.

Included in DC Pride 2024 #1 is a host of characters among the LGBTQ+ community. The amount of characters that can feature within this yearly anthology is growing in every addition, demonstrating an editorial commitment to maintaining a presence within the comics. Many corners of the DC Universe are represented, from Aqualad and Superman to Wonder Woman. Physical actions are few and far between, focusing more on the characters and their conversations. The conflict stems from that, although much is based on romance or sexuality.

One of the most fascinating inclusions is that of Dreamer. A trans character that started in the Supergirl show, Dreamer was migrated into the comics by Maines, who portrayed her on screen. Maines has written every miniseries, one-shot and appearance. It shows that the writer is championing the character, determined to keep her relevant, even if she must do it alone. There has been a progression and evolution in the character, gaming powers and experience whenever she appears.

The art is a collection of greatness. The artists differ throughout the anthology, but many themes remain consistent. Magical worlds and domestic scenarios are all brought to life with the same attention to detail and passion. Aqualad visits New Genesis in “The Rivers and The Lakes That You’re Used To,” and the landscape looks like Heaven. It’s an idyllic area created with love in mind.

Meanwhile, “Lessons in Astral Projection” is intended to isolate. Haunting, open rooms highlight how alone Dreamer is. There is a cartoonish consistency across many stories, with only a few existing to buck the trend. That art style creates a vibrant energy, with large eyes to help the characters be expressive and youthful.

The colors are fantastic across the board. Some styles and techniques keep DC Pride 2024 #1 visually attractive. Some stories have a variety of colors included, notably “Marasmius” and “Steeling Time.” Others, like “Lessons in Astral Projection,” prefer to utilise singular shades. Each idea generates their own emotions and intentions, toying with tones. The lettering is always easy to read, ensuring that a comic that relies heavily on its dialogue can be read without issue.

A particular favourite story was “Spaces, the final entry in the book. It’s an autobiographical narration by writer Jimenez. He talks about utopias, detailing his love for Wonder Woman and Themyscira. What sets it aside is the personal touch, with an in-depth view of comics creation. There’s a serene quality within the realism. Both a young and current version of Jimenez appear, showing idyllic locations with the same reverence that he has for the Amazons. Those images have a gold and red color, whilst Jimenez and other places have a blue one. This separates what is imagination and what is supposed to be real.

DC Pride 2024 #1 is a huge celebration. The fact that some characters weren’t included demonstrates how many choices there are now, a distinct difference from just a few years ago. There is a superb mixture of stories. Some are rebellious, others victorious. The anthology seeks to escalate and heighten attention, boosting eyes to ongoing series that feature LGBTQ+ characters. All the stories seem heartfelt and authentic, as the comic desires to be open and honest with emotions.

DC Pride 2024 #1 is available where comics are sold.