REVIEW: ‘Justice League: Dream Girls – A DC Pride Event’ Issue 1

Justice League: Dream Girls – A DC Pride Event Issue 1 is published by DC Comics. Written by Jadzia Axelrod and Nicole Maines, with art by Nicola Scott, J. Bone and Brandt&Stein, colors by Annette Kwok, Marissa Louise and Dearbhla Kelly and letters by Jodie Troutman and Frank Cvetkovic.

This is a sequel to the Justice League Intergalactic Special. In this issue, Dreamer and Galaxy are trapped in dreams beyond their control.

Taking place immediately after the special, the opening of Justice League: Dream Girls – A DC Pride Event Issue 1 is a surprise. The origin story of Wonder Woman is revisited in exquisite detail, featuring Steve Trevor washing up on the beach of Themiscyra. The difference? The women he finds are Dreamer and Galaxy, not Diana. They are trapped in a dream, controlled by a mysterious figure who seems determined to gain the affection and heart of Dreamer.

The opening is therefore exciting and engrossing, with such an unexpected beginning. And that’s not all, because just as Dreamer and Glaxy start to come to their senses, the mood shifts and the entire series alters entirely. Another pastiche of a superhero, this time in one of DC’s most famous cities. The story within alters, but not entirely. The same villain is just reshuffling the world, but the writers come up with a whole new backstory. Each of these instances feels fleshed out and full, not just surface-level parodies.

And outside of this controlled reality is Star Sapphire, Green Arrow and the rest of the Justice League. The layers within the plot make the comic exhilarating and unpredictable, with so much mystery hidden within the dreams and disguises. You may be lost without reading the Intergalactic Special first, but Axelrod and Maines try their hardest to make the comic as accessible as possible.

Maines and Axelrod continue to excel at writing their signature characters, especially when being so playful with them. They are placed in new worlds every time, with a new backstory every time. In the first segment. Galaxy is in love with an Amazon woman, whilst Dreamer is being lured to sea by the mysterious man. The recreation of Wonder Woman’s origin is beautifully faithful whilst also showing two different character arcs. The dialogue in each shows the characters being corrupted, then coming to their senses, with the two worlds fighting within their brains.

When Justice League: Dream Girls – A DC Pride Event Issue 1 changes entirely, these stories alter again. The villain is still trying to seduce Dreamer, flirting and being dangerously insistent. She and Galaxy appear in very different guises, and their relationship has been upended. There is also a selection of other villains that make cameos, each with their own flavour of change.

The art is another example of the playfulness within this event. Each segment has its own artist, which helps make each world look so unique. Scott works on the Themyscira section, and the island she creates is stunning. Dreamer and Galaxy are transformed into incredibly muscular warrior women, with the armor and skills to match. Dreamer gets her own particular combination of Amazon armor and her costume, which looks amazing. Having both of these figures on an island known for its powerful women is a terrific statement.

Then, in the next segment comes J. Bone, in a style that is the complete opposite of Scott’s. It’s stylized and cartoony, with each character having a distinct outline and shape. The costumes are again playfully recreated, matching the personalities of the heroes whilst honoring the concept they are parodying. The world around them is gothic and ominous, fitting the world that Dreamer inhabits.

It’s important to stress that Galaxy stands out wherever she appears. Her alien design means that she will never fully fit within any of these worlds, and that’s crucial to the comic. Her costume in the second segment is possibly her best, as it also suits her alien origin.

The final part of Justice League: Dream Girls – A DC Pride Event Issue 1 doesn’t feature the two figureheads of the comic, instead taking place on the Justice League Watchtower. This gives Brandt&Stein the opportunity to illustrate many Justice League characters. This includes those who were part of the previous special, as well as a selection of others who will have an impact on this series.

The colors are sensational, changing with the art style in each segment of the comic. Both the first and second segments use shades that fit within the settings. The setting sun on Themyscira is gorgeous, with frequent use of bronze on the armor across multiple characters. The second story uses thick shadows and darker colors.

And then comes Galaxy in both stories, with the instantly eye-catching purple skin and blue hair. It immediately draws all attention to her. The villain is redesigned in both stories, transformed by changes in art style. But what makes him recognizable is the white hair. The lettering is very clear and easy to follow throughout the issue.

Justice League: Dream Girls – A DC Pride Event Issue 1 is a wonderful collaborative effort. It’s a Pride comic with an incredible amount of substance, depth, and detail at every level of its creation. From the intricacies of the story, the layers of the characters’ relationships, and the glorious art, the whole book is wonderfully fun. Every word uttered by either of these characters carries a history and personality that only these creators truly know and understand. Their lived experiences bleed into a comic that is also a fantastic fantasy.

Justice League: Dream Girls – A DC Pride Event Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.