Connect with us
'DC Pride 2023' shows queer joy in a multiplicity of forms
DC

Comic Books

‘DC Pride 2023’ shows queer joy in a multiplicity of forms

‘Transcending the ordinary – that’s what being queer is all about.’ – Phil Jimenez

DC Pride 2023 is a triumph of queer storytelling and a touch queer in form itself. Cramming as much as it can into its 100 pages, you get comics, essays, and full-page interstitial ‘pinups.’ The anthology opens with a foreword by comics legend Phil Jimenez. He expertly articulates the difficulties and conflicting motivations that are involved in making something for a community as diverse and culturally divisive as the queer community.

From here, each story will be given a mini-review and awarded a superlative title, because while every story can’t be the best in the collection, we’re still here to celebrate the community.

Listen to the latest episode of our weekly comics podcast!

Love’s Lightening Heart: A Multiversity Story

DC Comics Preview: DC Pride 2023
DC Comics

A story about the heroes of Earth-36 by Grant Morrison, another comics legend. Your mileage may vary with the lore of this universe but the beauty of this piece is undeniable. The color work, the scenery, and even the layouts are inspired work. The story itself follows Hank Hallmark the green flashlight as he journeys to reunite with his speedster lover. His journey leads him across his universe. Overall, a delight and a strong opener to a jam-packed anthology full of queer joy by queer creators.

Superlative: Most Comics

And Baby Makes Three

DC Comics Preview: DC Pride 2023
DC Comics

Harley and Ivy are enjoying a getaway on Dinosaur Island when Crush of Crush and Lobo crash-lands her ship into the water. The ensuing misadventures are a delight with the jokes in high supply. A unique spin on the practice of spelling out SOS in rocks on a beach is a particularly sidesplitting bit. Paulina Ganucheau’s art and colors are bright, playful, and a perfect fit for the chaos of spending time with Harley and Ivy. 

Superlative: The Most

Hey, Stranger

DC Comics Preview: DC Pride 2023
DC Comics

Connor Hawke meets up with Tim Drake to help with Scarecrow’s goons. Tim has already kicked everyone’s ass so all that’s left is to clean up the mess and talk about feelings. The relatable push and pull of wanting to be there for your friends while dealing with your own stuff is expertly navigated here. The art goes above and beyond for this otherwise very conversational piece. Each panel is full of expression and shifts in perspective that make an otherwise lengthy, static back-and-forth feel dynamic and fluid. 

Superlative: Most Polyptych

Subspace Transmission

DC Comics Preview: DC Pride 2023
DC Comics

Jules Jourdain is minding his own business when Jess Jordain sprints into his life. The near miss still causes a mess and they work through it together using their powers connected to the still force and the speed force. These seemingly opposite forces cooperate, comingle, and even flirt a little. Jules struggles with his powers and has notes of Elsa from Frozen which is a fitting tribute. It’s a very queer sensibility, constantly having to restrain feelings or in this case powers, within oneself. 

Superlative: Least Binary (I know “least” isn’t a superlative; I’m queering the use of superlatives, leave me alone.)

Anniversary

DC Comics Preview: DC Pride 2023
DC Comics

This piece tries to address the present moment while acknowledging the struggles and victories of the past. It involves Midnighter and Apollo confronting some very loud bigots and discussing queer history with the original Green Lantern.

While the historical context is important and the inclusion of some truly brilliant drag names is appreciated, the piece is muddled overall. The story ends with Midnighter and Apollo getting married again to show the bigots that their love endures, but the way Mignishter’s righteous anger is quelled by Green Lantern comes across as an enforcement of the status quo. Like obviously Midnighter should brutalize a bunch of regular people but then using marriage, having one’s union recognized as legitimate by an oppressive state, doesn’t come across as transgressive as it may have been intended. Being able to jointly file your taxes with a same-sex partner is a good thing, but it may also be an antiquated way of measuring progress.

Those drag queens though? Iconic. I won’t spoil them all, but “Crime Allie” is just *chef’s kiss*. Don Aguillo’s art and colors are absolutely stunning, deftly pivoting between violent action and lovingly rendered portraits presented in dynamic layouts.

Superlative: Most Informative

Lost and Found: A Spirit World Story

DC Comics Preview: DC Pride 2023
DC Comics

Xanthe is new to the DC universe, but they endear themself to the reader in short measure. Getting to know what they’re all about while they kick some butt with Batwoman is a great introduction to a character people will want to see more of. Being nonbinary in both identity and… corporeally(? They, apparently, are somehow both living and dead) is an interesting conceit! Getting Xanthe more page space is a win and hopefully, this story will drive interest to their solo title. 

Superlative: Most Goth

Teamwork Makes The Dreamwork

DC Comics Preview: DC Pride 2023
DC Comics

Natasha of the Teen Titans has been tinkering with a device similar to, yet legally distinct from, the DANGER room when Queen Nubia of the Amazons comes to test it out. Natasha and Nubia show their competitive sides as Nubia is convinced there is no way a mere machine could best her in combat, while Natasha does not appreciate being underestimated.

Again, anthologies like this are in a unique position to tell stories as diverse as the community they’re trying to represent. This piece isn’t so much about being queer as it just has queer characters living their lives and was created by a queer creative team. While being part of the LGBTQ+ community is a large and important part of many creators’ lives, it is not the entirety of their personhood. Thus, this comic belongs here and the variety it provides is appreciated.

Superlative: Most Delightfully Petty

The Dance

“The Dance” by Rex Ogle, Stephen Sadowski, Enrica Eren Angiolini and Ariana Maher
DC Comics

A fun, sexy story about Ghost Maker and Catman. They dispatch a duo of baddies on a rooftop with a flirty, graceful show of swordsmanship. Overall a light and quick story that flows elegantly and canonizes Catman’s bisexuality, which Gail Simone intended to include in her time with the character but ran out of runway.  

Superlative: Most Pit

My Best Bet

DC Comics Preview: DC Pride 2023
DC Comics

John Constine and Felix are watching Jon Kent get his ass handed to him by a creature called a Fetch summoned by Constantine. Jon acts out of character at first, yelling at Constantine and getting up in his face. Once it’s revealed Jon is doing this on purpose, it’s funny to look back on how much he was hamming it up while their mark is completely oblivious to the grift they’re pulling. Not only does he play along with the narrative, but he is also willing to look weak and be seen getting defeated to help Constantine. A great little character piece for both Jon and John, and a pleasant ending to the collection of original pieces assembled for this anthology.

Superlative: Most Twisty

The collection concludes with a series of touching and informative essays in tribute to comics creator Rachel Pollack and a preview of the upcoming Dreamer graphic novel Bad Dream. As a package, DC Pride 2023 delivers in spades. Comics, essays, and art all come together in an important collection at a time when simply talking about queer people is becoming more and more politically risky.

'DC Pride 2023' shows queer joy in a multiplicity of forms
‘DC Pride 2023’ shows queer joy in a multiplicity of forms
DC Pride 2023
The collection concludes with a series of touching and informative essays in tribute to comics creator Rachel Pollack and a preview of the upcoming Dreamer graphic novel Bad Dream. As a package, DC Pride 2023 delivers in spades. Comics, essays, and art all come together in an important collection at a time when simply talking about queer people is becoming more and more politically risky.
Reader Rating1 Vote
8.8
Diverse in form and representation
Something for everyone
9.5
Great
Buy Now

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024 WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024 AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup