Comic Book Reviews (Week June 9, 2021): DC Pride Issue 1, Wynd Issue 7 & More!

Welcome to my comic book reviews for this week (June 9, 2021). I will be covering DC Pride Issue 1, Wynd Issue 7, Bunny Mask Issue 1, and more!

I have to begin by talking about DC Pride Issue 1. Celebrating Pride Month, this mega-issue included a total of nine short stories highlighting a range of queer characters from across DC Comics. Not only that, but you also get a handful of pinups by various artists.

Of course, I wasn’t a fan of all of the stories. However, that’s not to say I didn’t appreciate such a comic book existing and what it does for queer representation. While the queer community has made a lot of progress, there still remains a lot to be done. Fictional queer characters have resonated with countless people around the globe. So, it’s fitting to celebrate a majority of said characters during Pride Month while highlighting queer comic book creators, even if DC Pride issue 1 couldn’t cover every person on the queer spectrum.

Another thing I enjoyed about the first DC Pride was how it handled Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy’s relationship in “Another Word For A Truck To Move Your Stuff” by writer Mariko Tamaki. While everyone knows that those two are romantically involved, there have been complaints regarding how DC Comics always found a way to water down the romance between them (offering unnecessary support to those who argue Harley and Ivy aren’t actually in love). Well, the debut issue of DC Pride made their relationship very clear. So, yay!

I also enjoyed reading “He’s the Light of My Life” by writer Sam Johns. It featured a meeting between Alan Scott and his son Todd Rice and how Todd being open about his sexuality helped Alan accept himself as an older queer man.

Writer Steve Orlando’s “By The Victors” had Extrano tell John Constantine about an adventure he had with Midnighter. Extrano and Midnighter had to fight a Neo-Nazi Vampire bent on rewriting history. From what I could understand, the narrative touched on how history has been straightwashed through the centuries, always aiming to make queer experiences disappear. You know, the usual, “Not queer! Just two very good friends!” opinions we still get to listen to.

Sina Grace’s “Be Gay, Do Crime” with the Pied Piper was another fun story. I think it was about how queer people with particular resources (especially financial ones) should consider giving back to the community and play their role (along with the queer youth) to fight back against prejudiced systems.   

And while I wouldn’t mind a queer-only superhero team, as shown in “Love Life” by writer Andrew Wheeler, it better not be called Justice League Queer or JLQ.

Also, I am seeing some rumblings online about the very first DC Pride, unfortunately, not including a story about Wonder Woman. Some are saying it’s because DC will never be 100% behind a queer Wonder Woman by actually showing her being in a loving relationship with another woman in a comic book story. Whatever the case may be, I am a bit disappointed that the queer member of DC’s Trinity wasn’t featured in a book meant to celebrate Pride. I would have also liked to see Selina appear in a short story. But oh well.   

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Far Sector Issue 12

One of the best Green Lantern books came to end this week with Far Sector issue 12 by writer N.K. Jemisin and artist Jamal Campbell. I really enjoyed Jo as the main character and I hope to see her soon in another story. While I found the finale to be satisfying, I can understand certain readers expecting more in the action department. Talk-No Jutsu doesn’t always work, but I think it kind of did in this particular moment because Jo’s not necessarily a fighter. She’s about empathy and compassion. She’s about having a dialogue with people to ensure justice (or something similar) prevails.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Wynd Issue Issue 7

Talking about another queer comic book series, we have Wynd issue 7 by writer James Tynion IV. The latest issue had Wynd and his crew trying to stay alive after getting attacked by the Vampyres. A lot of people died, but at least Wynd and his friends were able to stay away from the bloodbath. Thorn got badly injured though. So, the kids were still not safe, especially with the Vampyres continuing to trail them.

I liked seeing Wynd’s can-do attitude even though he’s near exhaustion. I have a feeling he will be back to save his friends with some much-needed reinforcements. As for his thoughts regarding Thorn, I’m not sure if I’m into said pairing (right now) considering Thorn seems to be oblivious to Wynd’s crush. I kind of like Wynd with Teek. But let’s see what happens.

Does it have obvious queer characters? Yes.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

Bunny Mask Issue 1

The debut of Bunny Mask by writer Paul Tobin and artist Andrea Mutti is…  Weird. Confusing. Disturbing. Bizarre. And I loved it.

The first issue did a wonderful job of setting a horror-centric world with a lot of mystery. At this point, I’m not sure where the narrative’s headed or which characters are supposed to remain alive. Without spoiling stuff, the premise involved a madman named Leo Foster doing the bidding of something called the Snitch. Through Tyler, a child welfare investigator, we got to see just how crazy Leo’s become, even involving his ten-year-old daughter Bee in his plans. After surviving the ordeal, we then jump 14 years into the future with an older Tyler getting to meet a young adult Bee. The imagery of the “Bunny Mask” had continued to haunt their subconscious. 

While the two reconnected in the city, Sheriff Roger Tate (who helped Tyler all those years ago) decided to go back to Leo’s cabin to check on what Tyler had told him. What Roger was able to find directly linked to Tyler and Bee in the city, and I can’t wait to see what will happen next.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Pick it up.   

Eve Issue 2

From writer Victor LaValle, Eve issue 2 did wonders when it came to fleshing out the post-apocalyptic world and what had happened to the human population. Turns out, with the sea levels rising due to global warming, a prehistoric virus got released from one of the ice caps. It transformed billions of human beings into always-hungry creatures, forcing them to eat not only plants, animals, and each other, but also plastic, metal, and glass until they burst. 

As for the dynamic between Eve and the robotic Wexler, I liked how real he’s with her. The A.I. knows she’s still a child, but sugarcoating things wasn’t going to help Eve with the current mission. She’s got to toughen up soon. I need to see her take down a zombie or two. I understand she’s very young, but she needs to find a weapon.

With how things ended on a cliffhanger, I’m excited to learn more about the world Eve’s got to deal with.

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: Pick it up.

Mighty Morphin Issue 8

Writer Ryan Parrott seems to love sprinkling mistrust in the Power Rangers franchise, and you know what? I’m here for it. Such a take has allowed Parrott to discuss the not-so-black-and-white aspects of being a hero (or, perhaps, even a villain, to some degree). While certain things did occur as expected, that didn’t diminish by enjoyability. And was it just me or did the opening flashback serve as a tease to Zedd’s origin? I’m incredibly curious.

Also, shoutout to Kimberly for solo-attacking Zedd and then battling Goldar. I love that for my favorite Power Ranger!

Does it have obvious queer characters? No.

Recommendation: PICK IT UP!

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Which comic books did you read this week? Did you enjoy reading DC Pride issue 1?

Let us know.

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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