The DC Book of Pride A Celebration of DC’s Queer Characters

Created in 1954, the Comics Code Authority (CCA) combated the perception that comics were too lurid and violent. Prohibitions even restricted any representation of queerness. Despite the CCA, beautifully queer characters still appeared in our favorite comic books. Though their sexuality was more often hinted at than declared outright, these characters--heroes and villains alike--still existed, though most operated as secondary characters to lead, straight heroes. Still, DC showcased all shades of the queer rainbow, even back in 1954. Today, LGBTQIA+ characters have become leads in our favorite comic books; characters who act as heroes in more ways than one. Reading their stories--from well-known heroes like Kate Kane (Batwoman) and Harleen Quinzel (Harley Quinn) to those who only recently stepped into the spotlight like Taylor Barzelay (Galaxy) and Nia Nal (Dreamer)--was an awe-inspiring experience. Growing up as a bisexual Middle Easterner, I rarely saw my ethnicity represented on-screen, let alone my sexuality. Seeing queer female characters like Nyssa al Ghul and Sara Lance gave me the inspiration and empowerment I needed to come out. This book, filled with pages of bisexual, lesbian, gay, transgender, non-binary, and genderqueer characters is an outstanding reminder that we--regardless of how we identify--deserve representation. The art is stunning; I only wish we could see more from the comic books each character appears in. There's a helpful glossary for those who need it as well, which I'm grateful for. We also get little tidbits about each character, including their first appearance in a DC comic! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC. I only wish I had a hardcover copy to share with the world.