DC heroes are shining in new previews for the Pride Month special coming this June. DC has already revealed its variant covers for DC Pride #1 and has discussed some of its queer heroes. Now, fans are getting a look at exactly which heroes will be featured in the special.
Many high profile comic characters have been revealed to be queer and representation in comics has only continued to grow. This special issue is also one of the first times that DC is creating new content specifically to commemorate Pride Month, telling new stories instead of simply highlighting previous ones. Fans have desired more diversity and inclusivity within DC, Marvel, and other comics and lately it seems like comic companies are more than happy to provide exactly that — expanding their rosters and focusing stories on less-known or fan-favorite characters.
DC Community on DC Universe Infinite provided a sneak peek at DC Pride #1. Art has been shown for each of the nine main stories and all of the creative teams have been revealed, as well as some of the included heroes. The credits page also reveals some of the other heroes who will be featured in pin-ups. Midnighter, Aqualad, Batwoman, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, and many others are all glowing with Pride in the new previews. Check them out here:
The slate of characters within the nine stories include the following: Batwoman, Extraño, Midnighter, Renee Montoya, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn, Alan Scott, Obsidian, Jess Chambers, Andy Curry, Pied Piper, Drummer Boy, Jackson Hyde, and Justice League Queer. Batwoman is easily one of the most recognizable lesbian characters DC has, so it’s no surprise she is first on the slate with a story written by James Tynion IV, who has been doing a lot of Bat Family work for DC. Another famous pair featured here is Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy, who are being highlighted in a story with a title referencing moving day.
Midnighter and Extraño will both feature in “By the Victors” by Steve Orlando, Stephen Byrne, and Josh Reed. While Midnighter has starred in several series and was involved in DC’s Future State event, Extraño has largely been absent over the years. He was DC’s first openly gay character, but he proved to be very controversial — particularly in how he was handled. He was resurrected during DC Rebirth in Midnighter & Apollo to provide assistance to Midnighter, though he had his own life he was content with away from his hero persona.
Other characters here include Jess Chambers, DC’s first non-binary character and a new Flash who has quickly become a fan-favorite. This is also one of the first glimpses of Nia Nal, also known as Dreamer, who was first introduced in the Supergirl television series. It was previously announced that she would make her comic debut in this issue, in a story created by Nicole Maines (the actress who plays Nia Nal in the show), Rachael Stott, Enrica Eren Angiolini, and Steve Wands. Dreamer is pictured here in the story “Date Night.” Also included are long-time heroes such as Green Lantern Alan Scott and Renee Montoya who has undergone several changes since her first introduction. The final sneak peek is a glance at Aqualad in a story that will feature Jackson Hyde with Justice League Queer, who has yet to make their full debut.
In addition to these debuts, the issue will also feature interviews with the actors and actresses of DCTV’s LGBTQIA+ characters who are featured in “full-page profiles.” Nicole Maines will be included, as well as Javicia Leslie who plays the lead of Batwoman, Matt Ryan who plays John Constantine, Matt Bomer who plays Negative Man, and Nafessa Williams who plays Thunder. This Pride Month special issue is definitely spotlighting DC’s LGBTQIA+ characters — past and present — and letting them shine. DC Pride releases June 8, 2021.
