DC Pride 2024 #1: The Rivers and the Lakes that You're Used To
Chad Burdette
Recap
DC Pride #1 is the annual anthology series that spotlights LGTBQ characters and creators since 2021
Each week Comicwatch will be reviewing at least 1 or 2 of the stories contained in this year's anthology.
Like in years past, this year's anthology is a collection of stories that celebrate the diversity of the DCU.
Related:
The Genius of Rachel Pollack On Display in DC Pride: A Celebration of Rachel Pollack #1
Review
The Rivers and the Lakes that You’re Used To finds Jackson Hyde visiting his boyfriend Ha’Wea, the Xebel Guard on duty. After a brief talk about their first crushes, Jackson begins questioning whether or not he deserves his current role as Aquaman given that his father is Black Manata, whether he should spend his time in Amnesty Bay, Atlantis, or Xebel or if queer people like him belong in the ocean. These musing are cut short when a sea monster attacks and Jackson finds himself in the presence of Orion, of New Genesis who is monitoring the celestial seas and was drawn to the interdimensional creature that attacked Jackson and Ha’Wea
Orion takes Jackson to New Genesis where the people celebrate with a Love Festival. Jackson. who knows about the New Gods, connects with Orion, and gains some insight into his problems since the two have similar family histories and feel out of place where they are. The interplay between Jackson and Orion feels natural as Orion, a character known to be closed off and a particular hate for Aquaman, shows Jackson that it doesn’t matter who or where you come from that defines you, but what one makes of where they are that matters.
Ngozi Ukazu’s art and color are perfect for the story and sure to leave readers excited for the upcoming Young Adult Graphic Novel BARDA.
Final Thoughts
The Rivers and the Lakes that You're Used To by Ngozi Ukazu, not only works well as a part of the Pride Antholgy but also as a sneak preview of the upcoming Young Adult Graphic Novel, BARDA by Ukazu. While there are some slight continuity questions as to the relationship status of Jackson and Ha'Wea, the bigger message of finding one's place despite history or family relations is clear.
DC Pride 2024 #1: Jackson Hyde in The Rivers and the Lakes that You’re Used To
- Writing - 9/109/10
- Storyline - 9/109/10
- Art - 9/109/10
- Color - 10/1010/10
- Cover Art - 10/1010/10
