JUSTICE LEAGUE : DREAM GIRLS - A DC PRIDE EVENT #2 (DC COMICS)

Dreamer and Galaxy have wound up at the JLU Watchtower.

Both are unconscious but not without reason. The pair has been through various times and places with one common denominator following. The Key has appeared in each period. His goals are simple: Control Dreamer, Control the Dreamscape!

Easier said than done with Galaxy standing right by her side!

JUSTICE LEAGUE : DREAM GIRLS - A DC PRIDE EVENT #2 by Nicole Maines, Jadzia Axelrod, Ted Brandt, Ro Stein, Dan Jurgens, Norm Rapmund, Vincent Cecil, Stephen Sadowski, Joe Quinones, Trish Mulvihill, Dearbhla Kelly, Frank Cvetkovic & Jodie Troutman (DC Comics) continues its’ all new Pride Celebration series!

Let’s get a look at what is unfolding now.

JUSTICE LEAGUE : DREAM GIRLS - A DC PRIDE EVENT #1 by Nicole Maines, Jadzia Axelrod, Nicola Scott, J. Bone, Annette Kwok, Ted Brandt, Ro Stein, Marissa Louise, Dearbhla Kelly, Frank Cvetkovic & Jodie Troutman (DC Comics)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Axelrod and Maines open with the JLU deciding on what to do with Dreamer in the watchtower. Having public enemy #1 in Nia Nal in the building is making some uneasy. The writing starts showing those conflicts growing amongst members. It breaks for a solid Oliver Queen/Connor Hawke segment before diving back into the latest dream state era. In this current time, Dreamer and Galaxy have donned the identities of Green Lantern and Green Arrow Circa 1970’s.

The writing excellently shows the pair fighting to protect a protest fighting for LGBTQIA+ rights. While the pair is taking care of business, The Key creeps into his latest persona. Readers watch as he tries to manipulate Dreamer as Galaxy is distracted by Kat’s surprise appearance. Key’s questioning (as a “reporter”) unlocks Dreamer’s feelings on her true wants. This is interrupted as Galaxy breaks free of his ruse. The event causes another run through various timelines. It lands in a powerful conversation as Dreamer opens herself up to Galaxy about her true feelings. The words of support are offered by Galaxy until The Key emerges here. It pushes into an unsettling close with more problems happening awake or asleep.

read last issue’s review!

Every art team nailed a distinct look for the varying chapters of the story. The lead pages start the Justice League showing the clashing personalities in what to do with Dreamer. Guy Gardner’s typical scowl jumps on the panels. It leads into a few guest stars such as Midnighter and Rumble. All carry the same feel of uncertainty pertaining to Dreamer. Events change dramatically as the events go to the protest with a new team. A full page image welcomes the pair into the action.

Reactions show the frustration in dealing with insensitive opposition to human rights. The Key’s creepy reactions are never lost on page. This breaks for Galaxy to breakdown the ruse being pulled. Once she rescues Dreamer from Key’s scheme, the pages run through a cycle of different eras. All stand out leading to the Constantine/Zatanna homage. Dreamer’s reactions to opening her emotions directly hit readers. Galaxy’s supportive nature counters the doubts seeping in. It makes for the storngest moment of the book. This is all swayed back to the present by the Key. The closing story page shakes up the dynamic with the final panel. Excellent work all around.

Steven Underwood, Morgan Hampton, Alitha Martinez & Matt Hermswrap up events with a story of Green Lantern Jo Mullein. Her holo-chamber look into the past with Rookshon allows readers to see her heart breaking as she makes a tough choice. The moment is interrupted by other Lanterns looking for problems. Martinez’s panel work paying homage to “Do The Right Thing” is a great moment amongst the action. The conversation with Jo and “Allsight” Guy Gardner is gruff but hits the mark to conclude events on steady ground.

FINAL GRADE: 8.8

The Key’s manipulations push Dreamer to the edge in a strong second chapter. Axelrod and Maines open up on the inner emotions both heroes carry. The art teams easily handle the era jumps and heavy weight involved with the personal talks. How this is going to play out is anyone’s guess.

Let me know your thoughts on JUSTICE LEAGUE : DREAM GIRLS - A DC PRIDE EVENT #2 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!