Prologue
Shock. Terror. Fear. Disappointment.
Four words that speak volumes. Four words that scream that something bad has just happened.
Hate. Disgust. Intolerance. Shame.
Four more that can be either prescriptive or descriptive towards those affected by the first four words.
I Love You.
Three little words that say that I am always going to be there and I will always hold your heart in my hand and protect it with everything that I have got.
Love Is Love.
Three little words that transcends boundaries; that shows that there is someone for you to love, someone to love you and that partnership makes you both better.
Love is Love
I remember when it happened. After the initial feelings of shock my heart went out to those who suffered on that fateful night at The Pulse in Orlando. I have friends within the LGBTQ community in the North East of the UK. The impact of the events of that night are long-lasting. Fear spread, people go into hiding. But that is not the way to fight ignorance; not the way to gain respect for you or for your partner whatever sex/gender/race they may be or your relationship.
Collaborations between publishers are nothing new. In fact IDW and DC have worked together recently with their Star Trek / Green Lantern book. Here, the two companies have decided to draw a line in the sand; Love is Love and should be celebrated, not tolerated. Love is Love and should be cherished not ignored. Love is Love and when you find it, it should be start of something big and scary but in a good way. DC have helped out further, with a slew of their characters showing up in the book. There is the obvious candidates, Harley & Ivy, Wonder Woman (yet more great panels from Liam Sharpe) and Batwoman. Even Batman, the world’s greatest detective tries to solve the big question of why, with the Big Blue inspiration serves to be inspired.
This review is different to my usual reviews.  For one thing, there are loads of creators to give a nod too.  I will say this, whilst some of the art may not be my personal taste, ALL of the art is 5 star. Each creator pours their heart and soul into this project and it shows with every word, with every panel.
The stories themselves are a mixed bunch, with different characters having different experiences, all held together by the ideal that Love is Love regardless. I loved every human interaction in this book. There are some great highlights for me, the Ivan Reis Green Lantern piece; the Jim Lee Harry Potter art; James Robinson’s marine Dad wedding speech and a heartfelt Supergirl from Sterling Gates. By stating these as highlights, does no disservice to the many many other artists and writers that are on show. There are also stories of coming out, casual acceptance and stories of the impact of that day; the young boy having to leave his second Dad because he isn’t his biological father to the dog recused from the pound only to find himself back there when his owner doesn’t return from the club.
At times this book is bittersweet, sad and gloriously happy.  Love Is Love and deserves to be recognised whenever, wherever and with whomever it is found.
Epilogue
It is worth to mention, that ALL proceeds from this book will be going to the victims, survivors and their families via Equality Florida. I have read this book over. I don’t think I have felt so much or wept so much at the bravery of the characters within.
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
(W) Phil Jimenez, Cat Staggs, Steve Orlando, Dennis Cowen, Paul Dini, Ming Doyle, Brian Michael Bendis, Emma Vicelli, Ed Luce, Kieron Gillen, Various (A) Phil Jimenez, Cat Staggs, Steve Orlando, Dennis Cowen, Paul Dini, Ming Doyle, Brian Michael Bendis, Emma Vicelli, Ed Luce, Kieron Gillen, Jay Edidin, Various (CA) Elsa Charretier
Author Profile
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I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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