Love is Love is a comic book anthology to benefit the survivors of the Orlando Pulse shooting. Published by IDW, in conjunction with DC, writers and illustrators came together to honor those killed in the Pulse nightclub on June 12th, 2016. All the proceeds from the book will go to the charity Equality Florida to benefit the victims, survivors and their families.
As with any anthology (no matter if poems, short stories or comics), this collection was uneven. Written with the best of intentions, these one-shot stories that are only a page or two vary in tone and authenticity. Some of the comics were powerful and made me tear up, or even better, made me think about the issues beyond that page. Others were trite and lacked depth.
Favorites:
Thoughts & Prayers– Lenson & Lopez: Shows how easy it is to be shocked and dismayed by something, but to let opportunities slip by and do nothing about it. Just saying “my thoughts and prayers are with you” can be meaningless. Do something to help!
Hand Me Down– Beals & LaFuente: Two different parenting styles equal two different outcomes. Our children ARE listening.
Phone Call*– DeFilippis, Weir & Vieceli: Supportive parents are the best!
Shelter Pet Adoptions*– Lope & Sadowski: Two dates- 4/3/2009 & 6/15/2016 bookened this heartbreaking tale about an owner and his dog.
Pride– Tynion & Ostertag: A highschool boy worries about wearing a rainbow bracelet to school, but does it anyway, to be true to himself.
Mother & Son *– Lindelof & Yu: A beautiful tribute to Brenda Lee Marquez McCool and her son Isaiah. Brenda died at Pulse, but told her son to run and he lived because of her encouragement. This one picture conveys so much.
*There were no titles on these comics, I made them up.
Misses:
A Swan Song– Zeus is portrayed here as a great lover of both men and woman through the ages, and a supporter of the LGBTQ community. Sorry, this guy is a rapist, if you really read the myths about him closely. Not buying this story of him as a good guy.
Basically all the DC superhero stories. I totally think these stories should have representation in them, but these one shots felt like overkill. Lets make sure we continue the equality into the mainline comics, ok?
I have to applaud this book, for these artists did not just sit back and send their best – no, they did their best and donated their time and talent to help a hurting community. The stories open lines of communication, and I hope more artists with #ownvoices can add in to the dialogue. While not a perfect book, the right intent is there, and purchases will benefit those in need.
-Nancy
Graphic Novelty² 
May 20, 2017 at 4:47 pm
Reblogged this on Reads & Reels.
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May 20, 2017 at 4:55 pm
Thank you!!!
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May 20, 2017 at 7:01 pm
You’ve done a great job reviewing this one. I’m going to find out more about it.
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May 21, 2017 at 1:49 pm
Thank you! It’s definitely a book worth buying.
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May 23, 2017 at 8:27 am
I remember reading about this when they were getting ready to put it out but then didn’t remember to pick it up when it came out. This has reminded me to go back and check it out – thanks! Kudos to IDW for leading the charge here, responding, and offering charity along with (the even more important) message of justice.
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May 23, 2017 at 10:20 pm
I’m surprised I hadn’t heard more about it before I purchased it based off a recommendation at my fav comic book store.
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May 24, 2017 at 6:00 pm
I read a piece about their working on it but then I’d never heard about it coming out so it was completely off my radar and, sadly, I’d forgotten it until you reminded me with this post.
On a slightly related note, since you’re mostly a trade paperback girl, how often do you hit your favorite comic shop? I’m a weekly, New Comic Book Day goer but that’s in large part because I buy the single issues. For a TPB person, how often do you treat yourself to a comic run?
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May 24, 2017 at 9:06 pm
I typically am there once a month. On occasion I’ll go twice if there is a book I’m anxious to get on release date or I’m making a special trip there for a library purchase. I go there often enough I’m recognized by name, and sometimes the manager calls me at work to suggest a book that he thinks I’d like and sets it aside for me. I ❤ Graham Crackers.
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May 25, 2017 at 9:43 pm
The way you talk about it makes me want to visit it myself! I’m also impressed with your restraint (although it makes sense), only going once or twice a month. When I go weekly I always see if Kalie wants to come. Sometimes she passes, sometimes she browses the books while I get my comics, and sometimes she waits in the car with the other moms out there waiting for their kids to finish up :). It’s so cool that the manager looks to hook you up like that too! The staff will make or break any experience anywhere but I think they’re extra important at a book store.
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May 25, 2017 at 10:35 pm
GC has several branches, and I first discovered the one in Naperville while I was in HS, then when Cliff & I were first married I’d visit the St. Charles one, discovered ElfQuest again(after taking a few years off) at one of the Chicago stores, and now go to the nearby NIU store. I obviously am destined to always live near a GC branch!
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