Justice League Dream Girls: A DC Pride Event #4 Review

 

Justice League Dream Girls: A DC Pride Event #4 Review

Writers: Jadzia Axelrod, Nicole Maines & Klaus Janson

Artists: Rosi Kämpe, Brandt&Stein & Klaus Janson

Colorists: Tríona Farrell & Dearbhla Kelly

Letterers: Jodie Troutman, Frank Cvetkovic & Lucas Gattoni

Cover Artist: Brandt&Stein

Variant Cover Artists: Phil Jimenez & Arif Prianto; Robin “Zombie” Higginbottom

Editors: Ash Padilla, Andrea Shea & Paul Kaminski

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $4.99 US/Variant $5.99 US (cardstock)

Release Date: June 24, 2026

 

The Justice League proudly includes Superman in its ranks. But while Batman carries Kryptonite in his utility belt, some worry that Galaxy's abilities represent a greater potential danger to their fellow heroes. As Galaxy stands on trial, a villain tempts Dreamer in her sleep. And as her accusers fight to yank Galaxy's membership card because of what she might do, the Key makes progress toward achieving his goal. Can Galaxy aid her "villainous" friend? And how might the Key use the Akashic records to attack the Justice League? Let’s leap into Justice League Dream Girls: A DC Pride Event #4 and see!

 

Story: Something Borrowed, Something Doomed

When Dreamer pushed Galaxy out of her dream, the princess of Cyandii awakened to a nightmare. Jessica Cruz and Guy Gardner were prosecuting Galaxy for crimes against the Green Lanterns and asserting she didn't belong in the Justice League. Galaxy stood up for herself for a time. But instead of trying to prove she wasn't a danger to the Justice League, Galaxy knew who represented the real threat. So, she found a way back to the Dream Dimension. But by the time Galaxy arrived, the Key had put Dreamer under his thrall.

 

In Justice League Dream Girls: A DC Pride Event #4, the Key reveals why he has fought so hard to access the Akashic Records. But Galaxy is more interested in rescuing her friend. Under Amanda Waller's domination, Dreamer might have been an indentured servant. But the Key can turn Dreamer into his mindless slave.

 

Jadzia Axelrod and Nicole Maines's story follows Galaxy and Dreamer's battle in the Dream Dimension. It also revisits the argument about the kind of person who represents a threat to others. Like Batman, both Galaxy and Dreamer can weaken and control other superheroes. While Batman has proven himself time and again, a question mark hangs over the young metahumans.

 

Galaxy and Dreamer's actions led to their current difficulties. Both may want to be heroes. But the Justice League doesn't just hand out membership cards to people who demonstrate their powers. If Galaxy and Dreamer can escape the Dream Dimension, they must decide if they are willing to develop a track record that their elders can respect in Justice League Dream Girls: A DC Pride Event #4.

 

Art: Something Borrowed, Something Doomed

Black eats away at glimpses of her surroundings as the Key chokes Galaxy, while Dreamer gazes upon them, unseeing, in her wedding dress. After binding Galaxy in chains, the Key drags her along as he and Dreamer walk among the bookshelves towering above them. When Galaxy shakes off her chains, the panels tilt as she battles her captor. As Rosi Kämpe and Brandt&Stein portray the confrontation amid the storehouse of knowledge, they compare his ambitions with the wealth surrounding the Key.

 

Tríona Farrell and Dearbhla Kelly enliven Justice League Dream Girls: A DC Pride Event #4 with a palette of bright colors. Yet, black surrounds scenes of the Key battling his challenger. The blue interior suggests why people strive to learn. His orange chains undergird his ambitions, as a red book reminds readers why the Key has returned. Yet as the villain attacks with yellow energy, Galaxy fights him with waves of violet power.

 

Frank Cvetkovic and Jodie Troutman fill white dialogue balloons with uppercase and lowercase letters. The letters grow bold for intonation, swell for raised voices, and revert to lowercase for lowered voices. Blue symbols in a cloudy balloon overlay Dreamer's dialogue while under the Key's control. Sound effects enhance a brutal confrontation in the library, while giant letters either deform balloons or escape their domination.

 

Story: Heroes Just For One Day

It’s not easy to realize that you are different from others. But in Klaus Janson's story, the protagonist immediately discovers that people who look or act differently don't fit in. And when they stand out in a crowd, people ostracize them. In Heroes Just For One Day, the protagonist finds something he loves. But he must decide what he does with his new hobby.

 

Art: Heroes Just For One Day

Klaus Janson introduces his character as a smiling boy in love with his new bicycle. His black, white, and gray art grounds the biographical story in reality, while the things that inspire the boy glow with color. The children wear uniforms to school and hang up their jackets before classes. Yet an image on the TV, a visit to the library, and a long, thin panel of his journey to another city chart his search to discover who he will become. 

 

Lucas Gattoni places uppercase letters in white dialogue balloons as Klaus Janson shares pivotal scenes from the hero's journey. Yet small lowercase letters in boxes guide us through the coming-of-age story. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Everyone has different definitions of heroism. For some, all that matters is the result. With others, method and motives matter more than accomplishments. But as young people strive to prove themselves as they forge their futures, a villain demonstrates why he can never achieve lasting success in Justice League Dream Girls: A DC Pride Event #4.

 

Rating 9.5/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Justice League Dream Girls: A DC Pride Event #4. 

 

For what happened last time, see my preview of Justice League: Dream Girls—A DC Pride Event #3.

 

For what happened before that, see my preview of Justice League: Dream Girls—A DC Pride Event #2.

 

For the beginning of Dreamer and Galaxy's dream journey, see my preview of Justice League: Dream Girls—A DC Pride Event #1.

 

For the precursor to this series, see my review of Justice League Intergalactic Special #1.

 

 

Justice League Dream Girls: A DC Pride Event #3 Review

 

Justice League Dream Girls: A DC Pride Event #3 Review

Writers: Jadzia Axelrod & Nicole Maines

Artists: Brandt&Stein, Jan Bazaldua & Rosi Kämpe

Colorists: Dearbhla Kelly, Adriano Lucas & Tríona Farrell

Letterers: Frank Cvetkovic & Jodie Troutman

Cover Artist: Brandt&Stein

Variant Cover Artists: Phil Jimenez & Arif Prianto; Oscar Vega

Editors: Ash Padilla, Andrea Shea & Paul Kaminski

Publisher: DC Comics

Price: $4.99 US/Variant $5.99 US (cardstock)

Release Date: June 17, 2026

 

Everyone wants to condemn Dreamer for aiding Amanda Waller when she robbed the metahumans of their powers. So, after Galaxy invites Dreamer along on Star Sapphire's mercy mission to Naltor, Guy Gardner and Jessica Cruz argue against Dreamer's future participation in the Justice League. But while the heroes weigh whether Dreamer and Galaxy represent a greater threat than Lex Luthor, the condemned lie under the Key's spell.

 

Dreamer may be unaware of the battle raging in the Watchtower over her future. Yet as she dreams, Dreamer discovers that she is not a passive participant. And although she refuses to believe that she can be a hero, Dreamer pushes Galaxy out of their shared dream. Like one of the costumes she wore in her dreams, can Dreamer embrace a more hopeful view of the future? And as he lurks in her subconscious, what knowledge does the Key hope Dreamer can unlock for him? Let’s leap into Justice League Dream Girls: A DC Pride Event #3 and see!

 

Story

She helped rescue Steve Trevor in Themyscira. As Robin Hood, she protected participants in a Pride parade. After visiting exotic places and combating foes, Galaxy feels exhausted when she revives. Worse, the display screens filling the Justice League Watchtower are an onslaught on her senses. Yet when the Question tells Galaxy that her membership in the Justice League is in jeopardy, she ignores Jon Kent and Kat’s pleas. Galaxy refuses to rest and let others decide where she belongs.

 

As Galaxy rushes to defend herself before the Justice League, Dreamer abandons her recent superhero cosplay in Justice League Dream Girls: A DC Pride Event #3. As she told Galaxy in the castle, she is tired of combating the naysayers. After trying so hard to prove herself, she realizes that the superhero community will never accept her. And rather than be seen as a villain, it is easier to sleep the pain away.

 

Before expelling her from their dream, Dreamer argued that all the heroes love and admire Galaxy. Yet in Jadzia Axelrod and Nicole Maines, Galaxy must defend her right to stand among her fellow heroes. As they question her ability to control her powers, they also debate Galaxy's judgment.

 

All this takes place following the Justice League's decision to offer amnesty to villains. As Jack Ryder argued on the set of Hardwired, the Justice League leaders imposed the controversial pilot program on their membership. In their wisdom, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Captain Marvel threw open the doors to villains who have stolen, tortured, and murdered people. So as Galaxy begins to wonder where she belongs, a hero who embodies youth, change, and idealism becomes a first step toward attacking the leaders’ more questionable choices in Justice League Dream Girls: A DC Pride Event #3.

 

Art

After Galaxy clutches her head, she raises her arm before her face. Jon catches her when she falls, while Kat elicits a smile when she cradles Galaxy's chin with her hand. Then Galaxy marches off toward the meeting, where she raises her hand toward the heroes standing above her on the dais. While Guy Gardner, clad in his priestly robes, crosses his arms and frowns at Galaxy, Dreamer stands upon the castle parapet. As Dreamer’s trenchcoat pixelates, the glowing fragments float away like flower petals on the wind. When Steve Trevor appears, his features shift, evoking how Dreamer altered her friend’s attire.

 

As Brandt&Stein, Jan Bazaldua, and Rosi Kämpe portray Galaxy and Dreamer’s battles for their future, Dearbhla Kelly, Adriano Lucas, and Tríona Farrell adorn Justice League Dream Girls: A DC Pride Event #3 with a loaded palette of bright colors. Galaxy’s violet outfit links her with Kat and Star Sapphire. Her indigo skin links her with Extraño, who regards all costumed superheroes as vigilantes and rule-breakers.

 

The blue wraparound viewscreens link with Batman and Wonder Woman's impartiality. As Dreamer wears a blue-and-white costume, the energy flung across a blue-and-white corridor represents all the colors in the emotional spectrum. Yet as Steve Trevor comforts Dreamer in his green flight suit, Guy Gardner and Jessica Cruz's uniforms reveal what they're most afraid of losing.

 

Frank Cvetkovic and Jodie Troutman fill white dialogue balloons with uppercase and lowercase letters of varying sizes and fonts. Dreamer’s thoughts inhabit blue boxes, while white letters in black balloons and boxes signal danger. As laughter and coughing fill the air, and an unseen threat demonstrates its fiery temperament, sound effects enhance the actions that alarm the Green Lanterns. The bonus story, One Fine Day, focuses on Poison Ivy and Harley Quinn’s relationship and illustrates why they have become one of the most popular couples in comics. Thanks to DC Comics for sharing this story with us.

 

Final Thoughts

Everyone wants to belong. Yet sometimes, the fight doesn’t seem worth it. As Dreamer loses hope of acceptance, Galaxy fights to retain what she has achieved. Yet as she argues her case, Galaxy must also question why she is waging this battle against her accusers. And while the heroes attack someone who would never willingly hurt them, a villain takes strides toward achieving power over them in Justice League Dream Girls: A DC Pride Event #3.

 

Rating 9.5/10

 

To look inside see my preview of Justice League Dream Girls: A DC Pride Event #3.

 

For what happened last time, see my preview of Justice League: Dream Girls—A DC Pride Event #2.

 

For the beginning of Dreamer and Galaxy's dream journey, see my preview of Justice League: Dream Girls—A DC Pride Event #1.

 

For how this series started, see my review of Justice League Intergalactic Special #1.

 

For Jack Ryder's argument on the set of Hardwired, see my review of Justice League #19. 

 

Little Nightmares: Descent to Nowhere #2 Preview

 

COVER A: JOSH HIXSON

 

I grew up seeing missing children every morning. Their faces adorned the quarts and half-gallon cardboard milk containers on our breakfast table. I often wondered who looked for the missing children, and why they went missing in the first place. This series probes the dark places of our souls. It asks: why don't we work harder to protect the endangered? How much will we risk to protect people we don't even know? 

Here's all the info from Titan Comics:  

LITTLE NIGHTMARES: DESCENT TO NOWHERE #2 (OF 4)

Writer: Lonnie Nadler

Artists: Dennis Menheere, Dearbhla Kelly

FC • 32pp • $4.99 • On Sale November 5, 2025

 

Against her better judgement, former detective MYRA WAN begins to poke at the shadows which linger in every corner of the Counties, searching for the mysterious missing HUSH. In the COUNTIES PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTE – the last place the little girl was ever seen – there are more questions than answers.

 

In the NOWHERE, Hush falls deeper into the dungeon without MONO to guide her. But she must survive more than just the JAILER, as something itches just beneath her skin, pulling Hush into more and more danger….

 

 

Now, let's take a look inside:

 

 

 

 

 

Here are more cover options:

 

 

COVER B: JENNA CHA

 

COVER C: TREVOR HENDERSON

COVER D: VIDEO GAME CONCEPT ART

Thanks to Titan Comics for sharing this preview with us.

 

Zootopia #5 Review

 

Writer: Jeff Parker

Artist: Alessandro Ranaldi

Colorist: Dearbhla Kelly

Letterer: Jeff Eckleberry

Cover Artists: Trish Forstner, Craig Rousseau & Alessandro Ranaldi

Packager & Editor: Nate Cosby

Publisher: Dynamite Entertainment

Price: $4.99

Release Date: August 13, 2025

 

Someone in Zootopia is orchestrating a daring series of crimes. What started with a blown-up blimp has escalated to jewelry and art thefts. None of the thieves know who they are working for. They drop off the goods and receive a big box of money. ZPD Officers Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde have risked their lives, and their nostrils, to catch the anonymous, untraceable caller organizing these thefts. Can they find the master villain? Or will Chief Bogo give them another assignment? Let’s pop in our earbuds, crank up Gazelle’s latest single, leap into Zootopia #5, and see!

 

Story

When Nick gives Judy a six o’clock wakeup call, the rabbit figures it must be serious. It’s Saturday, and they’re supposed to be off duty. Instead, Judy learns that Nick has volunteered them for community outreach. Stunned, Judy happily accompanies him. Then she realizes that Nick has signed up to chaperone his former Junior Ranger troop. While the kids who terrorized him and drove him away have grown up, Nick has given up his cons and sworn to uphold law and order. In Jeff Parker’s story, Nick wants to see if the environment within the scouts has changed. Is this generation of children more accepting of predators?

 

In Zootopia #5, the young troop expresses no fear of Officer Nick Wilde. Miss Bev urges her junior rangers to welcome the rabbit and the fox. But Nick has made a crucial error. While the children are kind to him, he fails to gain their respect. Nick is crestfallen when Miss Bev announces that her plans differ from Nick's expectations. Still, Nick accompanies the troop. Judy encourages her partner to enjoy the day, whatever it brings.

 

Nick may not have found acceptance as a child. The fox may have missed out on a childhood filled with camping, fishing, and exploring the wonders of nature thanks to the rejection and trauma he suffered. Still, Nick’s concern for others pays off. He also demonstrates his ability to navigate tricky situations. In Zootopia #5, Judy is a competent officer who retains command even if she isn't in her element. Nick demonstrates the resilience that helped him succeed on the streets and now helps him serve the public as a member of the Zootopia Police Department.

 

Art

Judy’s eyes bulge and her ears rise as stuffed bunnies tumble off her bed. Nick looks confident as he gazes up through the windscreen at his partner leaning out the window of her small, upper-story apartment. He grits his teeth, and his eyes express fear, as he steers the bulky cruiser beneath the arbor built from logs. Like their car, Nick and Judy form silhouettes as the beaver addresses the attentive cat, hippo, bear, mouse, and kangaroo. Clad in fishing attire, Nick rests his pole on his shoulder. Judy looks ready for anything in her uniform. But as they prepare to meet the troops, Nick smiles confidently, while Judy grimaces.

 

Despite flashing his best smile, Nick must leap out of the way when the troop rushes past him. Dots occasionally swarm like bees around foreground figures as Alessandro Ranaldi focuses on characters further away. Characters also appear before banners punctuated with dots, like targets at a ZPD shooting range. Dearbhla Kelly lavishes a palette of bright, cheery colors on the vibrant plants and trees surrounding the nearby city. Light blue bubbles and currents flow along a strikingly blue river that glows with the sun's radiance in Zootopia #5.

 

Jeff Eckleberry fills white dialogue balloons with black uppercase letters that grow bold for intonation. The letters swell amid high-flying outrage, Nick awakening his partner, and the children's rejoicing. Balloons accompany faces in inset panels amid panoramic shots. Laughter rises when a character doesn’t watch his step, and sharp sounds fill the air when hunters achieve their objective. Thanks to Dynamite Entertainment for providing a review copy.

 

Final Thoughts

Nick Wilde suffers disappointments when his plan to gain recognition backfires. The Pawpsicle-loving fox may not don a wingsuit and leap off a skyscraper in Zootopia #5. Still, he navigates a fast and furious pursuit with style and validates Judy Hopps’ faith in him.

 

Rating: 9.4/10

 

For more cover art see my review at Comic Book Dispatch.