Represent!

Represent! (2020-) #1-14

by Christian Cooper, Jesse J. Holland, Regine L. Sawyer

Stories of personal experiences, unheard voices, and social revolution. New voices present relevant, topical visions of social change and personal histories, some true-to-life while others are semi-fictionalized accounts of real experiences. All have one thing in common-innovative styles and compelling stories which examine how our culture builds understanding, tracing society’s arc toward justice as we evolve in pursuit of a more just and compassionate world. Includes talent spotlights.

Genres: Comics, Dc Comics, Graphic Novels, Anthologies

169 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2022

About the author

Christian Cooper is a science and comics writer and editor and the host and consulting producer of Extraordinary Birder on National Geographic. One of Marvel’s first openly gay writers and editors, Cooper introduced the first gay male character in Star Trek, in the Starfleet Academy series, which was nominated for a GLAAD Media Award. He also introduced the first openly lesbian character for Marvel and created and authored Queer Nation: The Online Gay Comic. Based in New York City, he is on the board of directors for NYC Audubon.

Reviews

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stories that are sincere, serious, sensitive, and sympathetic, yet so sedate, stilted, and short.

Mostly written by people who don't usually do comics, these tales don't really make the most of the form, maybe because they seem to be aiming for a younger audience like the old afterschool specials. There are a few standouts, like the ones about medical gaslighting, but not enough to carry the day.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these stories on the Black experience in America, it's probably the most I ever related to a comic other than Nubia. Even tho it's good some of the endings and plots seems rushed but it doesn't take away from the message. But for some reason non-Black/POC were hating too much on these stories 🤨

This book is for reflecting and connecting for specifically Black Americans and some other POC. Idky people, especially non- BIPOC are hating on these different experiences. It's not meant to be a typical DC hero, it's literally meant to represent and honor (mostly) Black and poc voices in America.

[Trevor Kidd · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd like DC Comics to do more things like DC Represents, an anthology where they gave space for black creators, activists and leaders to write something, sometimes based on their own experience. But it's hard because 1. most of these writers are not comic books writers even if their work in other mediums is good, you can tell they are not making the most of the collaboration with the comic book artists they work with and 2. they are given such a short space to tell their story, most of them are a bit underwhelming. I'd like DC to try this again, but give more them more space.

[HadiDee · Rating 4 out of 5]

So delightful to read stories that are not told as often as they should be. As with any collection it’s a variable collection, I loved the opening bird watching story (I remember the news story and am glad Chris Cooper got to tell it for himself): the little girl finding her hero gg-grandma; the one acre of land; the medical gaslighting; the boy drummer…. Yes, actually they were all pretty good!

[Robert Hudder · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel conflicted about this series. I wish it didn't exist and that these stories could be told in any series and was just part of a regular conversation. The people whose minds need to be changed will never read this. On the other hand, folks who are starved for content that reflects their experience, this is not enough.

Regardless, I enjoyed the stories here. Here is hoping that something happens to move the needle.

[Kurt Lorenz · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's A Bird, ☆☆☆☆
Heritage, ☆☆☆☆
Food For Thought, ☆☆☆
Believe You, ☆☆☆
My Granny Was A Hero, ☆☆☆
The Lesson, ☆☆
Fight Fire With Spray Cans, ☆☆☆
In Defense of Free Speech, ☆☆☆
Weight of the World, ☆☆☆
The Flightless Bird, ☆☆
American Mongrel, ☆☆☆
The Water's Edge Within Reach, ☆☆
Who Hired the Kid?, ☆☆
I'll Catch Up, ☆☆☆☆

[Eli · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I expected. I am definitely down for the cause, but I expected this to be more related to DC heroes instead of off-handed Wonder Woman and Batman fictional character references. Some of the comics were better than others, as per usual with anthologies. Would not pick it up again, though.

[Alyssa]

I really enjoyed some of the stories in here. Some of the stories were just super random moments in a persons life. Over all, it’s about oppression and people breaking free from that.

[Tim]

I read this as individual issues.

[Linda 😊 Tam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A kaleidoscope of stories by different writers, artists, and colorists.