You Brought Me the Ocean: 08/27/20

You Brought Me the Ocean by Alex Sanchez and Julie Maroh is set in the DC universe but is a side plot. At first glance it's like a graphic novel reimagining of Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz set in a world where it's possible to see Superman flying across the horizon, or to see news reports about superheroes.

Jake Hyde doesn't swim but is fascinated by the sea. He's waiting to see if he'll get early acceptance to Miami. His mother would prefer he stay home. His next door neighbor and best friend, Maria, hopes he stays home too. She's hoping there's more in their future.

But Jake is gay. And he's falling head over heels for swim captain Kenny Liu. Kenny is out and proud and a target for the school bullies. If Jake is going to date Kenny, he'll need to be out too.

Beyond the adorable budding relationship of Jake and Kenny, there is the explanation of Jake's mysterious markings. He's been told they're birthmarks. Yes, in the strictest sense they are. But they're so much more.

Of the two big plots: the romance and the backstory, I prefer the romance. I get that it's a DC comic, so a superpower is to be expected. But it was so fun early on to see the superheroes and villains in the background.

Four stars

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