DC shares details on next summer’s LGBTQ+ Aqualad graphic novel

Alex Sanchez and Julie Maroh put a ‘contemporary twist’ on Jake Hyde’s origin story.

DC has revealed more details and preview pages from You Brought Me the Ocean, one of their upcoming Young Adult Graphic Novels. According to the press release, the story will feature Jake Hyde, a.k.a. Aqualad, and “a fresh, contemporary twist” on his origin story that “tells an eloquent coming-out romance set against the backdrop of the DC Universe.”

Lambda Award-winning author Alex Sanchez is writing the story, while Julie Maroh, creator of Blue is The Warmest Color, will provide the art.

“This story will allow readers to delve deep into the conflicts of being both a teen and super-powered—and what it’s like to be friends with a super-powered teen,” said Sanchez. “I believe it will be the type of book that fans will read twice—the first time, compelled to turn pages to find out what happens next, and the second time to linger over Julie’s spectacularly beautiful imagery. I hope the book will do what graphic novels do best—tell a story on two levels—through words and art.”

Here’s the description from the publisher:

Jake Hyde doesn’t swim—not since his father drowned. Luckily, he lives in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, which is in the middle of the desert, yet he yearns for the ocean and is determined to leave his hometown for a college on the coast. But his best friend, Maria, wants nothing more than to make a home in the desert, and Jake’s mother encourages him to always play it safe.

There’s nothing “safe” about Jake’s future—not when he’s attracted to Kenny Liu, swim team captain and rebel against conformity. And certainly not when he secretly applies to Miami University. Jake’s life begins to outpace his small town’s namesake, which doesn’t make it any easier to come out to his mom, or Maria, or the world. 

But Jake is full of secrets, including the strange blue markings on his skin that glow when in contact with water. What power will he find when he searches for his identity, and will he turn his back to the current or dive headfirst into the waves? 

“I’m particularly excited and proud to see this book coming to life in a crucial decade for LGBTQ+ rights,” said Maroh. “Lives of gay, queer, and trans people of color are particularly at stake. I sincerely hope that this book will bring light and strength to the daily life of whoever suffers due to discrimination or just feels different.”

It arrives in stores next June.

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