[ Free copy given by Netgalley! ]

I loved this. As a teacher, I cannot emphasize the value of representation in literature enough. Graphic novels are accessible to so many more readers, too, and are engaging for the reluctant readers, too. The plotline was sweet, if not a touch cliche -- but that's from an adult perspective. Coming out stories are crucial for our LGBTQ+ youth, and I'm putting this on my shelf immediately for the kids that will need it. There are people of color, LGBT characters, and more. Read this!

I am not familiar with Aqualad, I have only read a few stories with him in them, but after reading this book I am going to look for more. This coming of age story really does a great job of the finding yourself theme.

Jake doesn't swim, EVER. After his father was killed he avoids water. He lives in a desert, but longs for the sea.

Kenny is a swimmer who is bullied because he is gay. He refuses to conform to what society expects of him and this draws Jake to him.

The story drew me in from page one. I love it. The art is absolutely beautiful. The water is done so well you expect the book to feel wet. The colors are perfect.

This is one of my favorite of the YA comics being put out by DC.

Creative Team:
Author Alex Sanchez
Artist Julie Maron
Letters Deron Bennett

A fun new retelling of Aqualad. The art was sketchy and had character and there was wonderful POC representation. The storyline was a little cliche and quick for my taste but it gets the job done. I like the inclusion of other superheroes (like Aquaman and Superman) from the DC universe to buff up the lore. Hopefully we'll be seeing more about Jake, Maria, and Kenny!

Great beginning! I hope to read more. It did take me a little while to get into the story and connect with the characters. However with graphic novels they go quickly so it was not hard to persevere. I didn't love the artwork. It was very monotone in color. Of course I noticed that it was more beige whenever it didn't have to do with water and blue when it had to do with water but I personally would have preferred more striking art choices for my visual interest. Overall it was an interesting origin story and I hope more come with a more interesting storyline.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

I usually have trouble reading comics, but I actually really enjoyed this one! I wasn't 100% on the art style at first, but it ended up suiting the overall feel of the story.

I was actually surprised by one of the reveals, when I thought I had known how it was going to turn out. I will say it moved a little too fast with things sometimes, I did really enjoy it.

I hope to see more in this series!

DC has been off my radar for years but they have been following the lead of Marvel and featuring fabulous writers. In this latest iteration of Aqualad, Lambda Award-winning author Sanchez reintroduces Jake Hyde as high school student with secrets—some he understands and some he doesn’t. What he knows is that he needs to see the ocean and dreams of studying oceanography at the University of Miami. He knows he loves his best friend Maria, but is not in love with her. And he knows he is attracted to Kenny Liu the out high school swim captain. What he doesn’t know is how to tell everyone about that last truth. But he also doesn’t know that there’s more to his mother’s fear of him coming into contact with water or the secrets of his birthmarks. This is a coming-out romance more than an action comic and I enjoyed the characters and would love to see more them.
CW: Violent homophobia from a set of classmates.

I am always down for a new graphic novel. This is the story of Jake, and his road to learning about himself and having the bravery to be his true self around others. He knows he is different, and the more he learns, the harder his choices will become.

I liked the basis of the story, and the characters were great. There were some cheesy moments, and it was fairly predictable. But that being said, I enjoyed the story, and would definitely read another installment! I thought the art was beautiful as well.

I was given an advanced reader's copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own

I am not familiar with Black Manta nor Aqualad. This coming into one's own self and skin story is magnificent. The story draws you in. There are some unexplained elements such as Jake's blue eyes, and some extreme homophobia. I applaud DC for the courage to have a gay superhero and to show that he faces bullying, overcoming fear, and falling in love with the same emotions as the average teenager. I look forward to this film and the rest of Jake's story.