You Brought Me The Ocean. Seems simple enough of a title. The story that Alex Sanchez created is not as simple as that.
This is a fun book about love and being true to yourself. Two characters quickly find love with each other, but their small community and local high school classmate will challenge that. Also, friends will come into question, what is family, and what are the markings on one of the young teen.
Jake Hyde is drawn to the ocean, but his mother’s fear of it (after his father’s drowning) keeps him from it. That and he lives in New Mexico and the only real water is the high school pool. But that does not stop Jake from wanting a life with the ocean, away from his small town, where he can be himself. Which means coming to terms with his crush on the best swimmer of the school team, Kenny. With the help of Jakes long time friend, his new friend and his immediate and “adopted family,” Jake comes to terms with who he is, his families past and how he can make a future.
I could see a sequel, but it is perfect as is. The ending is a solid closing, and more is not needed. Of course, due to it being a superhero story (we have Superman and Aquaman mentioned), there cold be more. Especially when Jake learns of his abilities and why he has them.
Now it is the art of Julie Maroh that while it is lovely, it was missing a little something for me. Why I gave this a four (as I cannot give it a 4.5) and not a five. The colors are blue and gray, unless something is needed to accent a point. The panels can be crowded, or empty, as traditional graphic novel images are. They work for the story and are pleasant, even if not 100% my tastes.