DC introduces 2 gay teen “legacy” heroes in Manhunter
(6 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)LGBT Spotlight on… Manhunter. Stories featuring gay characters in mainstream comics have long been few and far between but thanks to books like Marc Andreyko’s Manhunter we are seeing them more and more. The arc beginning in this month’s Manhunter #37 takes place “some years later…” My guess is about 12 years later. Kate Spencer’s young (7-8 year old) son Ramsey who was recently discovered to have some degree of invulnerability is suddenly all grown up with a boyfriend named Justin (who can grow like Elasti-Girl or Giganta) is also referred to as a “legacy” hero – implying a connection to a current DCU character (perhaps one of the ladies I listed – from what Justin says about his Mom, I guess Giganta… any other suggestions?).
The timeline is just a guess but I’d guess we have at least another 12 comic book years before the young couple pops up in the Teen Titans. SUMMARY: a story set 12 years in the future outed a character who is about 7-8 years old in current continuity.
I have to say I am really encouraged by the many new and old characters past, present and future that have been revealed to be LGBT. Now if we could just get a few officially gay Legionaries (that title was one of the first to even HINT at a character being gay – but subsequent rewritings of continuity have removed those story elements – I would be overjoyed if whatever comes out of Legion of 3 Worlds could address that.
Here are some pages from Manhunter #37 showing a very comfortable, supportive and loving super family dynamic between Manhunter, her lawyer boytoy, her gay son, his boyfriend Justin, gay Uncle Todd (Obsidian) and cousin Jen (Jade).
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
This title should get awards for its portrayal of gay relationships in comics. Before this issue there have been a number of small affectionate scenes with Obsidian and his boyfriend. I’ve never seen gay relationships presented in such a wonderful matter-of-fact no big deal way. If only Marvel could do that with Wiccan and Hulkling. If you haven’t been reading Manhunter – You missed out. The next issue #38 is to be its last. Buy the back issues or trade paperbacks! It REALLY is a great series.
You might also like
 |
 |
 |
 |
01/15/2009 at 12:08 pm
I was kind of thinking that Justin’s parents were Atom Smasher (Al Rothstein) and Stargirl (Courtney Whitmore). It’d make sense. They were a couple and according to something or another were “destined” to be together. He had the growing power, while she would have the blonde hair. Just a thought.
02/22/2009 at 10:55 pm
I like this. Thanks. ^_^
04/05/2009 at 7:05 am
Obsidian refers to Jennie as “daughter”. Could she be a legacy and not his sister Jade?
05/10/2009 at 5:46 pm
Some very interesting and insightful thoughts. I like this.