Homosexuality in Comic Books Past & Present
Monday, September 8th, 2008I’ve come across a number of articles about homosexuality and comic books since I started this blog, and have been saving them to post together and update occasionally with some of my own thoughts.
Homosexuality has long been a subtext in Comic Books. Parallels can be drawn between the double life of a Super Hero with a secret identity and that of a closeted homosexual.
Just ask Frederic Wertham. Werthem’s Seduction of the Innocent was all about exposing the comic books of the day as a corrupting influence on American Youth. He had a big problem with the superhero sidekick phenomenon, saying it was inherently homoerotic and often citing the Dynamic Duo as an example… (Gotham’s Finest image by KirwanArts)
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Batman and Robin, Wertham charged, inhabited “a wish dream of two homosexuals living together.” They lived in “sumptuous quarters,” unencumbered by wives and girlfriends, with only an aged butler for company. They cared for each other’s injuries, frequently shared quarters, and lounged together in dressing gowns. Worse still, both exhibited damning psychological characteristics: proclivities for costumes, dressing up, and fantasy play; secretive behavior and double-lives; little interest in women; and, most damning of all, neurotic compulsions resulting in their violent vigilantism. Indeed, Wertham argued, depictions of Batman and Robin were frequently homoerotic, visually emphasizing Batman’s rippling physique and Robins splayed, bare thighs.
I do agree he may have had some valid points with the shacking up, spandex dress-up and hot bods - surprised he didn’t mention hanging out in a dark cave. But I think they fail to take into account that it’s really only gay to the gay kids. The straight boys of the day just read it as innocent hero-worship fantasy.
The above quote if from this excellent bilerico.com article titled When Batman was Gay
This next link is to a Newsarama interview with Hero author Perry Moore in which Moore discusses his insider knowledge from friend Allen Heinberg about how Hulking was almost a butch female, the death of Freedom Ring, his favorite sexy Legionnaire and whatever happened to Terry Berg - that gay friend of Green Lantern (Kyle)… read it here.
There are a few veteran LGBT comic book characters around since 89 when the Comic’s code ceased is prohibition on “any suggestion of homosexuality.” Writers who grew up in the era are revitalizing these characters and bringing them to a new generation of gay and straight fans. Former New Mutant, Karma has popped up in San Francisco with her twin siblings to rejoin the X-Men and improve control of her possession powers. After his major stint in 52, Flash Rogue the Pied Piper will most likely have some part to play in Final Crisis. Although now victimized and crippled, Ultimate Northstar is still alive if not currently kicking and his 616 counterpart is a shoe-in for the new San Francisco X-Center. Obsidian is snogging with his boyfriend Damon as a supporting character in the pages of Manhunter. And the alien 70’s Starman, Mikaal Tomas is slated to be one of two LGBT characters seen in a new JLA offshoot title (Batwoman is the other).
The images accompanying the article excerpts and links are of 20 current LGBT characters from a number of publishers. Some have been out and proud for awhile and others are brand spanking new characters or just recently out of the CMYK closet.
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In the following four linked articles, CBR News spoke with “nine comics industry professionals about the portrayal of LGBT characters and themes in comics, past and present.”
Homosexuality in Comics - Part 1: introduces Marc Andreyko, Lillian Diaz-Przbyl, Devin Grayson, Terrance Griep and Mark Millar.
Homosexuality in Comics - Part 2: introduces Allan Heinberg, Scott Lobdell, Alan Moore and Greg Rucka.
Wiccan, Hulkling, Karolina Dean, Batwoman, the Question, Anole and Xavin are reflective of a new wave of original or re-imagined LGBT characters that are cropping up in comics continuity. LGBT Storylines like the subtle romance between Young Avengers fan faves Wiccan and Hulkling go a long way toward making gay fans feel accepted and represented as part of a world they have come to know and love. A scene where they attempt to come out to Billy’s parents as teen super-heroes becomes a wonderful affirmation when the folks misunderstand and say its “OK we’ve always known and we’re so happy you boys found each other.” Even the lesbian Batwoman and Question haven’t been overly sexualized or exploited the way Rainmaker was in the 90’s. In this new millennium, we the major publishing companies may finally be ready to develop LGBT characters that are more than a superheroes stereotype.
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Homosexuality in Comics - Part 3: The panelists discuss the Comics Code, the stigma of comics as a children’s medium, whether homosexuality is a lifestyle choice or a genetic predisposition, and the tendency for fictional GLBT characters to be defined by their sexuality.
Apollo and the Midnighter broke new gound in the 90’s as the World’s Finest Couple. The idea of a gay Superman and Batman archtypes as a couple had been used many times in the slash fanfiction genre, but the Wildstorm Universe’s addition of this loving gay couple (and eventually adopted child) truly heralded a new generation of homosexual heroes. Gen13’s Rainmaker was also part of that 2nd generation of gay characters that started to gain popularity in the 90’s, but her sexuality was primarily used to titillate a largely heterosexual adolescent male audience.
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Homosexuality in Comics - Part 4: Topics include the “gay retcon,” the participants’ picks for well-informed portrayals of GLBT characters in comics, and the state of the union of homosexuality in comics
The outing of characters like Rawhide Kid, Colossus (Ultimate), Lightspeed and Living lightning was a surprise to many as most had recognized hetero history. Ultimate Colussus’ case is a bit different because (as far as we know) he’s straight as an arrow in the 616 universe. Though with Kitty GONE, maybe Jean-Paul should take a shot at him. Although Quasar (Phyla-vell’s) orientation was hinted early at it wasn’t officially revealed until later.
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via CBR and Newsarama and Bilerico Project
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