UPDATE 100409: 64 MORE LGBT CHARACTERS (including images and descriptions) HAVE BEEN ADDED!!! this makes the new total 168 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgendered Superheroes, Villains and Supporting Characters!
If you want to help – I’m looking for images of the following LGBT characters… Toby Raines (lesbian Metropolis reporter and former partner of Maggie Sawyer), Melissa Maro (lesbian friend of Ghost Rider), Rita Boyd and Valerie Susan Page (V for Vendetta – not sure if they were seen or just in the letter), Lee and Li (lesbian friends of Green Lantern Kyle Raynor), Panthalessa (mermaid lover of Jack Phantom) and the gay brother of 80’s era Wonder Woman publicist Mindy Mayer (his name is?). PLEASE contact me if you know someone not included below or if you have a superior image of someone!
This gallery collection would not be possible without the hard work of sites dedicated to the subject of LGBT characters in comics like TheGayLeague, PinkKryptonite and PerryMoore’s LGBT list
I started gathering these images to update my original post about Gays in Comics, but it snowballed way beyond my ability to control. My original list of 20 has grown to 104 168 LGBT super heroes, villains and supporting characters. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more complete index. Click each image to see fullsize and read a brief summary.
PLEASE SHARE AND LINK TO THIS POST. I put a lot of work into tracking down these names, histories and images. They range from popular new gay characters, to old characters later outed, fallen gay characters, almost gay characters and of course the supporting gay characters. Northstar was NOT the first openly gay superhero at a major publisher. He was the first at Marvel and the first cool one, but he was preceded by the embarrassing el Extraño – a stereotypical flamboyant gay version of Dr Strange introduced and forgotten with DC’s 1988 series The New Guardians. Whoever came first, These pioneering characters really made it possible for new LGBT characters to be woven into the story as more than victim or villain.
The characters immediately following are creations conceived as LGBT by their originators or at least VERY SOON after creation. Some of these have become a popular part of continuity and others ended up exiled in limbo where they will remain until another writer decides to use them or kill them.
UPDATE 100409: 36 more…
Other characters to come out of the 4-color closet were pre-existing characters who sometimes had heterosexual romantic histories. Generally, noone seems to get too upset (or even notice) if the character is minor enough, but as evidenced by the mini-uproar that followed the ricshatty kiss, some fans and creators get more upset than others when their favorite forgotten character from the 80s says "Yep I’m Gay."
UPDATE 100409: 4 more…
Many of the Legion of Super Heroes have been hinted as gay only to have new creative staff change directions and kill planned storylines or completely reboot continuity. As of now, DC Comics has yet to officially "out" ANYONE in the 31st century. What? Are there no gays in the future? Is it like Iran? Hopefully that will be rectified in the new Legion tales in Adventure Comics.
With the modern trend of killing characters wholesale, it’s no surprise that some LGBT heroes and villains can be counted among the casualties but we may be getting more than our 10%. Even though characters such as Northstar, Moondragon and Phyla-vell have died, I’ve listed them elsewhere due to recent resurrections, so this section is longer than it looks.
The characters on this list owe their very existence to those who blazed the trail…Madame Fatal was a retired actor turned cross-dressing hero and was first seen in Crack Comics #1 (May, 1940), a crime/detective anthology series published by Quality Comics. While Northstar WAS introduced in 1979, he didn’t ACTUALLY come out until a few years after DC introduced el Extraño in the New Guardians. Who ever was first, a few more have been added to history since then ( Union Jack II, The Mighty Destroyer) and the boys were soon joined by lesbians like Karma and Rainmaker.
Now I know Peter David said he wasn’t writing the story to piss off Rob Liefeld. But this cover does seem like Peter David and Marvel giving him a visual Fuck You Rob I Don’t Give Two Shots What You Think! And I personally approve. How often do we see posed shots of super powered hetero couples? Most of the time, the woman is a scantily clad accessory draped over the guy so I don’t see anything wrong with this kind of affection, especially considering they’ve just been reunited. They would have posed like this back when we were just supposed to think they were “good friends.”
I’m sure it will stir up more controversy. In fact it already has. There was an interesting comment to my article about Rob Liefeld wanting to undo the outing. It is a bit of a rant about marvel and DC outing old characters for “shock value” but then says “(Rictor and Shatterstar aside because they have BEEN gay).”
If not them, then I’m not sure which characters he’s talking about specifically… Daken? Batwoman maybe? Who else has been outed for “shock value?” But, I actually don’t think you can count any comic book lesbians on the shock value list – writers turn female characters lesbian because it’s titillating to the a perceived adolescent male audience. So it’s meant to be sexy not shocking, so lets stick to the boys… because THEY are more likely to shock even today’s jaded readership…
The only example I can REALLY come up with of a longtime straight character turned gay for “shock value” is Ultimate Colossus. Only other possible exception I have is Ramsey Spencer (Manhunter’s preteen son who was revealed to grow up to be gay in a story set in the future – but since he is a child – he wasn’t established as straight and in this case I think it was the writer trying to tell a planned story quickly because his book was canceled. Other characters revealed as gay: Anole (was fairly new and revealed as gay pretty quick), Graymalkin (new and revealed as gay pretty quick), Northstar (took awhile to out, but he’s been out so long he’s the now gay mutant poster boy). Wiccan and Hulkling (new and revealed as gay pretty quick), Apollo and Midnighter (kind of a shock value thing with the Superman/Batman similarities – but old news) and Obsidian (he existed for awhile before being outed – but again that was long ago) have I left off anyone recent?
Posted in Comics, Review, SFW on 07/29/2009 11:54 pm by fanboi
Now I’m sure I’m just reading into this because I overheard a porn producer saying the EXACT same thing to this one really hot jockstrap-clad gogo boy the other night… I swear!
I know there once was a Mrs. Dugan, but a man has needs and she’s been dead awhile. He could be a late bloomer. Ol’ Dum Dum might as well have sauntered up to Stonewall with that mini leather daddy mustache of his wearing assless leather chaps and a bowler hat saying “hey there boy. You, the tall shirtless one in the tight leather pants and riveted opera gloves. I like the cut of yer jib.”
I think the writers are just fucking with us at this point. First they give him the name Stonewall and that beefcake costume, keep him practically mute and now this? Is this a tease, a completely innocent post battle male-bonding moment or the beginning of a May/December romance? Yeah It’s probably B, but It still made me laugh.
I don’t think writers do things like this by mistake. Usage of commonly known idiom’s such as “playing for both teams” are pretty obvious. Thoughts? What will Wolvie think of it? I’m guessing Daken’s a bisexual top, he seems bossy.
Thanks to Jennifer of FantasticFangirls who pointed out that this is far from the first hint of this tattooed bad boy’s AC/DC inclinations. Apparently Daken admitted to kissing (and killing) a man in Wolverine Origins #11, and has been using his pheromone power to sexually manipulate women and men in Dark Wolverine. Damn – ANOTHER title I’ll have to start picking up!
Also thanks to reader and regular commenter Psiwire who sent me these panels that reveal how Daken sexually manipulated a male H.A.M.M.E.R. employee with his pheromone power and him hitting on fellow Dark Avenger Mac Gargan – the Dark Avengers answer to “Spider-Man” (really Venom – formerly The Scorpion).
With all this evidence, it seems this is not just a tease. I love that all these new (and old) characters are coming out these days!
Anyone else got a scan that adds fuel to the bisexual fire? Send it in for a shout out! For that matter – send me anything you spot that “outs” ANY comic book character!
I just spotted this, was thinking it was the video you mentioned in comment today. Dunno how I missed it before. Thanks SO much for the shout out on YouTube GayComicGeek! Big fan of your stuff! REALLY looking forward to your follow-up about Liefeld’s ridiculous remarks!
Although I doubt Marvel would ever even consider giving him the chance, the 90’s MOST overrated comic artist, often ridiculed X-Force creator Rob Liefeld has now gone on record as saying…
“As the guy that Created, designed and wrote his first dozen appearances, Shatterstar is not gay. Sorry Can’t wait to someday undo this. Seems totally contrived. Shatterstar is akin to Maximus in Gladiator. He’s a warrior, a Spartan, and not a gay one.”
The capital “C” on “Created” is a direct quote – hmmm, God complex? It doesn’t matter what he thought about the character as it’s creator. He created Shatterstar for Marvel and whatever they publish with that character is canon whether it comes from the mind of the original creator or not. Get over it Rob.
the Blogger at Southern4Life really said it best – “Seems totally contrived, Rob? We can say that about your art as well.
When a fan pointed out while “Liefeld created Shatterstar and did several issues with him, he isn’t the only one that’s written him, and he isn’t the only one that has contributed to his character,” to which Liefeld replied…
“Your opinion doesn’t change the fact that it sucks and its not a positive move in most fans eyes.”
I have already been “banned” (I registered using my other handle pxlforge – figuring heroesnhunks might get me banned before I even got in) from Rob Liefeld’s forum for posting my dissenting opinion. I posted nothing against the rules, just the following…
Umm did you people actually READ X-Force after Liefeld left? There were MANY hints as to the relationship between Shatterstar and Rictor. I for one am happy to see Marvel having the balls to finally follow through on the old sub-plots. With his comment about undoing PAD’s story, I bet Marvel never lets Rob near the character again.
I thought he probably promptly deleted my comment from the forum, but I got a form submission from pxlforge.com congratulating me on my “nice hit & run on Liefeld’s board.” So it was up AT LEAST long enough for someone to read it and track me down. Let me know if it is still there. I AM ACTIVELY ENCOURAGING ALL OF YOU TO REGISTER ANDCYBER-BULLYROB LIEFELD (nothing illegal or life threatening – I just want him to understand his opinion isn’t the only one). C’mon, It’ll be fun! Like Kathy Griffen on Ryan Secrest!
If you are unfamiliar with his anatomy-mangling artwork, be sure to check out Rob Liefeld’s 40 Worst Drawings and one he stole from John Byrne. As anyone can tell by his ridiculously passe drawing style, Liefeld’s time on high-profile books is long past so we REALLY shouldn’t worry.
Here is a comment from current X-Factor writer Peter Allan David about his reasons for bringing back the Shatterstar / Rictor pairing…
here’s the bottom line: The only capacity in which anyone was asking to see the return of Shatterstar was in conjunction with addressing his past with Rictor (a past, I should emphasize, with which I had no creative involvement.) Absolutely no one was saying, “Gee, I always liked Shatterstar, I’d like to see him return.” If they were, they sure weren’t saying it to me. But, “Hey, Peter, with Rictor in the book, we’d love to see you bring back Shatterstar and have them pick up where they left off”…THAT I was hearing a lot. There seemed to be interest in it. So I figured, What the heck. No one else is doing anything with Shatterstar. I might as well.
when you (Rob Liefeld) put forward comments that begin with, essentially, “Some of my best friends are gay” and end with “I can’t wait to undo this,” you have to be screamingly naive to not realize you’re going to come across as a raging homophobe.
Rob…seriously…you can’t have it both ways. You stated that your work on Shatterstar in his first dozen appearances locked in that he wasn’t gay, or bi. His first dozen appearances did not constitute nineteen years worth of stories. The fact is that various people have done far more with Shatterstar than you did, and drawn many lines connecting him with Rictor. Now perhaps you didn’t read those issues, or perhaps you thought all those were stupid as well. Which is fine; you’re certainly entitled to your opinion, and considering you created the character, your opinion carries much weight. But you don’t get to act as if for nineteen solid years the character (who for a sizable percentage of those years has been MIA) has never displayed the slightest homosexual tendency when the fact is that other writers have implied exactly that. In other words, he’s been of ambiguous sexual orientation for far longer than the dozen appearances where you say he wasn’t.
And what is your vision of Shatterstar?
He’s brave? Check.
Strong? Check.
Valiant warrior? Check.
Dedicated to his team mates? Check.
A hero? Check.
Big honkin’ swords? Check.
Garish costume and ridiculously long hair? Well…you can’t have everything.
Ask yourself: How much of your vision of your favorite character involved his sexuality? I’m guessing little-to-none. Meantime, aside from his ensemble and coiffure, he’s the same guy he always was. So basically your favorite character has returned and you’re going to…what? Not read about it? Because he cares about another man? Does that seem reasonable to you? If you believe it is, I respect that. But to me…it doesn’t.
Peter Allan David rocks! I’ve been a fan of his since I first read his work on the Hulk (circa his involvement with the Pantheon). Click to read his interesting comments about what was happening at Marvel after Northstar came out.
This week in X-Factor #45 Shatterstar and Rictor FINALLY share an on-panel gay kiss. I’ve been raving about Peter David’s brilliant run on X-Factor. His take on Madrox the Multiple Man and pals is probably the most interesting X-Title right now (and that’s saying a lot as I’m enjoying Uncanny, Legacy, Astonishing and even X-Force). Not only is the future story arc moving along and telling us a story I just cannot anticipate, but also we get the long-awaited revelation of Shatterstar’s true feelings for Rictor. I hope Ric doesn’t break Shatty’s heart Well first I hope they can keep Cortex (who is in communication with the future of the Summer’s Rebellion – WHAT WHAT?). If I had to put money on it, the divided storylines will probably all come to a boil about issue #50.
If you know your original X-Force, you might remember subtle innuendo that sparked a fair amount of speculation about the nature of the close friendship between two of the male characters. At the time, Marvel supposedly said they were not gay. In a recent article, creators said that Shatterstar and Rictor WERE planned to become involved romantically, claiming the subplot wasn’t dropped “Marvel pressured to keep Shatterstar and Rictor from becoming a couple” but because “when the creative team changes, things get dropped”.
From the looks of the big reveal above, Peter David has picked up that dangling sub-plot and is really running with it. It’s about time! As far as I can count, both Shatterstar and Rictor are now ahead of Northstar, although he was the first out -and-proud superhero, he still hasn’t had a kiss onscreen (or has he – if he has – send me a pic).
I’m really looking forward to this book. It makes sense that Green Lantern would not take the recent losses during Final Crisis well and put together a more proactive team. The line-up is a bit odd (c’mon you can’t tell me you weren’t a bit surprised to see Congorilla, the bisexual blue Starman and Batwoman on the team). I’m all for it – we certainly need more heroic inclusion and we’ve never had 2 openly LGBT characters on a JLA team before. Previously we’d seen some cover art and a few random pages, but Newsarama showed us some real penciled pages from the book which is due in July.
What brings a team together? Justice! Batman and Martian Manhunter have been slaughtered. But he’s not the only hero to fall at the hands of villains. The murder has to stop, and it’s time to take the fight to the bad guys! Heroes have fallen and Green Lantern, Green Arrow, Supergirl, Batwoman, Atom, Shazam, Congorilla (REALLY?) and Starman unite in a cry for justice!
This 6-part miniseries from James Robinson (STARMAN, SUPERMAN) and rising star artist Mauro Cascioli (TRIALS OF SHAZAM) pushes our heroes to the brink and beyond as evil can no longer be tolerated to win. But when Prometheus plans his revenge on not only the heroes, but on the very places they call home, will this new team be ready to pay the cost for the justice they seek? This time it’s personal – and it’ll only get more bloody before it’s over!
I WILL be interested to see what events unfold that result in this disparate group pulling together. I’m also curious how it is going to impact the main JLA title – especially now that it seems to be floundering as a supposedly flagship title that has been reduced to something that TRIES to tell a story or two in between crossovers.
Is it just me or is Kid Eternity kinda sexy? Am I just projecting or is he a potential Friend of Northstar? Maybe it is just because he managed to keep his supermodel hair looking so fabulous despite the lack of product in Hell, or maybe it is the red sash belt and leather boots. But I’m not the first to think so…
Kid Eternity is back in this issue featuring an “Origins and Omens” backup tale! But is he here to stay? In part 3 of “The New Teen Titans,” learn how the Kid’s struggle with the Lords of Chaos and Order has progressed, why his abilities are on the fritz and how his arrival creates major problems for his teammates!
Here is a torrent to issues 1-16 of the early 90’s Kid Eternity series from DC’s Vertigo imprint.
Will someone (beside me – I already did) tell GLAAD that if they want to judge and award comic books for fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the LGBT community, they need to read EVERYTHING! They missed Manhunter. And it is truly a shame. Their Comic Book nominations were mere inclusion – Manhunter represented.
This final issue of Manhunter was the second in a two part story arc sent “some years later” – at least 10-12 years later when Manhunter Kate Spencer’s young son is all grown up with a loving live-in boyfriend and powers of his own. I have to admit the villains for the last issue left something to be desired. But it wasn’t really about them. It was about Kate recognizing and embracing her son Ramsey as her heroic legacy (at some undetermined point in the future).
To me it really felt as if the writer had the rug pulled out from under him again and had a few basic truths about the future of these characters that he had to express. And I am so glad he did. Thank you Marc Andreyko!!!
Andreyko co-wrote the limited series Torso with Brian Michael Bendis, for which he was nominated for the Angoulême International Comics Festival Prize Awarded by the Audience and the Prize for Scenario (script) in 2003. He and Bendis are working with Paramount Pictures on a film adaptation of the work.
I was a latecomer to this series and I feel terrible about it. I started reading it around issue #30 when it was rescued from cancellation. I am so glad that it was brought back for the 8 issues that I read because without them I would not have the overwhelming urge to run out and buy all the trade paperbacks for issues 1-30 (or at least as many issues as the trades cover – I can only hope it will be close to the full run).
I am really happy to hear that Manhunter will not be in limbo long as Kate Spencer is going to be a new District Attorney in Gotham during/post the battle for the cowl.
I will be buying the trades this week, so expect a full review and some of the best gay moments from the series. I am trying my fave comic book store first – Whatever Comics in the heart of San Francisco’s oh so gay Castro District. If they don’t have it I will resort to the online porn hating evil that is amazon.
If anyone knows an online store that carries the trades AND accepts links from adult sites (damn amazon and their judgmental anti-porn rules) I’d love to include a link! Send me a heads up.
From Jerry Sledge’s introduction (he was in jail for some trouble that involved a date and a cop when Daisy found him), we know he has a story to tell. But we didn’t hear any of it in the 1st issue of Secret Warriors.
They took the “Strong Silent Type” thing a little TOO seriously. He didn’t utter a word in the issue – not even a battle quip. Everyone ELSE had a few lines, even Phobos who was off playing video games. But maybe that’s a good sign – most gay characters in comics tend to be a bit invisible anyway. Look at Obsidian if you can find him now that Manhunter is canceled.
I’d been anticipating the first issue of Secret Warriors since we were first introduced to Jerry Sledge as we were clued into Nick Fury’s plan against the Secret Invasion. If the name Stonewall were not enough to make me suspect him as a “friend of Northstar“, advance shots of him in costume (shirtless muscle hunk tough guy with leather opera gloves) definitely had me thinking/hoping he’ll eventually be revealed as gay.
Why isn’t there ever a gay male powerhouse? Sure we’ve have some power kickass lesbians…(Knockout, Scandal, Question, Batwoman, Phyla, Moondragon). Wouldn’t it be nice if for a change the gay GUY isn’t someone who can fly away real fast (Northstar), someone who turns invisible (Anole) or someone who is completely powerless in direct sunlight (Graymalkin).
What if the gay character on the team was the big bad tough guy?!?!?! What if someone created such a character and stuck with him, making him a real part of the continuity of one of the big two and not just a token character tossed into group battles during crossovers? Might a new generation of straight comic readers see past stereotypes? Might a new generation of gay comic readers have a strong role model?
The closest we’ve seen to this type of character is Hulkling or Apollo and the Midnighter from The Authority. Thus far Hulkling’s portrayal has been good (and I love that we have portrayals of young gays coming out and falling in love, but would like to see some new gay characters outside the recently popular teen demographic. Even a gay character as powerful as Apollo still ends up beaten, raped and left a victim. Midnighter is really the closest we have to a true gay badass, but a rolemodel? I don’t think so.
Lets hope that the powers that be at Marvel know what they are doing. And that they remember Stonewall is more than a lame character from the Freedom Force.
Along with choices from 2008’s Movies, Television, Journalism, Theater and Literature, 5 Comic Book Titles (from DC Comics, Dark Horse and Marvel) have been nominated for the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation’s 20th annual Media Awards honoring 2008’s media representations of the LGBT community in 26 English-language and 15 Spanish-language categories.
Nominees in the comic-book category are seen below…
The awards will be presented at a series of dinners: March 28 at the Marriott Marquis in New York, April 18 at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles and May 9 at the Hilton San Francisco.
It is not specified when the winning comic will be chosen.
I feel that seriously GLAAD dropped the ball a bit here. DC’s much underrated Manhunter is a much better representation of gays in comics than Buffy, Final Crisis Revelations or Secret Six. Don’t get me wrong I love all those comics but mere inclusion isn’t enough.
Although Buffy Season 8 has Willow as a lesbian and Buffy herself had a little lesbian fling, homosexuality in Buffy TVS has always been a touch on the “lesbians are titillating” side. Tossed in for the fanboys who like that sort of thing.
Final Crisis: Revelations had 2 lesbians IN it but didn’t really have anything to do with them being gay or reference their relationship in any REAL way.
And Secret Six shows Scandal mourning her dead lover – Knockout. Only real gay moment in the new ongoing was the stripper in a cake that the guys got for Scandal in a severly misguided attempt to cheer her up. And as she mourns, we have to see Bane hitting on her with his creepy doting.
I haven’t read The Alcoholic so I cannot speak to its representation. Young Avengers Presents is the only title listed that I feel does a reasonably good job of representing. But even though they identify as “boyfriends” we still don’t see the same kind of treatment straight relationships get. No I love yous and definitely no kiss.
Now the now canceled (1 issue left) Manhunter’s inclusion of “Uncle Todd” (Obsidian) and his boyfriend in its supporting cast not only shows a loving gay relationship as a normal and regular part of everyday life but also shows strong family values with their relationship with Manhunter’s son and eventual adoption of the new “Jade”. She was introduced in he title’s final arc, which also revealed 2 new future gay members of the DC legacy heroes… Manhunter’s semi-invulnerable son Ramsey and his size-changing boyfriend (parents unknown at this time) through a story set some years in the future.
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.
Last week I reported about the story in Manifest Destinty #3 in which the latest Young X-Man (Jonas Graymalkin) came out to Anole (Victor Borkowski – and yes I’m using his real name because “his parents gave him a name and he likes to use it occasionally”). I think having 2 gay characters in a title as mainstream as Young X-Men is very important and will be watching these 2 like a hawk and hoping for realistic and responsible characterization.
As I said in my initial article, I am really hoping that their relationship will become a lasting example of two gay best friends rather than a romance. The dice are still in the air so I’m not sure exactly what the writers have in store for these two yet, but I’ll keep you posted.
I like Anole’s quip, and as a “gay guy who moved to San Francisco” it rings true. I just hope they don’t feel the need to have him literally remind us he’s gay all the time.
So far it seems that Anole is the only team member that Graymalkin has confided in thus far. He still needs some therapy – poor boy is talking to himself in front of people.
Although I was happy to see Victor Borkowski (Anole) looking out for his new friend on the battlefield, why would they send Graymalkin? He has has zero training and has been underground for 200 years… Doesn’t he need therapy, some Danger Room sessions and an education covering the past 2 centuries of human advancement before you send him up against an unknown enemy?
Um, yeah. I guess he could use some training. Also what kind of crappy flimsy spandex uniform did they give Graymalkin that plain old claws can cut through it? Its not as if they are Wolvie’s adamantium claws, just a gangbanger mutant wanna be.
It bothers me that they establish a friendship between the 2 gay characters and then show it as a sign of weakness because it distracts Anole during battle. I hope this isn’t a recurring theme.
Marvel’s X-Men continue to be on the forefront (for the comics world) of LGBT issues. Not only does the Marvel mutant concept itself speak to any minority considered “different”, but also Northstar, the first out-and-proud Marvel Superhero first appeared in the pages of the X-Men and he eventually found his way into their roster (though the writers have since killed him, resurrected him, made him evil and brought him back into the fold as a well-meaning but kinda bitchy queen). His footsteps were followed by later LGBT characters such as Karma and Anole. Jonas Graymalkin is the latest in a fine fictional gay and lesbian mutant tradition.
The recent X-MenManifest Destiny #3 of 5 had a number of short stories, including a dark and touching origin story told by the latest addition to the X-Men’s roster – Jonas Graymalkin. At first I didn’t get that Graymalkin was talking to someone (Anole) as he narrated his history. In the 1800’s, his homophobic father caught him about to secretly rendezvous with a boyfriend, called him an “abomination” and beat him to the brink of death then buried him alive. The darkness of his grave triggered his latent mutant power which kept him alive and alone for 200 years (his power works in complete darkness, and the darkness of a grave kept him invulnerable enough to survive without food or water for that long – though I’m not sure why it took him so long to dig out is he’s superstrong in the dark too – unless he didn’t try – the boy needs a fictional therapist).
His is possibly the saddest, most disturbing origins I have read to date (and I’ve read a lot of comics). I cannot even imagine the issues someone in that position would go through, but I sincerely hope Marvel’s writers attempt to figure it out.
I’m pretty psyched to see two gay members of the Young X-Men, but oddly enough, I’m not looking for a gay romance between the characters. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for gay romances being integrated into the mainstream of comics (a la Hulkling and Wiccan). But we already have that relationship (though it NEEDS a monthly home) and I’d rather see something new.
I don’t think a realistic platonic friendship between 2 gay characters has ever been attempted. So although the “intoxicating” meal and music that Jonas shared with Anole was likely his “first date” ever, I hope the writers can do better than instant deep abiding love and be a bit more realistic. Sometimes its more important to have a friend, and after what Graymalkin has been through – he DEFINITELY needs a friend more than a lover.
In time a lover shouldn’t be a problem. The X-Men are now celebs in the San Francisco of the Marvel Universe. There would be more than a few gay boys around who could love a 200 year old sensitive yet super strong and comic book muscled gray mutant with bug eyes (I can think of ONE I know personally who would probably consider such an act if he wasn’t already so very taken… he knows who he is) I think Anole and Graymalkin would make great 4color rolemodels as gay wingmen.
I’d like to see some realistic confusion from Graymalkin – with his established backstory, I could see him falling for the first out-and-proud gay guy to tell him its OK to be who he is. But I think the story possibilities that would result from Graymalkin and Anole being best friends could do a lot more good.
I’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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
Hmmm. Now Marvel knows people gossip and make jokes often… in fact they make a few themselves such as changing As(s)guardian to Wiccan after he came out. Which leads me to wonder… Would they name Jerry Sledge, who is a big strong shirtless beefcake character “Stonewall” and NOT make him gay? I hope not. The Marvel Universe could use a few more of us. I hope his comment isn’t a ‘phobe joke. Having a character like the new Stonewall be gay could be a wonderful effort on Marvel’s part to give gay youth a hero.
I’m going on the new sobriquet and some pronoun confusion I vaguely remember from his first jail cell appearance (cannot find the issue at the moment – will keep looking and perhaps update this article). But if you have that issue and a scanner – send me a 450 pixel wide image of Daisy getting Stonewall outta jail! I’ll give you a shout out.
Just in case some of you have NO idea why I might think the name suggests he’s one of us… read all about the 1969 the Stonewall Riots and thank your predecessors for our strides in Pride since then.
There was a previous Marvel character named Stonewall who was part of the “Freedom Force” (X-men foes Brotherhood of Evil Mutants as government flunkies + a few hero stooges from the 50’s), but he’s dead.
Refresh my memory. Have we ever had a gay member of the JLA? (not just an ally or guest star, or someone whose sexuality is hinted at or sensationalized but a out proud card carrying member who dates). If so, please refresh my memory. But regardless, I bet there was never a team of 8 with TWO gay members! And we’ve got a lesbian in Batwoman and a bisexual with blue alien Starman, Mikaal Thomas. That 25% much better than that measly Kinsey 10% we’re usually given. Too bad they left that tidbit out of the CBR article… I wonder why? It seems significant detail to me.
While talking with CBR, James Dale Robinson let slip a few details about plans for his “Justice League” series: Green Lantern will “slip out from under the shadow of the Trinity” to lead the team (about time, even Aquaman had his own lineup – and he just talks to fish), the disparate lineup will all come together naturally due to a course of events, not by some super powered triumvirate sorting through dossiers, and finally that this team will have a “purpose that was different from the Justice League of America.”
James Dale Robinson’s Justice League Lineup includes: Green Lantern (Hal Jordan), Green Arrow, The Atom (Ray Palmer), Shazam (Freddy Freeman), Supergirl, Batwoman, Starman (Mikaal Thomas, former ally of Starmen Jack and Ted Knight) and last and least… Congorilla??? (A.K.A. ongo Bill – a seven-foot tall, 90 year old, magical golden gorilla with the intelligence and the sophistication of a big game hunter).
“Justice League” #1 will feature artwork by Mauro Cascioli (“The Trials of Shazam”), but has yet to be solicited. “I think we are waiting for Mauro to finish some more, so probably the end of the summer,” said Robinson. “But what’s he done so far, especially with his colors, is beautiful.”
I’m really curious what kind of event will bring these 8 due to a natural confluence of events…
Well first I hope they can keep Cortex (who is in communication with the future of the 
