Young X-Men’s Graymalkin is gay!
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-Men Manifest 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.
Graymalkin has an as yet undiscovered link to “Cypher” (most likely the long-dead New Mutant Doug Ramsey – who was also buried on Xavier soil – but he was actually dead – though Cypher’s bond with Warlock makes anything possible.).
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