Are there really no gay teenagers in the DCU?

[K-DoG7p7]

Really.... none?

at all?


Been thinking about this for a while now.. and I must say.. the only one I can think of is Speedy hinting at some experience.. but thats it..


Strange..

[the4thpip]

Hero Cruz and Kyle Rayner's assistant. And one of Static's friends, who I guess now counts.

[K-DoG7p7]

Kyle Rayner's assistant was like what.. 18 when that story came out.. so he is like ... 20 something now?.. right? so not a teenager also was a supporting character..

Hero Cruz last showed up like what... 10 years ago? and he was far from a "young" Teenager back then.. so my guess is technically an adult now :P

and Statics buddy Rick.. yeah ok.. but Supporting character

[section 8]

Robin?......

[Lester C.]

Speedy heterosexual. If she has lesbian experience that because she was paid to do it back when she was a 15 year old prostitute.

The only one I can think of is Ramsey from Manhunter whom we know grows up to be gay but right now he's only seven.

[K-DoG7p7]

The only one I can think of is Ramsey from Manhunter whom we know grows up to be gay but right now he's only seven.

if he counts then little Anissa in BL Year One counts as well :P

Speedy heterosexual. Without a 100% confirmation of that.. how can you be sure? :p
If she has lesbian experience that because she was paid to do it back when she was a 15 year old prostitute. thats kinda what the hints where..

[Cayman]

Isn't Holly Robinson still a teenager?

[DubipR]

Isn't Holly Robinson still a teenager?

In her 20s

[Cayman]

Zachary Zatara would be a good character to reveal as gay.

[the4thpip]

Zachary Zatara would be a good character to reveal as gay.

... in fishnets!

[Spackling Compound]

Really.... none?

at all?


Been thinking about this for a while now.. and I must say.. the only one I can think of is Speedy hinting at some experience.. but thats it..


Strange..

Robin.
And bonus points for being a member of a gay-intergen couple.

[friginator]

Kamandi HAS to be gay.

[Lester C.]

if he counts then little Anissa in BL Year One counts as well :P

Without a 100% confirmation of that.. how can you be sure? :p
thats kinda what the hints where..

We've seen stories in Green Arrow from her point of view and she was definitely into Men. This isn't to say that the might not be bisexual, but she is a confirmed man chaser.

[K-DoG7p7]

We've seen stories in Green Arrow from her point of view and she was definitely into Men. This isn't to say that the might not be bisexual, but she is a confirmed man chaser.

all true....

[Lester C.]

Someone with no life complied a HUGE list of gay, bisexual, transgendered and closeted superheroes.

http://www.gayleague.com/gay/characters/

[BnL]

Someone with no life complied a HUGE list of gay, bisexual, transgendered and closeted superheroes.

http://www.gayleague.com/gay/characters/

No, they have lives, they're just offering information that otherwise wouldn't be available. It's a useful resource.

[Pink Bat Maxine]

Someone with no life complied a HUGE list of gay, bisexual, transgendered and closeted superheroes.

http://www.gayleague.com/gay/characters/

How the hell they don't list Shvaughn Erin under transgendered characters, I've never understood.

Also, I'd put Madam Fatal there. I mean..... C'MAWN!!!!!

[Grazzt]

How the hell they don't list Shvaughn Erin under transgendered characters, I've never understood.

Also, I'd put Madam Fatal there. I mean..... C'MAWN!!!!!

Shvaughn was born male, and he only became female to pursue Element Lad. That doesn't sound truly transgendered to me.

As for Madam Fatal, I don't think he really identified as female. He just dressed as one to fight crime. He sounds more like a theater queen in any case.

[stealthwise]

Someone with no life linked to a HUGE list of gay, bisexual, transgendered and closeted superheroes.

http://www.gayleague.com/gay/characters/

Ohohohoho... wordplay. :)

[Tawky Tawny]

Two questions:

Does the DCU comprise characters that are never named or even shown, but are assumed to exist because of the stories' level of realism (Daily Planet paper carriers, the population of Kearney, Neb., plumbers, farmers, burglars, &c.)? If so, some of them can be assumed to be gay teenagers I'd think.

Where does M'sieur Mallah and the Brain's relationship fall on the straight-gay-transgendered scale?

[Corrina]

Well, I assume with Mallah & the brain, there's possibly a furry fetish involved....:)

[K-DoG7p7]

Well, I assume with Mallah & the brain, there's possibly a furry fetish involved....:)


well.. given that mallah is an actual gorilla.... furry does not cover it..
but have they ever actually done anything.. The brain did have a body for a while after oyl... sooo... ehhhwww

[K-DoG7p7]

soo its aggreed then..

There really are no gay teenager in the DCU...

maybe thats why marvel has higher sales? nahh

[Cayman]

Where does M'sieur Mallah and the Brain's relationship fall on the straight-gay-transgendered scale?

They were both killed recently.

[K-DoG7p7]

They were both killed recently.

so was Grodd in the same scene.... yet he is back...

[RachelEvil]

They were both killed recently.

Again?

.....

[Tobias March]

Again?

.....

That was my reaction!

At least in Doom Patrol they got to enjoy an impassioned kiss moments beforehand.

[Pink Bat Maxine]

Shvaughn was born male, and he only became female to pursue Element Lad. That doesn't sound truly transgendered to me.

As for Madam Fatal, I don't think he really identified as female. He just dressed as one to fight crime. He sounds more like a theater queen in any case.

Oh, let me have my fun!


Heh. At any rate, for my part, that explanation for Shvaugn always rang false. I know it's not canon, but I'd like to see her develop as a simple transsexual. Which, really, would make more sense. And make her far less creepy and stalkerish.

As for Madam Fatal, we warned: I'm fully willing to enter into a lengthy 'is not/is too' argument for her!

Honestly, I think it would just plain be for fun for her to be a crossdresser, at least.

[Cayman]

so was Grodd in the same scene.... yet he is back...

He came back in the same mini though. I don't believe we've seen the two of them again.

[ScottyQuick]

Someone with no life [/url]

... says the user with over 22 thousand posts.

[Lester C.]

... says the user with over 22 thousand posts.

Over a four year period and most of those posts took place at work where I was getting paid to go on the internet. Someone spent hundred, if not thousand of man hours, on creating very detailed muli page bios on hundreds of ancillary comic book characters. Then they paid to post that information and keep it posted on the internet. I maintain my stance that at the time of the website's creation the creator of it had no social life.

[Spackling Compound]

Over a four year period and most of those posts took place at work where I was getting paid to go on the internet. Someone spent hundred, if not thousand of man hours, on creating very detailed muli page bios on hundreds of ancillary comic book characters. Then they paid to post that information and keep it posted on the internet. I maintain my stance that at the time of the website's creation the creator of it had no social life.

Regardless, I think the defense is that the person sacrificed time to bring up an important issue to LGBTQ's who are interested in the pop culture medium of comic books.

[K-DoG7p7]

Over a four year period and most of those posts took place at work where I was getting paid to go on the internet. Someone spent hundred, if not thousand of man hours, on creating very detailed muli page bios on hundreds of ancillary comic book characters. Then they paid to post that information and keep it posted on the internet. I maintain my stance that at the time of the website's creation the creator of it had no social life.

do NOT defend your self!

[Alt-World]

Is a characters' sexuality really that important with a comic book character? :rolleyes:

[RachelEvil]

Yes.

......

[Alt-World]

How is it important?

I'm a person who doesn't really care what another sexuality is, its not an issue or really a big deal.

So why is it important that a 'comic book superhero' character are gay or not?

[TCJohnson]

When I was younger one of my favorite super heroes was Aquaman for the reasons that I loved the ocean and had blonde hair, and so did he.

A lot of comic book fans, especially the younger ones, look for characters and heroes that reflect themselves in some way. Having more diverse characters is not only good for the industry, but having positive role models for kids who may be questioning their sexuality would be good for them.

[Alt-World]

When I was younger one of my favorite super heroes was Aquaman for the reasons that I loved the ocean and had blonde hair, and so did he.

A lot of comic book fans, especially the younger ones, look for characters and heroes that reflect themselves in some way. Having more diverse characters is not only good for the industry, but having positive role models for kids who may be questioning their sexuality would be good for them.

At least thats an explained answer, over just going yes.

I always thought the superheroes job in a comic book was to inspire and entertain more than anything else. Although I can see the importance of role models (which are needed more than ever), I just don't see the huge deal about it.

There are gay, straight, bi, pan, multi, & omni sexual characters in all major and minor comic book universes. The comic books have always been more about there actions, over who their relationships/partners are.

Would you rather have a characters sexuality hinted at, over being used as a marketing tool?
:wink:

[ScottyQuick]

Over a four year period and most of those posts took place at work where I was getting paid to go on the internet. Someone spent hundred, if not thousand of man hours, on creating very detailed muli page bios on hundreds of ancillary comic book characters. Then they paid to post that information and keep it posted on the internet. I maintain my stance that at the time of the website's creation the creator of it had no social life.

First of all, it was not one person but a group of four people. Secondly, it's not that hard to google "gay comic characters" and find a few individual pages, which you can link on your own site, and it certainly wouldn't take thousands of hours. Thirdly, it's not just those 4 people submitting them, it's fans of the website as well. Fourthly, it's not multi-page bios on hundreds of ancillary comic book characters, it's small half-page bios on characters like Gannon Malloy, and larger page bios on major characters like Grace Choi and Renee Montoya.

There are gay, straight, bi, pan, multi, & omni sexual characters in all major and minor comic book universes. The comic books have always been more about there actions, over who their relationships/partners are.

There really aren't, in my opinion. DC has Renee Montoya, Batwoman, Obsidian, Midnighter, Apollo, and Constantine in regular series. Marvel has Karolina Dean, Xavin (no wait), Northstar (no wait), Anole (no wait), Billy and Teddy (NO WAIT YOUNG AVENGERS HASN'T COME BACK YET ;_;). Compare that to the number of heterosexual characters just being seen in regular series, and it's staggering.

Of course comic books are about action. They're also about the relationships between the characters. Think about it - Lois Lane and Clark Kent is a big part of most issues of Action Comics. The relationship between Selina Kyle and Bruce Wayne is the longest running plot in Batman, ever. If it was just about action, would it be half as interesting? Would Bruce stopping the Joker be half as cool if you didn't know about Bruce's hatred towards Joker and the Joker's ... how does he even feel towards Bruce?

[BnL]

First of all, it was not one person but a group of four people. Secondly, it's not that hard to google "gay comic characters" and find a few individual pages, which you can link on your own site, and it certainly wouldn't take thousands of hours. Thirdly, it's not just those 4 people submitting them, it's fans of the website as well. Fourthly, it's not multi-page bios on hundreds of ancillary comic book characters, it's small half-page bios on characters like Gannon Malloy, and larger page bios on major characters like Grace Choi and Renee Montoya.

Not to mention that the site has existed for 12 years now, and has been updated with new information over the course of that time. And many of the contributors and members of the site are creators themselves (including Gail).

[thebhamgunslinger]

Is it really that big a deal if an imaginary comic book character is gay or not? Really?

[Alt-World]

There really aren't, in my opinion. DC has Renee Montoya, Batwoman, Obsidian, Midnighter, Apollo, and Constantine in regular series. Marvel has Karolina Dean, Xavin (no wait), Northstar (no wait), Anole (no wait), Billy and Teddy (NO WAIT YOUNG AVENGERS HASN'T COME BACK YET ;_;). Compare that to the number of heterosexual characters just being seen in regular series, and it's staggering.

The percentage of hetro to homo is staggering too, so in the end aren't the comic books really just reflecting that? Really I honestly do not believe a characters sexually orientation is as important, as that characters actions and morals.

What is annoying is the sudden trend in using a characters sexually orientation as a marketing ploy, just to grab headlines. I remember early 90's DC comic books with gay characters, and it was just one of those normal things. Now its a media event. :rolleyes:

[The Ray]

Is it really that big a deal if an imaginary comic book character is gay or not? Really?

Kinda is. When the majority of comic book characters seem to speak only to one life experience, the applied assumption being that that life experience is " normal ", then it could be kind of irritating when you don't relate to that experience. At the core, I believe that there are way more commonalities than their are differences, but with that said I believe that these differences are important. Not everyone is a straight, white guy. We should have character that speaks to other experiences while at the same time maintaining the humanity that binds us all.

[ScottyQuick]

The percentage of hetro to homo is staggering too, so in the end aren't the comic books really just reflecting that? Really I honestly do not believe a characters sexually orientation is as important, as that characters actions and morals.

Let's review DC's comics:

ADVENTURE COMICS #0
BLACK LIGHTNING: YEAR ONE #3 (OF 6)
EL DIABLO #6 (OF 6)
FINAL CRISIS: LEGION OF THREE WORLDS #3 (OF 5) Preview Available
JONAH HEX #40 Preview Available
LOONEY TUNES #171
THE MIGHTY #1 Preview Available
SECRET SIX #6 Preview Available
SUPERGIRL: COSMIC ADVENTURES IN THE EIGHTH GRADE #3
TANGENT: SUPERMAN'S REIGN VOL. 1
TERROR TITANS #5 (OF 6) Preview Available
TINY TITANS VOL. 1: WELCOME TO THE TREEHOUSE
TRINITY #36 Preview Available
ACTION COMICS #874 Preview Available
BATMAN #686
BATMAN AND THE OUTSIDERS SPECIAL Preview Available
BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #26 Preview Available
BOOSTER GOLD #17 Preview Available
CARTOON NETWORK ACTION PACK
GREEN ARROW/BLACK CANARY #17 Preview Available
GREEN LANTERN CORPS #33 Preview Available
NIGHTWING #153 Preview Available
R.E.B.E.L.S. #1 Preview Available
SIMON DARK #17
THE SPIRIT #26
SUPER FRIENDS #12
TITANS #10 Preview Available
TRINITY #37 Preview Available
VIXEN: RETURN OF THE LION #5 (OF 5)
BIRDS OF PREY #127
BLACK LIGHTNING: YEAR ONE #4 (OF 6)
THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #22
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #30
THE OUTSIDERS #15
ROBIN #183
SCOOBY-DOO #141
SUPERGIRL #38
SUPERMAN/BATMAN #55
TANGENT: SUPERMAN'S REIGN #12 (OF 12)
TINY TITANS #13
TRINITY #38
VIGILANTE #3
BATMAN: CACOPHONY #3 (OF 3)
BATMAN: GOTHAM AFTER MIDNIGHT #10 (OF 12)
BATMAN: THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #2
BLUE BEETLE #36
CARTOON NETWORK BLOCK PARTY #54
GREEN LANTERN #38
JUSTICE SOCIETY OF AMERICA #24
REIGN IN HELL #8
SGT. ROCK: THE LOST BATTALION #4 (OF 6)
SUPERMAN #685
TEEN TITANS #68
TRINITY #39
THE WAR THAT TIME FORGOT #10 (OF 12)
WONDER WOMAN #29

There are 56 comics. Out of them, 2 have queer main characters, both lesbian women, and both are team books starring 4 people or more. According to GLAAD (http://www.commercialcloset.org/common/news/reports/detail.cfm?Classification=report&QID=5424&ClientID=11064&TopicID=384&subsection=resources&subnav=resources), 4-10% of America is queer. There's no doubt in my mind that it's above 4%.

Of course a character's actions, morals, and personalities are important. But imagine if 97% of comic books you opened starred queer characters, and the 3% that didn't would have straight characters a member of an ensemble cast, and they'd all be women.

[RachelEvil]

Would you rather have a characters sexuality hinted at, over being used as a marketing tool?
:wink:

Marketing tool, totally. They could run Batwoman ads in Curve.

[RachelEvil]

Is it really that big a deal if an imaginary comic book character is gay or not? Really?

It is, for exactly the reasons TCJohnson mentioned.

Trust me, it's not pleasant when you're growing up, and reading these comics about these great heroes to look up to, and then you realize... there's no one there like you.

[titanfan]

There are gay, straight, bi, pan, multi, & omni sexual characters in all major and minor comic book universes. The comic books have always been more about there actions, over who their relationships/partners are.

Would you rather have a characters sexuality hinted at, over being used as a marketing tool?

But their relationships/partners are a big deal. Superman has Lois, Barry had Iris, then there was Ralph and Sue, Hal and Carol, Katar and Shayera, Diana and Steve, etc. When I was little, I wish there was a relationship I could have related to more. Yeah, some things are universal, others--not so much.

I don't really like a characters' sexuality being used as a marketing tool, but if it actually works and gets more people interested in a certain character and comic, that can only be a good thing.

[Flâneur]

The percentage of hetro to homo is staggering too, so in the end aren't the comic books really just reflecting that? Really I honestly do not believe a characters sexually orientation is as important, as that characters actions and morals.

What is annoying is the sudden trend in using a characters sexually orientation as a marketing ploy, just to grab headlines. I remember early 90's DC comic books with gay characters, and it was just one of those normal things. Now its a media event. :rolleyes:
Marvel has over 5000 characters, written throughout the history of their publishing house and those that they purchased. Look at how many are LGBT. It doesn't at all reflect any real life situation or statistic.

Also, apart from Batwoman, there really isn't very many 'headlines' and it is noteworthy for Batwoman because it's potentially the highest profile LGBT person to be in comics, period.

Is it really that big a deal if an imaginary comic book character is gay or not? Really?
That argument is really easy to make when everybody and their donkey is straight. It is a big deal when everyone is straight and somehow, almost no gay characters turn up. It then become weird and indicative of a wider issue.

It's also a big deal because we all know how much fiction and media guides the way we think and perceive things. LGBT kids, at some point growing up, feel alone and out of place, different, and having people like us exist in the wider media makes an immense difference in how people feel about themselves and think about the world. That's not just confined to comics either. So it really is a big deal.

[thebhamgunslinger]

That argument is really easy to make when everybody and their donkey is straight. It is a big deal when everyone is straight and somehow, almost no gay characters turn up. It then become weird and indicative of a wider issue.

It's also a big deal because we all know how much fiction and media guides the way we think and perceive things. LGBT kids, at some point growing up, feel alone and out of place, different, and having people like us exist in the wider media makes an immense difference in how people feel about themselves and think about the world. That's not just confined to comics either. So it really is a big deal.
Good point. I just never pay attention to whether or not a comic book character is straight, gay or otherwise. It just has never really mattered to me.

[Gilda Dent]

How is it important?

I'm a person who doesn't really care what another sexuality is, its not an issue or really a big deal.

So why is it important that a 'comic book superhero' character are gay or not?

Sexuality on some level has always been a part of superhero comics. Heroes are routinely given a romantic interest; it's actually a little unusual when this isn't a factor.

At least thats an explained answer, over just going yes.

I always thought the superheroes job in a comic book was to inspire and entertain more than anything else. Although I can see the importance of role models (which are needed more than ever), I just don't see the huge deal about it.

There are gay, straight, bi, pan, multi, & omni sexual characters in all major and minor comic book universes. The comic books have always been more about there actions, over who their relationships/partners are.

Would you rather have a characters sexuality hinted at, over being used as a marketing tool?
:wink:

Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane. Superman's Girlfriend, Lois Lane. Mr. and Mrs. Superman. It's sometimes part of the comic's title.

A big part of Spider-Man's soap opera has always revolved around his girlfriends and the problems caused in his relationships by his superhero activities.

It's actually more difficult to find a lead character for whom sexuality isn't an integral part of the character and the stories being told. The problem is that the vast majority of the time, it's heterosexual relationships being explored, and those aren't perceived as sexual the same way homosexual ones are.

It's an invisible double standard that is so pervasive that people just don't see it.

---------------

Enough with the serious talk. My theory is that, in the DCU, homosexuality is caused by the metagene. Thus, while some people get latent superspeed or strength or flexibility activated by some random occurrence, others get latent homosexuality.

Thus, being gay is actually a superpower in the DCU.

[TCJohnson]

Marketing tool, totally. They could run Batwoman ads in Curve.

I disagree. I liked how they did Wiccan and Hulkling. Yeah, I know, they can be shown holdng hands once in a while, but I mean generally. There wasn't a lot of publicity around it, I didn't get the feeling that Marvel was using sexuality as a marketting gimick...just had two very good characters who happen to be gay. Not a big deal.

[TCJohnson]

Good point. I just never pay attention to whether or not a comic book character is straight, gay or otherwise. It just has never really mattered to me.

But then again, you were probably never confused about your sexuality or given cause to question it, so it is probably not as big a factor in your life.

But on a note that benefits you....as I said, like attracts like. I took a marketting class and one of the things discussed is how you are more likely to buy something if you see somebody more like you in the commercial.

If that is true, then having a more diverse cast of characters in comics could potential bring in a wider audience...which means that the comicbook industry would be healthier and around longer. And this diversity would include gays.

[thebhamgunslinger]

But then again, you were probably never confused about your sexuality or given cause to question it, so it is probably not as big a factor in your life.

But on a not that benefits you....as I said, like attracts like. I took a marketting class and one of the things discussed is how you are more likely to buy something if you see somebody more like you in the commercial.

If that is true, then having a more diverse cast of characters in comics could potential bring in a wider audience...which means that the comicbook industry would be healthier and around longer. And this diversity would include gays.
True, but couldn't it also potentially drive some customers away?

[Charles RB]

Xavin (no wait)

I wondered what you meant by that (not having the lastest Runaways), so I looked Xavin up online and... well, now I'm a bit annoyed. And right after Whedon and Yost did good stuff with the character...

On the plus side, since she's not dead, maybe the next writer will bring her back.

[Flâneur]

Sexuality on some level has always been a part of superhero comics. Heroes are routinely given a romantic interest; it's actually a little unusual when this isn't a factor.



Spider-Man Loves Mary Jane. Superman's Girlfriend, Lois Lane. Mr. and Mrs. Superman. It's sometimes part of the comic's title.

A big part of Spider-Man's soap opera has always revolved around his girlfriends and the problems caused in his relationships by his superhero activities.

It's actually more difficult to find a lead character for whom sexuality isn't an integral part of the character and the stories being told. The problem is that the vast majority of the time, it's heterosexual relationships being explored, and those aren't perceived as sexual the same way homosexual ones are.

It's an invisible double standard that is so pervasive that people just don't see it.

---------------

Enough with the serious talk. My theory is that, in the DCU, homosexuality is caused by the metagene. Thus, while some people get latent superspeed or strength or flexibility activated by some random occurrence, others get latent homosexuality.

Thus, being gay is actually a superpower in the DCU.

Brubaker touches on this idea in Sleeper. He posits that 'fag hags' gain strength from being exposed to the company of gay men. One of these women becomes a mob enforcer, powered by her former friends' homosexuality.

[Flâneur]

True, but couldn't it also potentially drive some customers away?

The ones that still have thousands of characters to identify with?

[TCJohnson]

The ones that still have thousands of characters to identify with?

Exactly.


I am not saying that every book should have a gay character to meet some quota. They should be put in where they fit. Don't like Wiccan and Hulkling? There are dozens of comics where they don't appear at all.

[thebhamgunslinger]

Exactly.


I am not saying that every book should have a gay character to meet some quota. They should be put in where they fit. Don't like Wiccan and Hulkling? There are dozens of comics where they don't appear at all.
Sorry, I misread your first post about it bringing in a wider audience to the comic industry. I thought you said it could bring in a wider audience to a title. So that's why I asked about it possibly driving customers away. But yeah, with so many titles to choose from I don't see a problem.

[the4thpip]

Is it really that big a deal if an imaginary comic book character is gay or not? Really?

It makes a difference to kids who feel very lonely with who they are when the fictional worlds they are presented with do not represent the make-up of the real world, but some 1950s fantasy world of ideals.

[twincast]

Kyle Rayner's assistant was like what.. 18 when that story came out.. so he is like ... 20 something now?.. right? so not a teenager also was a supporting character..Terry Berg: 16 when introduced, officially outed some time before his 17th birthday, gay-bashed (and turned into a media darling) at age 17 and with OYL put into consideration 19 or 20 now.
The only officially gay teen super-heroes ever at DC so far would be post-ZH Invisible Kid and Daybreaker & Kid Apollo of the Authoriteens, well semi-official in the case of the latter two and not explicitly stated in-story in Lyle's case. None of them currently in starring roles.
(Oh, speaking of WildStorm: Rainmaker, of course. Legion lesbianism all happend among adults IIRC.)

Marvel is definitely doing a much better job at teenage representation ('though not without mishaps), whereas adult representation is IMHO handled roughly the same.

[ScottyQuick]

Nah, I'd say DC is doing a better job for adult representation. Freedom Ring was used as an example of Marvel's newer, more open policy towards people who aren't straight, and boom three months later penetrated to death. Northstar remains in limbo and has never been seen with a date, except for in an alternate reality (where he's been going out with the guy for 37 issues and even after Piotr saved him they have still never kissed). He has been killed 3 times and crippled once, though! Mystique is the SEZZY SEZZY SEZZY HOT BISEXUAL WOMEN WHO WILL DO YOU AND YOUR GIRLFRIEND! An alternate universe version of Mary Jane Watson was Spider-Man and a lesbian, which was cool, except her girlfriend fell victim to Dead Lesbian Syndrome.

DC, on the other hand, has Renee Montoya, who's probably one of the most interesting characters they're publishing. She's been a main character in 52, Final Crisis and Gotham Central, and had her own 5-issue miniseries. Todd and Damon's relationship is shown as really normal, sex-having and all. There's a guy who kicks a man's head clear off his shoulders and starred in his own monthly. And there's Aleksandr, who's just so socially apt but doesn't care at all, and who has a hilarious thing going on with Zinda. Also is it just me or does he really look suspiciously like a porn star?

Of course being gay is a superpower. Why did you think Donna Troy is on the Titans?

[Tobias March]

Robinson will be writing Mikaal soon too. That should be good :smile:

Lets try a little excercise. Tomorrow morning, banner newspaper headline - Superman is Gay. Article describes Supes leaving Lois for a younger man in the latest issue.

Cue complaints of children being exposed to homosexuality; fans blowing up online; Fox News anchors haemorraging blood on camera (heh....I'm still laughing at that round-table discussion of how Steve Rogers' death would be bad for army morale)

Annnnnnd scene.

[MuhollandDriver]

Wow.

Many of You have more patience with the general heterosexual population than i do. i have patience in other areas.....sometimes in this one...other times...my fangs protrude.

Ed Brubaker wrote a story about a "fag hag" supercharged by the gayness of her gay friends?

Was this good? Offensive? Stupid? Forgettable?

[Flâneur]

Wow.

Many of You have more patience with the general heterosexual population than i do. i have patience in other areas.....sometimes in this one...other times...my fangs protrude.

Ed Brubaker wrote a story about a "fag hag" supercharged by the gayness of her gay friends?

Was this good? Offensive? Stupid? Forgettable?

It was pretty much one page in Sleeper, hah. I was amused but I suppose it's one of those jokes that's slightly poor taste but ok if one of us makes it.

[Tawky Tawny]

It just struck me that with relationships between humans, various alien races, other conscious earth species-hominid or not, mythological figures and mythical archetypes, residents of alternate universes, &c. the sexuality in most superhero comics is so hetero as to give one pause.

[twincast]

Well, I did realize that DC has more good usage, but IMHO it also has more bad stuff, so I decided on "roughly the same".

[Sean Walsh]

Fact: Superboy Prime RETCON PUNCHED all young people in the DCU to be straight and homophobic.