January 15, 2011
Marwencol Showtimes At The Uptown
Top 5 Homosexual Superheroes
The retro town of Riverdale has made another epic step towards modernization today with the introduction of Kevin Keller, the comic’s first openly gay character.
Veronica #202, appropriately named “Isn’t it Bromantic?”, features Veronica’s futile attempts to seduced the new hunk, which only become more persistent as he tries to let her down easy.
The Co-CEO of Archie Comics, John Goldwater, said the introduction of Kevin Keller is about keeping the Riverdale world current and inclusive and all I have to say is, damn, it’s about time.
Overall, sexual diversity in comic books is incredibly lacking.
Before the ‘90s, gay and lesbian characters were completely unheard of. There were even policies to make sure it was clear to all creators that no homosexuals were allowed in comic books. Although independent comics were more likely to push the boundaries back in the day, the more mainstream superhero comics were extremely ridged. It wasn’t until well into the ‘90s that homosexuality in superhero comics was even really hinted at, although creators were still very discouraged from writing anything of the sort.
Even so, most homosexual superheroes would be second string, or worse, set up for death or some other demeaning role.
However, it has definitely been getting better in the past decade with the big players like Marvel and DC wanting to show how welcoming they are to the idea. Now we’re starting to see more and more gay and lesbian characters come to the limelight of superhero comics – even if it is partly for bragging rights and keeping the gay rights organizations at bay.
Let’s just say you’re more likely to find a homosexual superhero now than you are to ever find an ugly one.
Top 5 High Profile Homosexual Superheroes:
1. Northstar (member of Alpha Flight and X-Men)
The X-Men and all other mutant spin-offs have always had the underlying theme of discrimination. Whereas the Avengers and the Fantastic Four are seen as heroes, the mutants have always been seen as freaks, so it’s no wonder that out of all super groups out there, the mutants have the most diversity, especially in sexuality.
Hence, Northstar (Jean-Paul Beaubier), Marvel’s first and probably highest profile gay character.
Although mostly recognized as an Alpha Flight member, alongside his twin sister Aurora (Jeanne-Marie Beaubier), Northstar has become a member of the X-Men in more recent years.
His abilities including superhuman speed, flight and when he makes contact with his sister they can produce a bright flash of light.
Other current homosexual X-Men (that aren’t included in this list) are Karma (New Mutants), Anole (New X-Men, Young X-Men) and more recently Shatterstar and Rictor (X-Factor) who shared a kiss in X-Factor #45 (vol. 3).
2. Batwoman (member of the Batman Family)
Although the first incarnation of Batwoman (Katherine Kane) back in the ‘50s was never intended to be a lesbian, DC decided to stir the pot in 2006 and change that little fact, creating their highest profile homosexual character to date.
In the beginning, Katherine Kane was seen as Batman’s female counterpart, that is until Batgirl came into the picture. She was in love with Batman, but more recently she is romantically involved with a former Gotham Police Detective named Renee Montoya.
Her abilities include all types of martial arts and gadgets just like every other member of the Batman Family.
3. Wiccan & Hulking (members of the Young Avengers)
These two Young Avengers may not be hugely popular, but their parents definitely are. Hulking the son of Captain Marvel and Wiccan the son of Scarlet Witch, are the only openly homosexual superheroes currently fighting on the same team.
The Young Avenger comics have a huge focus on this relationship. Not only are the two characters constantly shown caring for one another, but they’re also constantly defending the one they love, which is actually quite adorable at times.
Hulking (Theodore Altman) is of both Kree and Skrull descent so he has the ability to shapeshift and has a healing factor. He is also incredibly strong.
Wiccan (William Kaplan) has the ability to cast spells and warp reality; powers obviously adopted by his mother.
4. Ultimate Colossus (member of the Ultimate X-Men)
Ahh yes, another X-Men, perhaps one of the most popular, but this time in the Marvel’s Ultimate universe, Earth-1610.
In the normal Marvel universe, the character Colossus (Peter Rasputin) has a long love history with the character Kitty Pryde aka Shadowcat. But as anyone who reads Marvel comics knows, anything different goes in the Ultimate universe and Colossus’ interest in Shadowcat is switched for an interest in Northstar (who I’m almost 100% sure is gay in all of his incarnations).
Colossus’ has the ability to transform into organic steel, making him incredibly strong and invulnerable to many thing such as bullets and telepathic readings.
5. Rawhide Kid
I don’t know much about this cowboy character, but I do know he has been a part of the Marvel universe since the ‘50s and that he stars in his own series.
Very similar to Batwoman, the Rawhide Kid (Johnny Bart) was revived and re-vamped to be gay in his 2003 mini-series: Rawhide Kid: Slap Leather. He has a current mini-series called Tombstone Blues which started in June 2010.
To contact the author of this post: marina.giannitsos@wildgunmen.com
Let me be the first to say, it’s not gay unless balls touch.
YOU FORGOT AQUAMAN.
Censorship is not cool, Marina.
For the last effing time Aquaman is NOT gay.
Total blasphemy.
If Colossus can be gay, Aquaman is FLAMING. Obviously.
Marina, c’mon now, you forgot the first couple of Warren Ellis’ The Authority: Apollo and Midnighter. A married gay couple with an adopted child who happens to be a reincarnation of their former leader, and they themselves thinly-veiled takes on Superman and Batman? Their relationship is equal parts epic and endearing.
Yeah haha I know Stacy, but when writing this article I decided to keep it Marvel and DC.
More independent companies have a lot more homosexual characters, which are mostly unknown to the general public.
Heh, that’s true. A great piece though. I’ve read the Rawhide Kid: Slap Leather trade and it’s a lot of fun. Rucka and J.H. Williams’ run with Batwoman in Detective Comics was nothing if not amazing. What’s most enjoyable to me is that these characters aren’t meant to be placed on a pedestal, but are presented as well-rounded human beings. Well, as well-rounded as a Western gunslinger and a woman who dresses up as a giant bat can be. ;p