...So, last week there was a lot of press over gays in comics. Particularly, the announcement from DC comics that one of it's iconic characters to yet appear in the new 52 reboot universe, will be gay. It was implied that it would be a male hero---since they have already proven that fanboys/girls have no problem buying comics for DC's main lesbian hero---Batwoman. So, it was time for a male gay hero but, who will it be?...
...many rumors have swirled---Plastic Man, Martian Manhunter, some minor characters, etc. But the one rumor that seems to be at the top of the list is...Original Golden Age Green Lantern, Alan Scott...
...Feelings about Alan being the gay hero are mixed. He's not very relevant, ever since the 1950s/60s when they made Hal Jordan be the current Green Lantern with a Sci-fi origin; whereas Alan Scott the original had a more mystical powers origin. Plus in addition to Hal Jordan, there are thousands of green lanterns now. Also, in the past Alan has been straight, with two adult children who became heroes---one being his son Obsidian, who as it turns out was gay. When Obsidian came out as gay, there was no fan fare, and he was quickly written out or under used by various DC writers. LGBT fans complained. Obsidian so far, has not returned for this new 52 universe. Alan on one hand is iconic but, not so much anymore. Most LGBT fans want someone that makes more sense, like Booster Gold, Blue Beetle, Red Robin, etc---these characters have had major "bromances" with other guys over the years leading to much speculation. But, for now the best rumor/guess is Alan Scott. We'll have to see if it's true or not in the coming months...
...Others are suggesting this announcement from DC Comics is just jumping late on the bandwagon news of Marvel Comics much more major announcement of the marriage of hero Northstar to his boyfriend Kyle in X-men comics...
...Northstar has been out for decades but, much like Obsidian, has been either written out, made evil, killed off, or just not doing much. But he's back and seems to be getting his time in the spotlight. And so now a marriage. This is a great job by Marvel promoting a gay character that has always been around...
...And rumors are swirling that Northstar may have had a secret fling prior to his engagement with fellow X-men; Iceman, who has been sexually ambiguous in recent years. That could mean story drama later between the two, and/or a coming out for Iceman?!? We'll see...
...but, if the marriage of Northstar seems familiar, it might be because it reminds many of the marriage of Kevin Keller, in Archie comics "Life with Archie" which takes place in an adult future in a parallel Archie universe. And it was a sold out hit...
...Kevin has sold out multiple issues. And Kevin was the first gay character in Archie comics history. And Kevin's first appearance was the first time Archie comics completely sold out an issue and had to order a second printing for the first time in the 70 plus years of Archie comics history. Kevin started with a few appearances, then a 4 issue mini-series and now has an ongoing regular series. Kevin has really been the game changer, and with major sales and sell outs; both Marvel comics and DC comics have opened up to the idea of gay lead characters. Or have they opened up to making money? Hmmm. Well for now, let's be happy they opened up. But Kevin is the trailblazer...
...If you haven't checked his comic out, it's sweet, charming, silly and fun. Everything you'd expect from an Archie comic. With Kevin navigating high school like the rest of the Archie gang, balancing school and friends, family and trying to find someone to love...
...All things considered, it's been a great year for gays in comics. And it seems the door has finally been opened for gay characters in mainstream comic media. Let's hope this trend continues, and please show your support for any of these characters/comics that interest you.
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