Last September, Archie Comics made headlines with the introduction of its first openly gay character, Kevin Keller. In the story,”Isn’t it Bromantic?” Kevin earns the respect of Jughead by beating him in a hamburger contest (a euphemism, perhaps?) and catches the eye of boy-crazy Veronica, only to deflate her ego by being upfront about his sexuality. In an official press release, Archie Comics Co-CEO Jon Goldwater said,
“The introduction of Kevin is just about keeping the world of Archie Comics current and inclusive. Archie’s hometown of Riverdale has always been a safe world for everyone. It just makes sense to have an openly gay character in Archie comic books.”
In celebration of this bold move, here is a brief overview of some of the most heroic, fiercest, LGBT comic book characters to be created:
Batman and Robin
Okay, maybe not officially out, but there hasn’t been a duo this gay since Bert and Ernie. Think about it: bats live in a cave, a dark space similar to a closet. And Robin is also known as Dick Grayson or the “Boy Wonder,” which can only add to the speculation about their secret relationship. Plus, they wear tight costumes and engage in what some people call “dangerous” behavior, and other people cheer as lustful acts of bondage and role-play. Is it any wonder the Joker’s always laughing at them?
Hulking and Wiccan
As if it’s not awkward enough being a teenager, imagine having to deal with being a superhero, and being gay. But Young Avengers comic stars Hulking and Wiccan dared to be boyfriends with charm and grace, just going about their lives as super-boys in love, while still trying to save the world. I guess it didn’t hurt that they could kick the crap out of anyone who tried to gay-bash them.
Midnighter and Apollo
The Batman-like Midnighter and the Superman-esque Apollo first appeared in the Stormwatch series in the early 90′s, and then caused quite a storm of their own. After years of “are they or aren’t they speculation,” the couple came out of the closet, got married and adopted a child–becoming the first main characters of a mainstream comic book to portray an open gay relationship.
The Piped Piper
Not all gay characters have to be superheroes. In fact, there have been many gay evil-doers in popular entertainment, from the ruthless Richard Hatch to butch puppy hater Cruella De Ville. The Piped Piper, a villain in the Flash series, was one of the first openly gay do-badders. Though one might make think about his love for piping as a euphemism, this dude was a serious bad-ass, going so far as to wreak havoc on the city and murder those who stood in his way. Though, he did eventually grow a heart and became one of the Flash’s allies, and who doesn’t love a happy gay ending?
Batwoman
Let’s hear it for the girls! Originally conceived as a girlfriend for Batman, this lady earned serious street-cred in the LGBT community by doing what the Dark Knight couldn’t: coming out of the closet. In 2006, Batwoman, aka Kate Kane, diversified DC diversified DC comics by becoming one of its only open lesbians, and one that can wipe out any man in her path! Batwoman has been hailed by the media and comic-book lovers alike as one of the most intense and well-drawn out characters in comic book history, a far cry from being Batman’s beard in 1956.
The Rawhide Kid
The Rawhide Kid is the classic case of the comic misstep. In 2002, Marvel tried to go the country-western route with the revival of 50′s hero, The Rawhide Kid, and they decided to make him a gun-slinging, spur-tapping stud, who was also a big ol’flaming gay. Though the first lead gay character to get his own series, the series was filled with stereotypes and cliches–including The Rawhide Kid fantasizing about having a sexual shoot-out with the Lone Ranger–and was saddled as lame.
Northstar
Originally debuting in 1979 as part of Alpha Flight, Northstar was the longest to-be-gay rumored comic book character in history. In 1992, the Canadian mutant finally told the world that he was gay, garnering worldwide attention, and then promptly getting canceled. Yet, after the media storm passed, Northstar found a spot on the X-Men team, and continues to be popular. Some speculate that he and Wolverine might have had shared a bed on a few lonely nights, while others link him to Nightcrawler. Even if the world of gay comic book characters, everyone’s always gossiping!
Rictor and Shatterstar
Both members of the X-Factor, or make that the XXX-Factor, Ricco and Shatterstar became the gay super-cpouple of the year in 2005. Innuendoes about their sexuality started in the early 90′s, but it wasn’t until the 21st century that the writers decided that they would be openly gay lovers–and proud of it! Yet, not everyone was happy with this decision, the characters’ creator has gone on record as saying that the heroes are not gay. Guess it brings up the question of nature vs. nuture, but he sounds like a parent having trouble dealing with his child’s true sexuality.
Renee Montoya
What is in the water in Gotham City? Renee Montoya was originally introduced as a straight policewoman in the Batman series, only to be later drawn out as a lesbian. She became The Question, a blank-faced vigilante with a penchant for beating her fists into men and getting in on with Batwoman. Talk about a positive role-model! The Question has become one of DC’s most popular characters, and has helped to empower lesbians around the world.
Images:
http://girlsgonegeek.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/245145-8190-renee-montoya_super.jpg
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http://shehulk.sliverofice.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/wiccan02.jpg
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