Comic Queerdom

Sometimes, they’re victims; other times, their gayness never became an issue. There are heroes and villains, and there may even be times when they’re just barely mentioned or are token figures. The presence of these characters is something that many gay people welcome or embrace.

This was published in the Super section of PDI last Saturday.

Comic queerdom
Who’s your fave gay comic book character?
By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Gay characters have appeared in homegrown graphic novels and comic book series, tackling the sometimes-controversial subject in varying degrees.

In some foreign monthly comics, gay people have also made significant appearances. Sometimes, they’re realistically portrayed. Sometimes not. But they’re there, steadily increasing in number.

They’re not necessarily characters that they automatically identify with, but the fact that they’re given visibility at all is enough for some. DC, Marvel and other companies have introduced a number in recent years. Here’s a small fraction:

Apollo and Midnighter- Super-spouses and members of the uber-tough Authority, this dynamic duo mercilessly gives deserving bad guys serious beat-downs.

Toland Polk- The protagonist of the sublime and complex “Stuck Rubber Baby” experiences sexual awakening, while encountering important cultural upheavals and conflicts along the way.

Mystique and Destiny- The shape-changer and the prophetess have been the X-Men’s allies and foes. They raised the young mutant outcast Rogue together.

Piper- While his allegiance falters occasionally, the Flash’s former friend and foe has remained truthful and open about his sexual orientation.

The Question and Batwoman- Ex-cop Renee Montoya and adventuress Kate Kane share a complicated relationship, and are recent additions to Gotham City’s gaggle of masked protectors.

Hulkling and Wiccan- Teen children of superheroes, these Young Avengers’ relationship enjoys the support of friends, and even Wiccan’s adoptive parents.

Rage the Gay Crusader- In the super-campy comic book for adults based on characters from the TV series “Queer As Folk,” the gay vigilante Rage rescues a hate crime victim from a vicious attack and revives him in an unorthodox manner.

Valerie- One of the most heart-wrenching parts of “V for Vendetta” is the story of Valerie, an unapologetic lesbian actress who was imprisoned, mocked and tortured repeatedly in a concentration camp.

Colossus- In the alternate reality of “Ultimate X-Men,” Colossus is attracted to males, especially to fellow mutant Northstar.

Catwoman- The second Catwoman, Holly Robinson, was a former prostitute and friend of the original cat burglar Selina Kyle. Holly was forced to leave her lover Karon because of complicated circumstances.

Francine and Katchoo- Stars of the recently concluded “Strangers in Paradise,” these old friends share an angst-ridden past (Katchoo was a gay call girl with unrequited feelings; Francine had gender identity issues, etc.). Their juicy, soap-y drama was a shared journey that’s as bittersweet and affecting as its destination.

Vivisector and Phat- The wolf-like intellectual Vivisector and the inflating Phat were teammates in the celebrity mutant team X-Statix. They became an item, outed themselves, eventually broke up, and were killed in separate missions.

Phantom Jack- One of the no-nonsense super-cops of Top Ten, intangible lesbian Phantom Jack is a single gal who has some secret admirers among her male co-workers.

Terry Berg- Green Latern Kyle Rayner’s assistant Terry Berg once had a crush on him. Openly gay, Terry was chased and savagely mauled by homophobes after a date with a friend. An enraged Green Lantern soon goes on a hunt for his barbaric tormentors.

Black Cat- Spider-Man’s catty ex-girlfriend briefly mentioned her bisexuality. Also, in an alternate future (the “Spider-Girl” timeline), Felicia Hardy is established as someone having a relationship with another woman.

Northstar- The former member of Canadian super-team Alpha Flight publicly announced his homosexuality back in the early ‘90s. He eventually became a teacher at Charles Xavier’s school and a member of the X-Men.

Jetman- Precinct Ten’s wise, fatherly Jetman is respected by officers under his command. The former teen hero’s ongoing relationship with a retired adventurer is currently several decades old.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer- While creator Joss Whedon said that the former TV character is straight but “experimenting,” Buffy has gotten really intimate with a fellow Slayer in her “Season 8” comic book. Technically, she’s bisexual; she still fancies guys, but acknowledges that she had a great time with a girl.

Anole- Formerly one of the New X-Men, this teen lizard-boy is angsty and sometimes ill-tempered, but is an efficient team player and fighter.

Lucy in the Sky and Xavin- Energy-manipulating alien Karolina and gender-bending Skrull Xavin are lovers, members of Earth’s young Runaways.