Some of the comic books I read weeks ago were older ones that tackled gay issues. They intelligently discussed the very real problem of homophobia.
Green Lantern 154-155 (2002)
The two-part story “Hate Crime” is about the Matthew Shepard-esque attack on young Terry, Kyle (Green Lantern) Rayner’s assistant. Enraged by the violent crime, Green Lantern tracks down his friend’s attackers, unsure if comatose Terry will recover from his serious injuries. Okay, while I’m not a fan of Judd Winnick’s recent works, he excels in talking about socially relevant or controversial topics. They don’t always blend smoothly with the stories, but in these two issues, the writer was able to present the issue while making Kyle Rayner question his purpose and heroism. It’s gripping, meaningful drama.
AARGH! (Artists Against Rampant Government Homophobia) (1988)
Alan Moore spearheaded an endeavor that gathered writers and artists against Clause 28, a British law that prohibited “the promotion of homosexuality.” Moore and a number of comic book creators, including Neil Gaiman, Dave Sim, Howard Cruse, Robert Crumb, Jamie Delano, and Frank Miller, voiced their concerns in the black and white anthology. Providing a variety of insightful commentaries, AARGH! demonstrates the diverse artistry of the contributors. It’s enlightening, empowering, and ever-relevant.
The Mirror of Love (2004)
Alan Moore’s eight-page tale, originally drawn by Steve Bissette and Rick Veitch for AARGH!, is reinterpreted by Jose Villarubia, whose moody, striking photographs give the author’s work a different vibrance.
“Where life endures we’ll love, and afterwards, if what they say is true, I’ll be refused a Heaven crammed with popes, policemen, fundamentalists, and burn instead, quite happily, with Sappho, Michelangelo, and you, my love. I’d burn throughout eternity with you.”
Beautiful.
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