Tag: Gay Superhero

X-Men Gay Wedding Week

 

Astonishing X-Men #51 courtesy Marvel

  Mainstream media hype hit. Protests came and went. All because a man proposed to the guy he loved. The man is an X-Man. The wedding is the week in Astonishing X-Men #51.

  Northstar and Kyle Jinadu tie the knot in New York City just days before many American cities are celebrating gay pride. To the non-comic book reading world this may seem radical but the X-Men have always broken barriers with socially relevant stories and characters.

  Marvel’s first openly gay hero, Jean-Paul Beaubier proposed to his boyfriend Kyle Jinadu in issue #50. Creative team Marjorie Liu, Mike Perkins and Marvel Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso talked about the landmark issue on Marvel.com.

  “The Marvel Universe has always reflected the world outside your window, so we strive to make sure our characters, relationships and stories are grounded in that reality,” said Axel Alonso, Marvel Editor in Chief. “We’ve been working on this story for over a year to ensure Northstar and Kyle’s wedding reflects Marvel’s ‘world outside your window’ tradition.”

Astonishing X-Men #51 variant courtesy Marvel

  “The story of Northstar and Kyle is universal, and at the core of everything I write: a powerful love between two people who have to fight for it against all odds,” said writer Marjorie Liu. “This is the quintessential Marvel story, one that blends the modern world with the fantasy of super heroes in order to tell an exciting story that begins with a wedding—and continues in ways you can’t imagine.”

 “As a long-time fan of the X-Men, it’s not only a true honor to be part of such a historically significant story but also a complete joy,” said artists Mike Perkins.

  Northstar was born in Quebec and a member of the Canadian team Alpha Flight when he premiered in Uncanny X-Men #120. John Byrne wrote and drew the Alpha Flight original series and hinted as Jean-Paul’s sexual orientation. It wasn’t until 1992 when Northstar came out in an Alpha Flight #106 by writer Scott Lobdell. Northstar was recruited by Professor X to join the X-Men. Cyclops asked Jean-Paul to join the team when they moved to San Francisco. Kyle manages Northstar’s winter sports event company. The couple have been together since 2009 and recently moved to New York City after Wolverine invited Northstar to be part of his new school for mutants.

 As a longtime X-Men fan it’s amazing to see how the story of mutants has evolved with the political and cultural times. When Northstar was first introduced in the 1980’s it was against editorial policy to have a character be gay. Northstar’s coming out in 1992 was controversial. Now we’re about see the wedding of a gay hero. Maybe Northstar will appear in a future X-Men movie?

 

Astonishing X-Men #51 variant courtesy Marvel

Astonishing X-Men #51 arrives with two variant covers. Marko Djurdjevic created an intimate cover as Jean-Paul and Kyle embrace. What I think is more symbolic: the Create Your Own Wedding Album cover by Phil Noto. It’s important that Jean-Paul and Kyle’s ceremony in featured on the same page as Storm and the Black Panther, Reed and Susan Richards and other famous Marvel couples on their special day.

  Northstar and Kyle’s relationship is just one element of Marjorie Liu’s early run on the book. The mystery woman behind the new Marauders, Warbird’s potentially lethal attraction to Iceman, the return of Karma and Cecelia Reyes are all intriguing reasons to enjoy the book.

 Mutants are the evolution of the human race in the comic books. This week’s wedding is a sign how humanity is evolving to greater equality. The fight for equality is far from over. A comic book wedding may or may not change someone’s view on marriage equality. Seeing an openly gay superhero get married with the support of one of the world’s most popular teams may give someone hope that it does get better.

By Editor

Alan Scott Is Gay, A Flash Is Born On Earth 2

Earth 2 #1 courtesy DC Comics

   Warning – you may not want to read this poist if you haven’t read Earth 2 #1 and #2. You may consider some of my points spoilers.

  James Robinson and Nicola Scott destroy and give birth to a new world of heroes in Earth 2. This is part of DC Comics The New 52 Second Wave. I admit – I bought #2 because of the reintroduction of a gay Alan Scott/Green Lantern got my curiosity and now I’m hooked on the future of this parallel world.

  The debut issue immediately dropped us on an Earth under siege. Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman valiantly struggle against overwhelming odds from Apokolips. These battle scenes are a perfect example of why I believe Warner Brothers should make an epic film about DC’s Holy Trinity against Darkseid instead of full on Justice League movie.

 Back to Earth 2 – A world without heroes is rebuilding. Alan Scott is a successful jet setting CEO and Jay Garrick is young guy who just got dumped by his girlfriend reevaluating his life when fate crashes into his pity party.

Earth 2 art courtesy DC Comics

The mainstream media is talking about the introduction of an openly gay Alan Scott in issue 2 this week. Robinson and Scott show us Alan and his boyfriend and their glamorous life but next issue promises to be where the relationship takes back burner and the action kicks in. Is Scott already the Green Lantern or has this happened yet?

  You might be buying issue 2 for the curiosity about Scott but I really enjoyed seeing how Jay Garrick becomes this world’s Flash, test runs his new power to save lives, learns a threat scarier than Darkseid is heading for this world and becomes the prey for a character I’m really excited to see – Hawkgirl!

  Mister Terrific blasts from his cancelled solo series into Earth 2 this issue and immediately encounters an enemy who is out to cancel Michael forever.

  I’m really impressed with Nicola Scott’s art – especially the war ravaged Trinity and world against a legion of parademons in issue one. The revamped world and new soon to be heroes are clean and crisp and I particularly loved how Scott portrays Jay’s Flash effect and the new costume!

Earth 2 #2 courtesy DC Comics

  This is a new origin for what I think will be this world’s Justice Society. I praise Robinson and DC Comics for including Alan Scott and the upcoming debut of another GLBT character. Come for the curiosity factor but you’ll stay for the great art and storytelling.

By Editor

Superboy & Bunker Battle Together

 

Superboy #11 courtesy DC Comics

  DC Comics is promising a team up of the revamped Superboy and new creation Bunker against the menace of Detritis in Superboy #11. Scott Lobdell writes both books.

  Superboy may have escaped N.O.W.H.E.R.E. but faces a big problem now that he’s free. Bunker is the Mexican, open and flamboyantly gay teen sensation that made mainstream media headlines when he was introduced in Teen Titans.  

  The two young men must team up against a metal monster in this cover by Scott Clark and Dave Beaty. This issue comes out in July.

Astonished By Marjorie Liu’s X-Men – Updated

Astonishing X-Men #48 courtesy Marvel

  Marjorie Liu makes a powerful first impression with her first issue of Astonishing X-Men this week. The action kicks in with a peak into the near future where Northstar is being stalked by his new teammates. I have a theory about what’s behind the possible betrayal.

 The story jumps back to the present where Northstar is settling in to domestic bliss – until a fellow Canadian mutant calls – with boyfriend Kyle. Gambit is entertaining a surprise guest at his home away from the school. I’m thrilled to see this former X-woman back. After an entertaining look into the personal lives of  X-Men the drama explodes literally with the new version of a classic team of villains.  

  I feel like I’m experiencing a cool slice of life with these mutants in city. Mike Perkins style has a grit that feels right for this X-Men in New York City story. His talent really shines in the facial expressions. It’s amazing to see how much character and relationship development Liu weaves in one issue while still packing action and intrigue.

Update: I must have been so excited to have Northstar back that I missed the fact that Jean Paul is called Jean Claude three times in the issue. Mon Dieu!

Astonishing X-Men’s New Writer, New Controversy

Astonishing X-Men #48 interior art courtesy Marvel.com

  One of the most anticipated X change is Marjorie Liu and Mike Perkins taking on Astonishing X-Men with issue #48. The unique line-up includes Wolverine, Iceman, Gambit, Warbird, Karma and Northstar. The writer says she will show the characters lives away from the X-Men. Today Liu told Marvel.com how this cast of characters came together.

  “They’re all in the wrong place at the wrong time, basically, but being X-Men, they’re not the types to turn away from a dangerous situation. What none of them realize, of course, is that working together will lead them into some very unfamiliar—and uncomfortable—situations

  I’m excited Northstar found a home with the X-Men after Alpha Flight’s cancellation. Liu expanded on why she brought Jean-Paul back with the mutants:

Astonishing X-Men #49 preview art courtesy Marvel.com

  “Northstar has so much to offer in terms of character; not just his personality, but where he is now, where he wants to be, who he might become under certain circumstances. All of which will be addressed in these first two arcs. Also, despite being a powerhouse of experience when it comes to this super hero gig, he’s also a bit unpredictable; his emotions get the better of him, sometimes, and that’s very interesting to play with when he’s under pressure.”

   Marvel said the arc will be the most controversial story of the year. Liu said one character will be changed forever but she has a long-term plan in mind.

 “There’s a long-term mystery playing out over the first two arcs that establishes these individual X-Men as a real team. We have fights, deaths [and] explosions, but in many ways it’s a very intimate story, and by that, I mean these characters will literally live and die based on the strength of their relationships to one another. There’s an enemy, of course, but the battle against this individual’s machinations will force the X-Men to look inward, and at each other, in ways that may be very uncomfortable, and illuminating.”

 For the entire interview and more of Mike Perkins preview art here’s the Marvel.com link.

Bunker Was Born This Way!

A new gay superhero debuts this week at comic book stores. Bunker joins the Teen Titans with issue number three out this Wednesday. DC’s New 52 relaunch is an effort to create a more modern comics universe. When the new character was introduced online creators said Bunker would be openly gay and flamboyant. The teaser sparked scorn, praise and controversy. This week you can grab the new issue and decide for yourself.

Bunker is a Mexican teen named Miguel Barragan with the power to build brick like force fields and he likes to wear purple. Scott Lobdell and Brett Booth created this new character to join established DC teen heroes like Red Robin, Wonder Girl and Kid Flash.

Teen Titans #3 from DC Comics. Art by Brett Booth.

Scott Lobdell knows how to write young heroes. He co-created the teen mutants of Marvel’s Generation X. Lobdell wrote storylines with a mix of action, teen angst and captured the awkwardness all teens feel trying to fit in and find themselves. Scott Lobdell is noted for writing the issue when Canadian super hero and future X-Man Northstar came out in Alpha Flight # 106 in 1992. Comic Book Resources has a more detailed interview with Lobdell about the creation of Bunker.

Bunker’s creation has sparked a lot of debate of the state of gay characters in comics. I’m working a post for later this week on some of most memorable LGBT characters. I’d like to know what you think of Bunker – I still don’t get the name.

Top 5 Comic Picks Week of 11/23/11

Wolverine and the X-Men #2 Cover courtesy Marvel.com

Top 5 Comic Picks Week of 11/23/11

Wolverine and the X-Men #2

Logan rebuilt the X-School in Westchester but will it be destroyed the first day of class? The new Hellfire Club leaves a nasty surprise underneath the academy.  Issue 1 was full of surprises with a heavy dose of humor and fun. It looks like the action kicks in this issue as the smarmy Black King of the Hellfire Club unleashes a monster that looks an awfully lot like Krakoa, the mutant living island from Giant Size X-Men #1. Krakoa’s capture of the original team was responsible for the formation of the “new” X-men including Wolverine.

Fantastic Four #600

The 50th Anniversary of Marvel’s First Family. Fans have seen big changes to the book and team during Jonathan Hickman’s run. With the Human Torch lost, Spider Man joined the team. Reed renamed the team the Future Foundation. No one stays dead in comics so could this celebration story arc lead to the return of Johnny Storm? There’s another way to celebrate the milestone with the recently released Fantastic Four Omnibus showcasing the legendary run of writer/artist John Byrne. Current writer Jonathan Hickman and Byrne both were masters at capturing the sense of adventure. Both writers were not afraid to shake up the team dynamic.

Batman Dark Knight #3

Fear takes over Gotham City after a toxin boosts the powers of its most notorious villains. Batman’s brawl with a supersized Two-Face last issue was brutal.  This issue a hero becomes infected and the trail leads to the sexy White Rabbit. Is this new temptress behind the plot that’s making Batman’s Rogues Gallery more powerful and dangerous than ever?

Astonishing X-Men 4

Storm sporting her former Mohawk and locking lips with Cyclops – it was the teaser cover that got fans buzzing about Greg Pak taking over the title. Pak is known for his epic Planet Hulk and X-Men: Phoenix: Endsong epics. With Storm in her late 1980’s look, I’m suspecting this will be another cross-time adventure with X-Men from different timelines. It’s been done. But Pak knows how to tell action packed stories with a science fiction edge so I’m in!

Teen Titans #3

Teen Titans #3 from DC Comics. Art by Brett Booth.

A new gay superhero debuts this week. Bunker joins the Teen Titans with issue number three. When the new character was introduced online creators said Bunker would be openly gay and flamboyant. The teaser sparked scorn, praise and controversy. This week you can grab the new issue and decide for yourself.

Bunker is a Mexican teen named Miguel Barragan with the power to build brick like force fields and he likes to wear purple. Scott Lobdell and Brett Booth created this new character to join established DC teen heroes like Red Robin, Wonder Girl and Kid Flash.