A Comic Book Gets Serious on Gay Issues

New York Times ^ | 08/13/02 | Geroge Gene Gustines

[A. Pole]

I wish someone would publish statistics as to the number of 'gays' who actually are physically 'bashed' because they are gay.

And compared with the number of beatings done by homosexuals among themselves. I am not sure if "gay community" is the safest place on Earth.

[who knows what evil?]

Couldn't agree more. First off, comic collectors can READ, which gives them a leg up on many Amercians right out of the gate. Many of the collectors I know are DIE-HARD conservatives, and some are currently running for or holding office as Republicans. Others have become very successful businessmen, programmers, accountants, and so forth. Frankly, I have held more articulate and well-reasoned political discussions with collectors than I have with the average, knuckle-dragging college graduate. (I will admit that there are also 'collector geeks' that my wife and I would cross the street to avoid, but I always found them to be the exception, not the rule. Just lucky, I guess.)

[HELLRAISER II]

I wondered because I Thought Colossus killed himself by taking the Legacy virus to make an antidote for mutants. Oh well, theres so many different X-titles, how can one remember them all. Although I must say that I'm pissed off now.

[martin_fierro]

Next issue: "CIRCLE OF JERK"

[gdani]

Stan Lee's still at Marvel but I think he's more of figure head than he is as the man in power.

I wonder if he's at Marvel at all given his recent work for DC Comics in the "Just Imagine" series where he recently re-did the origins of popular DC heroes.

[who knows what evil?]

I agree, but Stan Lee's still at Marvel but I think he's more of figure head than he is as the man in power.

Unfortunately, Stan (the Man) Lee is a MAJOR Clinton butt-boy...sponsors huge fundraisers for the democrat party.

[HELLRAISER II]

People that make statments like the previous ones about people that read comics just don't understand the complicated plots & thinking that goes into these books. Yes in the 70's some the books were geared for slower readers, but now the books are geared for more intelligent readers.

[HELLRAISER II]

I didn't realize that, that's disappointing to say the least.

[Grig]

"Boy I miss Hal Jordan as the Green Lantern"

Ditto. And I miss the whole GLC.

[who knows what evil?]

I'll take your word for it...with RARE exception (the WTC issue of Spider-Man, new Dark Knight series), I haven't even looked at a comic in the last seven years. As I suspected, I haven't missed much.

[HELLRAISER II]

But you have to admit that the way Hal & the GLC went out made an interesting but sad story. Just for the record Hal Jordan is now the Spectre in case your interested.

[Salman]

He may not have been "out" in the old days, but what kind of guy would run around in a green leotard and opera cape?

[seamus]

Let's not forget Ace and Gary, "The Ambiguously Gay Duo"

[Darth Sidious]

Over at Marvel Comics, several X-men over the years, including Beast, Ultimate Colussus and Northstar have been outed, and Spider-man's ex-girlfriend, the Black Cat, recently admitted to being a bisexual.

Beast is gay?? Say it ain't so, Hank!

[Tancred]

You guys need to check out Battle Angel Alita!
http://www.viz.com/products/series/alita/
She's all woman (well, actually an anatomically-correct cyborg body) and she kicks ass! You can get a series of nine graphic novels by Yukito Kishiro from Amazon or your local comic-books store; the long-awaited tenth book is coming out in September. Good art, good storytelling, and no PC crap!

[EdReform]

Ping

[Grig]

"But you have to admit that the way Hal & the GLC went out made an interesting but sad story."

Yes, but if they followed it with Hal recovering his santiy and seeking for redemption and rebuilding the GLC it would have been better IMHO.

"Just for the record Hal Jordan is now the Spectre in case your interested. "

Didn't know that. Details please.

[Behind Liberal Lines]

I'll take your word for it...with RARE exception (the WTC issue of Spider-Man, new Dark Knight series), I haven't even looked at a comic in the last seven years.

Man, did the new DK series SUCK or what?

[HELLRAISER II]

Well after Green Lantern destroyed the GLC, it went into the Zero hour in which Green Lantern saved the planet but then destroyed himself. From there he took the place of Corrigan the Spectre at that time who was finally freed & a new soul was needed to take his place. Enter Hal Jordan and if i'm not mistaken a brand new series of the Spectre. He also was recently in the new Green Arrow Series. Since I don't collect the Spectre that's about all I can tell you.

[HELLRAISER II]

I was really disappointed to, not only did it take way to frigging long but the story just didn't live up to expectations.