The portrayal of LGBT characters in comic books has improved in the recent past within the last three decades. Such a transformation reflects other social trends towards the diversification of sexual preferences and the recognition of the existence of LGBT people. It is worth noting that today, gay characters are depicted in comic books more and more often, including in such popular comic book publishers as Marvel and DC. Not only in comics, but all forms of entertainment show growing trends of incorporating LGBT defined characters. A wide range of businesses tend to leverage the concept of comic characters within their marketing strategy. Interestingly LBGT targeted products are no different, such as Poppers UK products branded under names such as Super Rush Cosmic Power, and Twisted Beast. This paper aims to discuss the development of homosexual characters in comic literature and describe five popular homosexual comic characters, their biographies, personalities, and affiliations.
1. Northstar (Jean-Paul Beaubier)
Northstar is another one of the first gay superheroes that were integrated into the primary comic books. His debut was in ??Uncanny X-Men’ #120, 1979; He is also a member of the Alpha Flight, a team of Canadian superheroes. The gay coming out of the character Northstar occurs in the “Alpha Flight” # 106 of 1992 to set the orientation of the character. The subject is delimited by the parameter of super speed and flight, and by the feature of strong-willed and self-asserting, though rather arrogant, temper. The Marvel character Northstar marries his partner Kyle Jinadu in Astonishing X-Men #51 (2012) and this pair was the first homosexual one in the world of comics.
2. Mystique (Raven Darkhölme)
Mystique, who is a mutant with the ability to shapeshift, has been a member of X-Men since she first appeared in Ms. Marvel #16 (1978). Mystique is bisexual, and her orientation has been hinted at through her interactions with male and female characters; her primary love interest is Destiny (Irene Adler). Yet, their romantic involvement was only suggested in the earliest issues, but later, it was stated outright. Mystique has a rather intricate character; she is a sexual deviant and has no problem with killing and betraying her kind for the sake of her cause.
3. Iceman (Bobby Drake)
Iceman, one of X-Mens original members, has been around in Marvel comics since X-Men #1 in 1963. However, his sexuality was not pictured until much later. In All-New X-Men 40 (2015), there’s a younger version of Iceman who was taken to the present, and it is later discovered that he is gay. This revelation brings out the older Iceman also and is a very memorable event in the history of comics. Homosexuality and the struggles that Iceman has to go through as an openly gay superhero are some of the aspects that relate to the character’s arc.
4. Batwoman (Kate Kane)
Batwoman is among the most famous lesbians in DC Comics; she was featured in the comic book “52” #7, published in 2006. Another character who was expelled from the military academy due to the policy that was in place known as the ??Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ is Kate Kane, who becomes Batwoman. One of her main features is her affair with Detective Maggie Sawyer, which shows all the difficulties and achievements of a lesbian superhero. Concerning the main character, Batwoman can be considered a determined woman who is ready to struggle against criminals.
5. America Chavez
America Chavez, or Miss America, is one of the latest characters to be introduced in the Marvel universe as an LGBT character. She first made her debut in the issue “Vengeance” #1, published in 2011, and she is a homosexual character who possesses the power of inter-dimensional travel. Latina heritage of American and her childhood in the parallel world with her two mothers is a part of her. This is further confirmed by her interaction with Lisa Halloran in the “America” solo series, where she comes out as a proud and confident Lesbian character.
LGBT characters are more often depicted in comics of the last three decades, which indicates the society’s tolerance of homosexuals. It is because of the characters such as Northstar, Mystique, Iceman, Batwoman, and America Chavez that the aspect of diversity has been incorporated into the story as well as the addition of more content in the story. Before moving on, it is essential to underline that these characters are not only diverse within the comic book universe but also diversify it with their stories and portrayals. This is for the better as it encourages the inclusion of every kind of person in society and the global comic readers.
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