- DC actually has some prominent lesbian characters as Bette Kane (Batwoman), Maggie Sawyer (Superman), and Renee Montoya (Batman, The Question) are lesbians. In fact, Bette Kane and Maggie Sawyer are currently dating in the comic.
- Alan Scott's decision of being gay comes from James Robinson, writer of Earth 2, who cited the loss of Obsidian as a prominent gay character in the New DCU for the change. Also, Alan Scott's reveal of being gay isn't the main focus of the issue as he will be prominent in issue 3, the story focuses on Jay Garrick getting bestowed the power of speed by the dying God Mercury before he meets with Kendra Saunders Hawkgirl.
- Robinson's treatment of Alan being gay from the pages I've read and interview is simply a regular character who just happens to be gay. He doesn't let the characters sexuality be the defining point the character, ala PEter David's treatment when he revealed Rictor and Shatterstar as being a gay couple. Marjorie Liu's depiction of Northstar and his impending wedding in X-men, or Nortstar's attempt to marry his partner, Kyle, a publicist, is a focus point of the book with a subplot of villainous mind control. Their relationship is shown as any other relationship, even with strife, as Northstar initially proposes to Kyle, who refuses as he believes Northstar is using marriage as "quick fix" to their real issue; Northstar's unintentional belittling of Kyle for not having powers to defend himself. Also, Northstar helped out New X-Men's Anole cope with coming out as gay teen. Avenger's Academy has also added Striker and Lightspeed of Power Pack as gay and lesbian characters, with Lightspeed and Karolina Dean flirting during the Academy/Runaways conflict.
- Solstice actually is an existing character for JT Krul's run on Teen Titans, but she is essentially a Starfire analogue in the New52 Teen Titans. Her prior history depicted her as of Indian descent, with parents who are archaeologists and is friends with Wonder Girl. She was with the Teen Titans up until the Relaunch.The New 52 version plays that her abilities were altered by N.O.W.H.E.R.E to her current look. - Azzarello's and Chiang's Wonder Woman is actually one of the most consistently good reads from the New 52, as it plays up with her mythological ties by using the scheming nature and machinations of the Gods, while Wonder Woman deals with that and her newfound status as , SPOILER ALERT,being the daughter of Zeus instead of being a sand baby. Plus Hera punished Hippolyta by turning her into a statue and the rest of the Amazons into snakes. The Gun toting cover is actually a reference to Eros, the God of Love, who uses guns (modern myth) forged by Hephaestus to make people fall in or out of love, as Wonder Woman borrows the guns, but is instead shot by them by Hades. They even have an issue explaining what happens to the sons of the Amazons that is really a damn good character story.
- Barry Allen is currently dating Patty Spivot, a fellow investigator and is Anti-Flash. Iris West is focused on getting Barry's attention, both as an information source and flirting with him. Also, the Flash, along with Batwoman, are two of most beautifully drawn comics around with dynamic layouts and visuals that I strongly believe the late, great, Will Eisner would have cited them as references for excellent visual story-telling techniques. - Also , the Flash has two gay characters in Hartley Rathaway, the former vigilante the Pied Piper, now current musical conductor (he was gay in both the former and New DCU) and Director Singh, Barry's boss and Hartley's partner, though Director Singh is keeping it on the down low, much to Hartley's chagrin. This was also done quite subtlely as it was slowly revealed during each issue. - Also, for some unexplained reason, the Rogues have gained superpowers,and they blame the Flash and Captain Cold for it.
- According to aspects of Green Lantern; Blackest Night did happened, though it is mentioned from time to time. Even the War of the Green Lanterns is canon as Hal is not a "true" GL, as he is Sinestro's kid sidekick.
- Also, Daken, Wolverine's son, is bisexual. In fact, Daken was responsible for cutting up the Punisher into pieces, having the League of Marvel Monsters turning him into FrankencCastle. Mystique is bisexual (had a lesbian relationship with Destiny, straight relationships with others). Mr. Sinister is also probably bisexual, as he changed genders for a spell and was involved with Daken. Phyla-Vel Quasar and Moondragon were alien lesbian lovers. Plus Hulkling/ Wiccan of Young Avengers as a prominent teen gay couple.
- Ok, I have to say it; What is up with Harvest? The design screams Horror, but he runs a technologically advanced compound, forcing metahumans to do battle to be in his "Tron Cosplay Army" and to do, what exactly? Rule the World (M.Bison "OF COURSE!")? Usher in a new race of Superhumans (Magneto)? Ensure that only the strong survive (Apocalypse, Sinister)? Throw me a friggin' bone here, man!
Wow, just as Jonny Prophet is the "House" of movies and television, you Lozo are the 'Brit playing a cranky genius doctor' of comic books. My So here are my thoughts on your thoughts of our thoughts:
1. I knew Batwoman was gay, though I had forgotten she had a current book. I wasn't aware Renee Montoya existed in the New 52 let alone was still The Question, but I did know of her sexual orientation once upon a time. And I would not consider Maggie Sawyer a prominent character, she's a 2nd tier Superman support character. That would be like if William Clockwell in Invincible came out. We were just saying that every time a character comes out as guy to some big hoopla, it's always a guy. Why couldn't DC's hype be for a lesbian for a change?
2. If Alan Scott being gay in this new reality is done well, then fine. The problem Jonny and I had was that DC created some huge hype machine over a "major" DC character coming out. It was even a headline on Yahoo's news page. The current Alan Scott had been in exactly one issue, how is that major? To me, this just screams out 'forced publicity stunt.' Hopefully it will work with Scott's character, but to me it just seems weird to turn the Golden Age Green Lantern gay all of the sudden.
3. I am just fine with gay characters as long as it fits with the character. Don't force them to live an alternative lifestyle. I love Midnighter and Apollo, Bunker is my favorite of the newer Titan characters, I am a fan of Karolina Dean, Wiccan and Hulkling as well as Phyla-Vell. According to Jonny it was obvious Northstar was gay before he was revealed to be.
4. I was not aware Solstice was around before the reboot. The fact that she looked different then explains that. I would have remembered Not-Starfire running around.
5. I heard the writing on Wonder Woman was good. The art is terrible, though. I have always had a tough time buying a book with crappy art.
More of my thoughts on your nthoughts of our thoughts...
1. Barry Allen does love the ladies. Is his book actually worth reading? I haven't looked at it. I knew Cold had actual powers (not sure why he does, though) but I wasn't aware the rest of the Rogues had them too. Not sure I like that. I liked that they had gadgets.
2. The fact that Blackest Night seems to have actually happened just makes The New 52 that much stupider. Was Superman dead at one point? What about Wonder Woman, Batman, Hawk, Dove, Hawkman and Green Arrow? When did this happen? Where did it happen? Ugh! Damn this "sort of, possible" history of the New 52!
3. I figured Mystique went both ways, it actually fits with her character. Daken appears to possibly be bi or at the very least use sex against either male or female to gain an advantage. Mr. Sinister didn't mess around with Daken, it was a clone of him that had it's own personality that was being eaten away gradually as Sinister was asserting his personality to resurrect himself.
4. I don't know what is up with Harvest. He seems to be a victim of the whole "lets keep him a secret as long as possible." He uses future technology. I don't know why he looks like a monster. He is alluding to a grand purpose in making an army the "fittest" ravagers and considers his actions to be heroic, for the benefit of the world, pertaining to events yet to come. So far he seems like a delusional mix between Magneto and Apocalypse, but he really is playing up the 'death' character what with his appearance, dark angel wings and a scythe.
Jonny and I will probably touch upon some of your thoughts in our next V-log.
I was wrong regarding the Sinister thing, and you may be on to something regarding Daken using sex as a means to an end.
-The Flash book is actually a good read, as it actually makes me like Barry in one issue, whereas Geoff Johns did twelve issues with Barry and I couldn't stand him. The story is interesting and it seems that the Rogues were gadget based before they obtained powers.And Weather Wizard seems to be Hispanic as of last issue.
Regrading the Alan Scott announcement; I believe it was more fan speculation that blew it out of proportion as the announcement stated that it would be an established DC character that has yet to be introduced to the DCNU. Fans speculated between Tim Drake, Guy Gardener and others before it was even announced.But, I do share your sentiment regarding flip-floping a character's identity, sexual or otherwise, on the whim like TNA booking. Also, remember that Marvel announced Northstar's wedding on THE VIEW! Who in comics fandom watches the View! Then again, Northstar is their first and most prominent gay character, save for the Rawhide Kid. And the lest said about that book the better. So, you may have grounds regarding forced publicity stunt as they already a roster of gay and lesbian characters to call on and instead decided to make a new one.
- Pity you don't like Chiang's art. It actually makes Wonder Woman's suit look like its a form of armor instead of a glorified bikini with add-ons. Plus, the designs for the Greek Gods are pretty cool.
- If you think fan ire is going to happen again, wait until you see the next set of covers promoting DC's one year anniversary of the new universe, showing and Arabic Green Lantern pointing a gun at the cover, along with the announced cancellations of four books. But they did announce a Team 7 book, missing a few prominent Wildstorm characters.
A few comments regarding your thoughts;
ReplyDelete- DC actually has some prominent lesbian characters as Bette Kane (Batwoman), Maggie Sawyer (Superman), and Renee Montoya (Batman, The Question) are lesbians. In fact, Bette Kane and Maggie Sawyer are currently dating in the comic.
- Alan Scott's decision of being gay comes from James Robinson, writer of Earth 2, who cited the loss of Obsidian as a prominent gay character in the New DCU for the change. Also, Alan Scott's reveal of being gay isn't the main focus of the issue as he will be prominent in issue 3, the story focuses on Jay Garrick getting bestowed the power of speed by the dying God Mercury before he meets with Kendra Saunders Hawkgirl.
- Robinson's treatment of Alan being gay from the pages I've read and interview is simply a regular character who just happens to be gay. He doesn't let the characters sexuality be the defining point the character, ala PEter David's treatment when he revealed Rictor and Shatterstar as being a gay couple. Marjorie Liu's depiction of Northstar and his impending wedding in X-men, or Nortstar's attempt to marry his partner, Kyle, a publicist, is a focus point of the book with a subplot of villainous mind control. Their relationship is shown as any other relationship, even with strife, as Northstar initially proposes to Kyle, who refuses as he believes Northstar is using marriage as "quick fix" to their real issue; Northstar's unintentional belittling of Kyle for not having powers to defend himself.
Also, Northstar helped out New X-Men's Anole cope with coming out as gay teen. Avenger's Academy has also added Striker and Lightspeed of Power Pack as gay and lesbian characters, with Lightspeed and Karolina Dean flirting during the Academy/Runaways conflict.
- Solstice actually is an existing character for JT Krul's run on Teen Titans, but she is essentially a Starfire analogue in the New52 Teen Titans. Her prior history depicted her as of Indian descent, with parents who are archaeologists and is friends with Wonder Girl. She was with the Teen Titans up until the Relaunch.The New 52 version plays that her abilities were altered by N.O.W.H.E.R.E to her current look.
- Azzarello's and Chiang's Wonder Woman is actually one of the most consistently good reads from the New 52, as it plays up with her mythological ties by using the scheming nature and machinations of the Gods, while Wonder Woman deals with that and her newfound status as , SPOILER ALERT,being the daughter of Zeus instead of being a sand baby. Plus Hera punished Hippolyta by turning her into a statue and the rest of the Amazons into snakes. The Gun toting cover is actually a reference to Eros, the God of Love, who uses guns (modern myth) forged by Hephaestus to make people fall in or out of love, as Wonder Woman borrows the guns, but is instead shot by them by Hades. They even have an issue explaining what happens to the sons of the Amazons that is really a damn good character story.
Thoughts, Part Two
ReplyDelete- Barry Allen is currently dating Patty Spivot, a fellow investigator and is Anti-Flash. Iris West is focused on getting Barry's attention, both as an information source and flirting with him. Also, the Flash, along with Batwoman, are two of most beautifully drawn comics around with dynamic layouts and visuals that I strongly believe the late, great, Will Eisner would have cited them as references for excellent visual story-telling techniques.
- Also , the Flash has two gay characters in Hartley Rathaway, the former vigilante the Pied Piper, now current musical conductor (he was gay in both the former and New DCU) and Director Singh, Barry's boss and Hartley's partner, though Director Singh is keeping it on the down low, much to Hartley's chagrin. This was also done quite subtlely as it was slowly revealed during each issue.
- Also, for some unexplained reason, the Rogues have gained superpowers,and they blame the Flash and Captain Cold for it.
- According to aspects of Green Lantern; Blackest Night did happened, though it is mentioned from time to time. Even the War of the Green Lanterns is canon as Hal is not a "true" GL, as he is Sinestro's kid sidekick.
- Also, Daken, Wolverine's son, is bisexual. In fact, Daken was responsible for cutting up the Punisher into pieces, having the League of Marvel Monsters turning him into FrankencCastle. Mystique is bisexual (had a lesbian relationship with Destiny, straight relationships with others). Mr. Sinister is also probably bisexual, as he changed genders for a spell and was involved with Daken. Phyla-Vel Quasar and Moondragon were alien lesbian lovers. Plus Hulkling/ Wiccan of Young Avengers as a prominent teen gay couple.
- Ok, I have to say it; What is up with Harvest? The design screams Horror, but he runs a technologically advanced compound, forcing metahumans to do battle to be in his "Tron Cosplay Army" and to do, what exactly? Rule the World (M.Bison "OF COURSE!")? Usher in a new race of Superhumans (Magneto)? Ensure that only the strong survive (Apocalypse, Sinister)? Throw me a friggin' bone here, man!
Wow, just as Jonny Prophet is the "House" of movies and television, you Lozo are the 'Brit playing a cranky genius doctor' of comic books. My So here are my thoughts on your thoughts of our thoughts:
ReplyDelete1. I knew Batwoman was gay, though I had forgotten she had a current book. I wasn't aware Renee Montoya existed in the New 52 let alone was still The Question, but I did know of her sexual orientation once upon a time. And I would not consider Maggie Sawyer a prominent character, she's a 2nd tier Superman support character. That would be like if William Clockwell in Invincible came out. We were just saying that every time a character comes out as guy to some big hoopla, it's always a guy. Why couldn't DC's hype be for a lesbian for a change?
2. If Alan Scott being gay in this new reality is done well, then fine. The problem Jonny and I had was that DC created some huge hype machine over a "major" DC character coming out. It was even a headline on Yahoo's news page. The current Alan Scott had been in exactly one issue, how is that major? To me, this just screams out 'forced publicity stunt.' Hopefully it will work with Scott's character, but to me it just seems weird to turn the Golden Age Green Lantern gay all of the sudden.
3. I am just fine with gay characters as long as it fits with the character. Don't force them to live an alternative lifestyle. I love Midnighter and Apollo, Bunker is my favorite of the newer Titan characters, I am a fan of Karolina Dean, Wiccan and Hulkling as well as Phyla-Vell. According to Jonny it was obvious Northstar was gay before he was revealed to be.
4. I was not aware Solstice was around before the reboot. The fact that she looked different then explains that. I would have remembered Not-Starfire running around.
5. I heard the writing on Wonder Woman was good. The art is terrible, though. I have always had a tough time buying a book with crappy art.
More of my thoughts on your nthoughts of our thoughts...
ReplyDelete1. Barry Allen does love the ladies. Is his book actually worth reading? I haven't looked at it. I knew Cold had actual powers (not sure why he does, though) but I wasn't aware the rest of the Rogues had them too. Not sure I like that. I liked that they had gadgets.
2. The fact that Blackest Night seems to have actually happened just makes The New 52 that much stupider. Was Superman dead at one point? What about Wonder Woman, Batman, Hawk, Dove, Hawkman and Green Arrow? When did this happen? Where did it happen? Ugh! Damn this "sort of, possible" history of the New 52!
3. I figured Mystique went both ways, it actually fits with her character. Daken appears to possibly be bi or at the very least use sex against either male or female to gain an advantage. Mr. Sinister didn't mess around with Daken, it was a clone of him that had it's own personality that was being eaten away gradually as Sinister was asserting his personality to resurrect himself.
4. I don't know what is up with Harvest. He seems to be a victim of the whole "lets keep him a secret as long as possible." He uses future technology. I don't know why he looks like a monster. He is alluding to a grand purpose in making an army the "fittest" ravagers and considers his actions to be heroic, for the benefit of the world, pertaining to events yet to come. So far he seems like a delusional mix between Magneto and Apocalypse, but he really is playing up the 'death' character what with his appearance, dark angel wings and a scythe.
Jonny and I will probably touch upon some of your thoughts in our next V-log.
I was wrong regarding the Sinister thing, and you may be on to something regarding Daken using sex as a means to an end.
ReplyDelete-The Flash book is actually a good read, as it actually makes me like Barry in one issue, whereas Geoff Johns did twelve issues with Barry and I couldn't stand him. The story is interesting and it seems that the Rogues were gadget based before they obtained powers.And Weather Wizard seems to be Hispanic as of last issue.
Regrading the Alan Scott announcement; I believe it was more fan speculation that blew it out of proportion as the announcement stated that it would be an established DC character that has yet to be introduced to the DCNU. Fans speculated between Tim Drake, Guy Gardener and others before it was even announced.But, I do share your sentiment regarding flip-floping a character's identity, sexual or otherwise, on the whim like TNA booking. Also, remember that Marvel announced Northstar's wedding on THE VIEW! Who in comics fandom watches the View! Then again, Northstar is their first and most prominent gay character, save for the Rawhide Kid. And the lest said about that book the better. So, you may have grounds regarding forced publicity stunt as they already a roster of gay and lesbian characters to call on and instead decided to make a new one.
- Pity you don't like Chiang's art. It actually makes Wonder Woman's suit look like its a form of armor instead of a glorified bikini with add-ons. Plus, the designs for the Greek Gods are pretty cool.
- If you think fan ire is going to happen again, wait until you see the next set of covers promoting DC's one year anniversary of the new universe, showing and Arabic Green Lantern pointing a gun at the cover, along with the announced cancellations of four books. But they did announce a Team 7 book, missing a few prominent Wildstorm characters.