This week, two years ago, Marvel comics took a giant leap forward by publishing Astonishing X-Men #50. Why was this issue so big? Because it featured the first ever gay marriage proposal (technically Wiccan and Hulkling got engaged first but they were only like 17 and still haven't tied the knot). Coincidentally, two mates of mine just got engaged this week too! Congratulations Ray and Craig!Marvel's character, Northstar, first came out in 1992 and then made history 10 years later by asking his (now) husband, Kyle, to marry him. They were then married in the next issue (Astonishing X-Men #51). In fact, Northstar was the first of many gay and lesbian marvel superheroes some of whom I've added to a catalogue of gay Marvel superheroes.
But, why have comic books been such a refuge for nerds and gay men alike for years. I have a theory:
Quiet, bookish, noble guy. Tall, dark hair, glowing eyes, muscular, winning smile. Secretly enjoys sexy underwear, wrestling, and hopes to someday save the world. This description reads like everyone’s fantasy man and is also the calling card for just about every comic book hero out there. From the stunning poster-boy Superman, to the short but tough Wolverine, superheroes can serve as paramours for many gay ideals. And, while the superhero has an obvious physical appeal for many up-and-coming gays, there may be deeper forces at work.
A secret identity is key to most superheroes. The maintenance of their home lives as separate entities from their nighttime masquerading is essential. It’s not just so they can go shopping with out being harassed by adoring fans. From DC to Marvel, to Darkhorse and Image comics, superheroes across the board rely on secret identities as a means of protection. If villains and those whom they combat knew who they really are their lives would be in danger as well as the lives of those they love. The fear of discovery is a concept very familiar to many gay men. As sexuality burgeons in adolescence, everyone wants to blend in with the crowd, even more so for a young man discovering his seemingly abnormal attraction to other men and the manifestation of his greatest power, gaydar. All those who see Superman all want to attack him and test his strength. Many young gay men justifiably fear that if anyone found out about their inner brightly coloured caped crusader their lives might be in danger. And the paralleled struggle that gay men find in their favourite superhero can be a source of comfort. The sympathy found in a superhero’s struggle to find a suitable phone booth or dark ally to duck into to avoid being seen for whom they truly are hits home.
Even worse than being attacked by anti-mutant hunting robots and gay bashers, is the fear of an imploding personal life. Superman, again, is a perfect example: He is an orphan, alone on an alien world where he has strange and fantastic, yet dangerous powers. Keeping his secret is the only way to maintain the few normal relationships he has. He fears that if his true alien nature were exposed those he holds dear might reject him. The mutants of the Marvel world find a similar struggle in trying to keep their powers under wraps because, even within families, to be a mutant means being ostracised as an abomination. Marvel’s X-Men all wore masks in the beginning and were not ‘out’ to their families about what really went on at Xavier’s school. The superhero’s is a tale of isolation with a hearty portion of struggle and tragedy heaped on top and often some self-loathing. Their desire for acceptance coupled with the fear of abuse is not uncanny to the gay community. And, for gays, in the absence of an accepting family it’s nice to find affirmation in the pages of the newest tight-spandex sporting superhero mag. (Side note: Stan Lee is very open about the fact that the X-Men were meant to mirror the civil rights struggle when they were first introduced. 'nuff said!)
But, the hero’s life isn’t all doom and gloom. They have amazing powers. Whether it be super speed or just the ability to walk through walls, comic book heroes can get the job done at any cost and walk away the better for it. They have amazing adventures and everyone looks up to them. To be a wimpy nobody who is pushed around and looked down upon might be bearable if there was actually a behemoth of strength kicking about on the inside. The superhero cannot only withstand the punishment dished-out by villains, (many die and come back so often they should have their own religion) but in the end they have the strength to defeat them as well. Behind the secret identity there’s something fabulous inside that no one else can see. It’s an empowering and intoxicating theme (also the colour-coordinated suits holding firmly to a well toned body is pretty nice too). Everyone wants to believe there is greater force in their life, especially if they’re oppressed. Then, what greater force is there than the strength within? To be a young man in fear of who you might truly be, gay, the hope that sooner or later you’re going to not only escape the evil clutches of your life, but have the strength to defeat anyone who tries to do you harm is reinvigorating and necessary, for many, to keep going. It gives purpose to enduring harsh slurs, public disdain, and even physical violence.
Let’s face it villains are dumb. Why kill a hero with an elaborate trap when, after you’ve knocked them out, just do away with them quick and easy? This in addition to the fact that comic book heroes are incredibly clever makes it hard for gay guys to get through the latest issue of Batman without some smug satisfaction. Not only are comic heroes statuesque physically, but they have mental and moral superiority on their side. Heroes don’t kill. Heroes have a plan. And when heroes get lured into a trap, they find their way out. Superheroes get to beat the bad guy and sleep well at night as they take the high road when it comes to undoing the dastardlies. Despite many gay men having had some unpleasant run in with straight guys, it’s nice to believe that we, like superheroes not only win but are the better people for it. Along with the powers, being the good guy is a real bonus for putting up with the hiding and the abuse. Being on the moral high-road as open and accepting gives gay men a sense of satisfaction especially when justice is dealt out to those who perpetrate bigotry and hatred.
Up, up and away is where comic book heroes take the fantasies of many gay and straight men, young and old. They serve for so manyas just that, heroes. But, for the gay man, they give us hope in ourselves and serve as examples of not only what we hope to be but as sympathetic friends for the actual struggles in our lives. They take us into the most idealistic of fantasies and also give us a guide through the mire of real life. Even more encouraging is, in recent years, the cropping up of actual gay comic book heroes with the same strengths, flashy costumes, and good guy ethics of every other hero, but at the end of the book they get to snog the guy. Hopefully, this batch of gay heroes will not only continue to inspire and give hope to gay men, but also help educate their peers to the fact that anything that a straight hero can do a gay one can do just as well, and maybe with a bit more style.
So for all you Snikt! Snikt! fan's out there fawning over Wolverine, I today am championing Northstar. Yes, he may be a bit of an arrogant so-and-so, but he has never hidden (well except when he was an Olympic skier using his mutant powers to his advantage). He's my comic-book hero du jour and I am distinctly:
And congratulations to all you pioneers out there. Someday young gay men and women will have no idea how exciting and brave what you've done really is!
Enjoy!
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