DC vowed to offer more diversity when they launched the “New 52” and they delivered in granting comics to several minority characters, including lesbian Batwoman and bisexual Voodoo, as well as including openly gay teen Bunker in the Teen Titans and the previously established gay male couple Apollo and Midnighter in ‘Stormwatch’, among others. However, in an interview with The Advocate, a leading gay news magazine, DC Editor-In-Chief Dan DiDio insisted that the majority of GLBT characters would be either characters that had already been established or new characters. In other words, no one would suddenly realize they were gay and come out. Until now.
DiDio, at London’s Kapow! Con, said that an established DC Character would be introduced in the New 52 as gay and furthermore, would become “one of our most prominent gay characters.” Hmmm, but who is this mystery gay? Here are five possibilities.
5. Damian Wayne
Okay, I know he’s like ten or something, but what a little douche. He’s snooty, entitled, superior and always has some nasty barb to hurl. He’s the DC equivalent of Stewie Griffin, i.e. the biggest b*tch in comics.
4. Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy
Seriously, everyone assumes they aren’t just gal pals. It’s just a given at this point. It’s not even lascivious or male fantasy or anything… it’s just a given. Both have been appearing, but at least in Poison Ivy’s case, not much has been revealed about her personal life.
3. Earth 2’s Green Lantern or Hawkgirl
In the old continuity, Alan was married and had two super kids, Obsidian (who was gay) and Jade. The newer version is younger, a hunky, blond unmarried media mogul. Hawkgirl, at least in her last incarnation, was a tough, independent young woman, who still had emotional issues (She was a cutter and tried to commit suicide). Should the Earth 2 continuity involve her constant reincarnation and destiny to be with Hawkman, wouldn’t being a lesbian throw a mace wrench into that plan big time?
2. Tim Drake
See Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy. In the pre-New 52, Robin and Superboy were the DC equivalent of Marvel’s Hulkling and Wiccan. Anyone with a brain could clearly see they were in love with one another, Wonder Girl not withstanding. Writers and artists just fed into that, whether they intended it or not. DC still seems to insist on pairing Superboy with his beard lovely young woman, Wonder Girl, but what’s to keep Red Robin from finally coming out.
1. One of the Ravagers
My first guess was Terra. I’m not sure which Terra this is though. The first was a nutcase who slept with a guy old enough to be her grandfather. The second was a whimsical, mercurial girl from another civilization. Who’s to say they have the same sexual morays as we do. Or what about muscle girl Caitlin Fairchild? Or shape-shifting Beast Boy? Is his form all he switches up? Guess we’ll see in two weeks when their book goes on sale.
The one thing I know for sure… DC will probably throw us a curveball and it won’t be any of the above! But let’s just applaud DC for having the nerve to reflect diversity in their line.
Who do you think the “closeted” hero might be? Or is it a villain? Comment below.