Over at the comicbookqueers site, Stevie Disme is joined by Kris Dresen, Dale Lazarov, Sarospice, and Tony Breed to recreate the “Chicago Gays In Comics” panel from this year’s C2E2 con so you can hear what you missed. Go give a listen to the podcast now!
Comic Book Queers: Chicago Gays In Comics
September 2nd, 2010A Gay Day In Riverdale
September 1st, 2010Today was my first time ever buying an Archie comic. Back up! It was my first time reading one, too. A long time ago when my fascination with comics began, my judgmental youthful self decided that Archie, Harvey, Gold Key, Charlton, and Dell comics were all beneath me. Oh, I probably looked through one as a last resort when I’d read all the others during the trips to the barbershop my father made sure my brother and I made. This kid certainly wasn’t going to read a copy of a months old Field & Stream. So maybe a look through, but never would I have read one. If it hadn’t been for a decision on Archie Comics part to include its first ever gay character (sidestepping all the rumors and jokes about Jughead) the blue eyed, blond haired new kid in town Kevin Keller it’s doubtful I’d ever read one in my lifetime.
After picking up comics today I drove a few miles to pick one of my nephews up from school. He’s just shy of turning 12 and reading Veronica #202 sitting in my car in the middle school parking lot seemed appropriate. I didn’t share it with him because his parents haven’t yet decided to have that conversation with him. Maybe I should let them read this?
Writer (and artist) Dan Parent’s plot is straightforward. New kid moves to town, makes friends, and shares on a one by one basis the news he’s gay. Veronica falls in love with him while Jughead sense an opportunity to humiliate Veronica and convinces Kevin to let her down easy at a time that seems best for her. Hijinks ensue, mostly at Veronica’s expense until the plan backfires on Jughead. Kevin and Veronica realize they’ve been used and go to the mall to celebrate their newfound friendship.
As for Kevin…he’s likeable, friendly, outgoing, low maintenance, and has an appetite matching Jughead’s. Kevin also reads comics as we find out from Jughead. There were several scenes in which Kevin texted a friend named William from his old home town, raising my hope that Kevin has a boyfriend, even if he’s off panel. That hope came down several notches when Keller’s two BFFs William and Wendy are mentioned in the text piece. It’s too soon to tell if Keller will be given a boyfriend or Archie will introduce another character who happens to be gay to act as a friend. Not only would those be important images for kids to see, one or the other will keep Kevin from becoming the token gay best friend.
Even so, Dan Parent and Archie should be proud of introducing a gay character who’s just as normal as the rest of the Riverdale cast. Thanks for all the kids who’ll see Kevin and understand the affirming message that it’s okay to be different and to the other kids who’ll realize difference doesn’t matter.
And thanks for scenes like this that I thought I’d never see in an Archie comic!
Art by Dan Parent
Heavy Artillery
September 1st, 2010
Art by Adam Warren
Contributed by Mike McDermott
Heavy Artillery is a member of the Super-Homies, an elite superhero team (the Empowered-universe’s version of the Avengers). He has a large cannon in place of his head. He appears to be a reserve member of the team, or at least not one of their more prominent members–so far he has appeared mostly as a background character in large group meetings or social functions, and we have yet to see him in action in a field mission.
Heavy Artillery outed himself to the audience when the Super Homies were examining some YAOI slash fan-fiction comics about the team, commenting that the stories were definately written by women *for* women: “‘Cause speaking as a gay male, this yaoi crap does nothing for me”. Although Emp was surprised by Heavy Artillery’s sexuality, none of the other Super Homies made any comment–so presumably none of them have any issue with him (despite several of the male Super-Homies being sexist jerks, so it would not be a surprise for them to be homophobic too).
Heavy Artillery is one of the few Super Homies not shown to treat Emp poorly for being relatively ineffective as a superhero. However they have barely interacted at all on-panel, so it is unclear if he actually treats her better than most of her other teammates, or if we simply haven’t seen any examples of him treating her badly.
Heavy Artillery first appeared in Empowered vol 1 and is outed in Empowered vol 3.
Heavy Artillery is © Adam Warren. All rights reserved.
Wuvable Oaf at Cartoon Art Museum
September 1st, 2010Passed along from Ed Luce….
Howdy, everybody…hope you’re having a great end of summer! Just dropping a line to let you know Goteblüd and Wuvable Oaf will be a part of this coming weekend’s San Francisco Zine Fest events!
I’ll be doing my first ever comics reading at The Cartoon Art Museum (http://cartoonart.org/), Friday, September 3rd at 7 pm. Here’s the press release:
Now See This: SFZF x CAM Comics Reading – Friday, September 3rd from 7pm to 9pm. The Cartoon Art Museum and San Francisco Zine Fest are proud to present “Now See This”, a live, multi-media comics reading at the Cartoon Art Museum on Friday, September 3, from 7pm to 9pm. This event will kick-off the Zine Fest weekend (September 4 & 5 at the SF County Fair BLDG) and marks the third annual collaboration between the SFZF and CAM.
This year’s stellar lineup includes SFZF 2010 Special Guest Jesse Reklaw (10,000 Things To Do), John Porcellino (King-Cat Comics), Ed Luce (Wuvable Oaf), Jamaica Dyer (Weird Fishes), Hob (The Witness), Noah Van Sciver (Blammo), Susie Cagle (Nine Gallons), and Jonas Madden-Connor (Ochre Ellipse).
The suggested donation for this event is $5, benefiting both the SF Zine Fest and the Cartoon Art Museum. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
I’ll be reading from a medley of Oaf stories, including one that requires some early 90′s Alt Rock singing and an as yet unpublished tale from Oaf’s adolescence! And we’ll be playing the EJA©ULOID track “FEARCE” for the first time in public too!
Then, join us at the Goteblüd booth for the San Francisco Zine Fest, Saturday and Sunday, September 4-5 from 11:00am – 6:00pm at the SF County Fair Building (formerly Hall of Flowers) 9th Ave. at Lincoln Way (in Golden Gate Park).
From their site: [ZINE FEST] is a FREE annual two-day conference for independent and underground publishing. Exhibitors come from all over the West Coast, and while the focus is on zines, all walks of DIY life are represented — comics, arts and crafts, literary presses, and more. SF Zine Fest was founded in 2002 by Jenn of Starfiend Distro.
SF Zine Fest 2010 is brought to you by the hard-working folks at Family Style, New Lights Press, Monkey & Seal, Goteblüd, StreetWorthy Zine, SLAB Comics, and many other wonderful volunteers. We are very excited to be returning to our new home at the San Francisco County Fair Building! The SF County Fair Building is easily accessible by bicycle (lots of parking right out front) and also by public transit: The N train and the 6, 16BX, 43, 44, and 71 bus lines all drop you off within a couple blocks of the Fest! Parking can be more difficult, the adjacent lot is for loading and unloading ONLY. There are some paid parking lots in the nearby Inner Sunset district.
Go to http://www.sfzinefest.com/about.html for more info!
Matthew, Mark and I will be on hand with a special selection of zines from the Goteblüd store and our usual assortment of Oaf comics and schwag! So if you have yet to snag an OAFEMERA sketchbook or the new Oaf Kitty and Oaf Face shirts, now’s the time!
And as if that’s not enough, Matthew has curated a show, “PUNK TABLOID”, to coincide with the event. It will be on display at the SF County Fair Building for the duration of the weekend and then it moves to the Goteblüd space at 766 Valencia, SF. It will be on display there during normal weekend hours from 9/11/10 through 10/31/10. Go to http://goteblud.livejournal.com/ for more info!
From the press release: Featured in the show are complete runs of three seminal publications – Search & Destroy, Damage and Another Room Magazine. They exemplify radical, independent publishing in the Bay Area from the late 1970s and early 1980s. The format – oversize newsprint, often with spot color – afforded great graphical capabilities. All three publications realized the potential of the large page, creating beautiful, striking and original layouts that still inspire three decades later.
And there’s a panel: A discussion for the show will take place on site from 2:30-3:30pm Saturday 9/4, and features V. Vale (Search & Destroy) and John Gullak (Another Room Magazine), moderated by Matt Wobensmith of Goteblüd.
That about covers it! Mark your calendars… APE is coming up October 16-17th!
Cooke Controversy
September 1st, 2010“…I don’t want to see characters who’ve been straight for 60 years become lesbians overnight because the writer was too stupid or uncreative to come up with something decent…”
Seems like the makings of another controversy, this time from Darwyn Cooke (New Frontier, The Spirit, Parker – The Hunter). The comment came to my attention this morning following a link while reading through my Google reader.Whoever it was, they pointed to this Youtube video that was posted on 4th Letter. Apologies for not giving appropriate credit though Valerie D’Orazio has blogged about the incident. You can read her comments here. I might agree with some of Cooke’s sentiment if, as D’Orazio posits, part of what he was referring to involved the publicity that resulted from Batwoman’s sexuality.
Oops! Credit where it’s due. Postmodernbarney is the blog where I first read about Cooke’s comment. Dorian makes a valid point when he says he finds Cooke’s attitude disappointing given how much of Cooke’s work is backward looking.
I don’t believe that Greg Rucka, who’s implied here, was either too stupid or uncreative when the decision was made to revive and recast Batwoman into a superhero who happens to be a lesbian. That decision was made when Devin Grayson was given the character to develop, but that’s another story. It’s a shame that we’ll probably never know what Grayson’s plans for Batwoman were, but Rucka gave his best to write memorable stories.
Now it’d be easy to think from that quick comment Cooke is being homophobic. He wasn’t. And isn’t, as he clarified in the comments section:
“My comment about making a character a lesbian has outraged some so I thought the following clarification might help-
Consider this- After sixty years of being a lesbian, a beloved character is made straight for sales or creative purposes- wouldn’t that be wrong as well?
I think gay characters are an important and welcome part of any contemporary expression. What I want is to see creators and publishers creating new characters that are gay and lesbian, and spend the decades needed creating and supporting stories about these characters. It strikes me as opportunistic and somewhat wrongheaded to take someone else’s creation and afterdecades of established character action make that drastic a change.”
Up to a point I agree. The hypothetical question of turning a 60 year old lesbian character precludes the fact that gay and lesbian characters don’t have such a lengthy history. Off the top of my head, Maggie Sawyer has 22 years of history which is actually remarkable.
Art by Cooke and J. Bone
I’m all for new LGBT characters! The reality is that for any number of reasons new characters of any kind face significant hurdles to survive and thrive in comics today, touching on a lot of other related issues.
But Darwyn Cooke isn’t homophobic. If he were, he wouldn’t have created Argo Bones and Kimball Richards, a little known couple seen during his run on The Spirit. It’s just too bad they’ll never be seen again because they were quite interesting. So much for that long running history.
A couple of updates. G. I. Jolie wrote to let me know the video originated from the folks at Comic Book Syndicate. There, if you scroll down just a bit, you’ll find a note from artist J Bone, colleague and Spirit collaborator, setting the record, um, straight, as it were, about this tempest in a teapot. In case you don’t know, Bone is also gay and you should check out his NSFW Man’s Adventures blog. Bone also alludes to the character in question as being The Question and not Batwoman. Personally, I prefer Renee Montoya in her former detective days, but I also hate it when LGBT characters languish in limbo.
Here’s a surprise in the morning! In going through my routine of reading comics news sites first thing I find Rich Johnston from Bleeding Cool has linked to this article. Said link being coded in “however measured” in the following sentence:
“But in light of criticism, however measured, from certain people spying potential homophobia in Darwyn’s comments, certain creators rallied round.” Just to be clear… I don’t think Darwyn Cooke is homophobic. Certainly not based on comments in this video and his association with J Bone.
Around the blogosphere -
David Brothers shares thoughts on 4th Letter and lots of comments follow. Michael May of Robot 6 weighs in. Liana from Nerd Girl Pinups FTW!
November Sneak Peek
September 1st, 2010
Tying in to “Chaos War,” Marvel’s next crossover event is the one shot Alpha Flight special from Jim McCann and artist Salva Espin. It’s been years since anything Alpha Flight related got me excited so it was a surprise to learn some of the classic members had died in New Avengers #16. And I could probably pass on this special too if it weren’t for two things. The first is Jim McCann involved as writer. His Hawkeye and Mockingbird series is a fun and engaging update on old school superheroics with the right dashes of tension and drama, especially for the two stars. The second reason ties in with the first – Northstar. Matt Fraction gave him a boyfriend and made him fun and cocky instead of pissy and insufferable, but the promise didn’t follow through. Indy cartoonist Tim Fish, known for his Cavalcade of Boys and Young Bottoms in Love anthology, gave us a short slice of story focusing on the personal side of Northstar and his boyfriend’s relationship. Then nothing until now. I’m psyched to read what McCann has come up with and how he handles Northstar.
What’s up at DC? Oh, there’s a one shot with Batman and Catwoman going up against the Z list Cavalier. Who? This guy. He likes to play with swords. Yeah, so. DC’s blog “The Source” had this about the book: “This November, writer/artist Howard Chaykin presents a one-shot tale of the Cavalier. You remember him, right? The Z-lister with the swords? How’d someone like that manage to frame the femme fatale known as Catwoman for a string of burglaries? Doubly impressive? Framing rich playboy Bruce Wayne for cleaning out the Wayne Enterprises vault.
Impressive, indeed. But once Catwoman and Batman are on his tail, the Cavalier will learn that frame-ups like that cut both ways, as both Catwoman and Batman begin to track the rogue in this unique one-shot, written and drawn by the legendary Chaykin.”
Well, maybe it’ll be a fun comic.
Then there’s a little something else from DC, a zero issue of Batwoman to get people excited and ready for the January ongoing!
Queer Press Grant 2010
August 30th, 2010PRISM COMICS QUEER PRESS GRANT DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 15TH
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—Prism Comics is proud to announce that submissions are still being accepted for the 2010 Prism Comics Queer Press Grant, with a deadline of September 15th, 2010. The QPG was established by Prism to assist in the publication and promotion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender comics.
“The Queer Press Grant continues to be one of the most significant grants dedicated to supporting independent comic books,” says Justin Hall, Prism’s Talent Relations Chair. “The Grant is given to a cartoonist, comics writer/artist or team working on a project with LGBT characters or themes, to assist them in publishing a new project or expanding an existing one. Since 2005, the annual Grant has provided recipients with a substantial sum of money, which has varied according to our fundraising efforts; for the past two years, we have awarded $2000, our highest Grant amount, and hope to continue to increase the amount with the generosity of our donors. ”
The Grant’s submission deadline has been moved to September 15th this year so that the recipient can be announced during the Alternative Press Expo on October 16th and 17th in San Francisco. Prism has also introduced an online submission system this year that significantly streamlines the application process and ensures complete submissions.
Entries are judged first and foremost by artistic merit, followed by concerns such as financial need, proposal presentation, and the project’s contribution to the LGBT community. They are reviewed by the Prism Board and past recipients of the Grant, with the larger advisory board brought in when tiebreakers are needed.
For a full breakdown of the Grant’s guidelines and to fill out an application, please go to prismcomics.org/grant. Questions about the grant can be directed to Justin Hall at justin@prismcomics.org.
The Queer Press Grant is funded entirely by donations, generally from comic book professionals and readers. Contributions are accepted from those who want to support Prism’s effort to encourage new and under-appreciated talent. Prism reaches out to the greater LGBT community in particular, who acknowledge the challenges LGBT comics face in an environment in which queer stories and their creators still struggle for acceptance.
If you would like to support the cause of innovative LGBT comics and cartooning and donate to the Queer Press Grant, please go to prismcomics.org/donate.php or donate through Prism’s Facebook Causes page for the 2010 QPG.
Since its inception, the Queer Press Grant has been awarded to Ed Luce (2009: Wuvable Oaf), Eric Orner (2009: Storybox), Pam Harrison (2008: House of the Muses), Justin Hall (2007: Glamazonia), Tommy Roddy (2007: Pride High), Megan Gedris (2006: YU+ME), and Steve MacIsaac (2005: Shiftlifter).
CONTACT:
David Stanley
Prism Public Relations Chair
david@prismcomics.org
Gay Previews 10/2010
August 29th, 2010What follows is a list of comics for September that might interest LGBT comics readers or have an LGBT or friendly creator or character, such as they are. Names are in bold because they’re either family or family friendly. If you’re an LGBT writer or artist whose work I’ve overlooked most likely because I’m getting senile or it may be that I don’t know you, in which case, I’m sorry and please drop me an email (glajoe at gayleague dot com) to rectify my ignorance!
Yep, this idea came from Andy Mangels who compiled 1,001 lists before me. Names listed in bold are either family or LGBT friendly.
Now with more poo than a monkey can throw!
ABSTRACT STUDIOS
ECHO #25 $3.50 Page 216
Terry Moore
Julie meets Cain in a fight to the death for the rest of Annie’s alloy, while Ivy is forced to use desperate measures to find and stop the Phi Collider. The atomic clock is ticking on a countdown to midnight, and time is running out![One of the characters, Jack Cooper, is gay and has an unforgettable scene in #20.]
BLUEWATER
THE 10th MUSE CROSSOVERS TPB $17.99 Page 238
Marv Wolfman, Darren Davis, and various artists
Throughout the years the 10th Muse has teamed up with some of the top comics such as Shi, Savage Dragon, Tellos, Legend of Isis, and Judo Girl. All these amazing stories brought to you by top comic talent as Billy Tucci, Erik Larsen, Marv Wolfman, Roger Cruz, and Mike Wieringo are put together in this single graphic novel.
THE 10th MUSE: THE LOST ISSUE #4 $3.99 Page 238
Darren Davis and Roger Cruz
Emma finally has a moment to breath, or at least she thinks she does as all is back to normal in her District Attorney’s office. Just when she thought that she could have a good night’s sleep, a new group of super villains make their presence known in San Francisco. Forced into action once again, “The Endgame” plays the Muse to her already stretched limits!
INSANE JANE: AVENGING STAR #2 $3.99 Page 249
Darren Davis, Zach Hunchar and GMB
The insanity continues! The mayhem and carnage continues to escalate. With the police on their tail and enemies all around, there is only one place Jane and Grant can find peace and quiet — Las Vegas! Watch as the city of sin becomes the city of slaughter. Double down!
DARK HORSE
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER #37 $2.99 Page 43
Joss Whedon and Georges Jeanty
Spike and Buffy are finally reunited (*sigh*) and lucky him–he’s discovered the source of all her problems, and it’s not Angel. Now Buffy must revisit the place where love was indiscriminate, the Scoobies were formed, and Hell’s mouth was closed for good. Joss Whedon and Georges Jeanty launch readers into the finale of Buffy Season Eight, promising more adventure, twists, and turns. Bonds are tested, lives altered, and oh!–the fate of humanity hangs in the balance.
CONAN #25 $2.99 Page 44
Tim Truman, Tomas Giorella, and José Villarrubia
The thrilling, battle-filled finale to Robert E. Howard’s “Iron Shadows in the Moon”–and Dark Horse’s final Conan the Cimmerian issue! With the threat of pirates and a centuries-old evil at his heels, Conan’s troubles triple when he and Olivia are confronted by the jungle creature that’s been stalking them. The island where Conan once sought refuge has become a battleground with constant surprises and death in every dark corner. Tim Truman, Tomas Giorello, and Jose Villarrubia conclude their adaptation of one of Howard’s strangest stories in their final issue of Conan the Cimmerian. Fear not, faithful readers, as this Conan creative team will be returning next year to chronicle the exploits, adventures, and woes of an older King Conan!
DC
BIRDS OF PREY
Gail Simone and the Birds take the month off.
BRUCE WAYNE – THE ROAD HOME: ORACLE $2.99 Page 78
Marc Andreyko and Agustin Padilla
Barbara Gordon and Bruce Wayne have long been allies and friends, acting as Gotham City’s primary defenders. Their reunion is sure to have lasting effects on Barbara’s role as Oracle and the other Birds of Prey.
GREEN LANTERN #59 $2.99 Page 67
Geoff Johns and Doug Mahnke
Brightest Day blazes on as the New Guardians seeking the Indigo Entity are shocked to discover a sedated Black Hand. Can Hal Jordan trust the Indigo Tribe to house the herald of Nekron? Plus, another exclusive first look at a member of the Green Lantern Corps from 2011′s live-action GREEN LANTERN film! [Geoff Johns shared the news of a gay character appearing in the GL book during Andy Mangels' Gays In Comics panel. I believe the issue he said is #59, but could be wrong.]
JUSTICE LEAGUE #50 $4.99 Page 72
James Robinson, Mark Bagley and Pow Rodrix
Jade is plagued by the remanants of the Black Lantern, and Dr. Impossible and his group’s machinations unleash the Crime Syndicate upon the JLA’s Earth as BRIGHTEST DAY continues shining! What are their true plans? And can the World’s Greatest Heroes handle these evil incarnations – or is the entire Multiverse doomed? [Mikaal Tomas, the alien, non-straight Starman is on the team.]
JUSTICE LEAGUE: GENERATION LOST #10 & 11 $2.99 Page 71
Judd Winick, Fernando Dagnino, and Aaron Lopresti
In issue #11, Max Lord’s trail has gone cold, forcing the JLI to split up and follow new leads. While Booster Gold, Blue Beetle and Captain Atom stumble across a secret cell of OMAC experiments, Fire, Ice and Rocket Red are forced into battle against the Metal Men. But what happens when Ice is pushed too far? In issue #12, Ice has had enough and unleashes all of her inner fury, not only against the Metal Men, but against her teammates, as well! It’s Fire versus Ice in the ultimate elemental showdown!
JSA #43 $2.99 Page 96
James Robinson and Jesus Merino
Obsidian at long last reunites with his father Alan Scott after the intense madness of the recent JLA/JSA crossover as both come to terms with what their family has just been through. Can these two heroes pick up the pieces and move on after the devastation they’ve just survived? Don’t miss this special issue written by superstar scribe James Robinson! [Well "superstar" is debatable.]
JSA 80 PAGE GIANT $5.99 Page 94
Marc Andreyko, Nunzio DeFilippis, Christina Weir, Brandon Jerwa, Robert Jeschonek, Justin Peniston, Jason Star, Freddie Williams II, Jesse Delperdang, Jesus Merino, Leandro Fernandez, Victor Ibanez, Mateus Santolouco, Bill Sinkiewicz, and Tonci Zonjic
Presenting seven outstanding solo adventures starring members of both the Justice Society of America and the JSA All-Stars from dozens of your favorite creators! Cyclone, Doctor Fate, Jesse Quick, Mr. Terrific, Obsidian, Sand and Tomcat demonstrate that alone – or as a group – the JSA are the first and foremost Super Hero team for a reason! [Andreyko commented at a Comic Con panel that Obsidian fans would be very happy with his story here.]
KNIGHT & SQUIRE #1 $2.99 Page 80
Paul Cornell and Jimmy Broxton
Just as Gotham City has Batman and Robin, London has Knight and Squire – the British heroes and frequent allies of The Dark Knight! In a secret bar within the city where peace is kept magically, heroes and villains gather to enjoy a pint and talk about their day. But what happens when the magical barriers that disallow fighting are dropped and a building full of heroes and villains confront each other all at once? Knight and Squire have to keep the peace and save both friend and foe in this 6-issue miniseries. See the preview here to see the reason why this comic is on this list.
MANHUNTER: FORGOTTEN TPB Page 106 $17.99
Marc Andreyko, Michael Gaydos, and Carlos Magno
From Amazon: Kate Spencer’s adventures continue in this volume collecting MANHUNTER #31-38! Los Angeles is Manhunter’s town — so when Kate learns of the disappearance of hundreds of women along the Mexican border, she’s on the case as both a District Attorney and costumed crimefighter!
Buy from Amazon
MANHUNTER: FORGOTTEN TPB Page 103 $17.99
Marc Andreyko, Georges Jeanty, and Jeremy Haun
Kate Spencer lost a friend during BATTLE FOR THE COWL and now she wants payback in these stories from BATMAN: THE STREETS OF GOTHAM #1-13. As the new District Attorney of Gotham, will Kate use her legal power – or her Super Hero identity – to find the previous D.A.’s killer?
POWER GIRL #17 $2.99 Page 95
Judd Winick and Sami Basri
Power Girl has a murder mystery to solve, but she’s got some particularly talented friends in the detecting business. Enter: Batman!
RED HOOD: LOST DAYS #5 $2.99 Page 83
Judd Winick and Jeremy Haun
With a terrorist attack set to send London into mayhem and countless lives held in the balance, Jason Todd is forced out of the shadows and must call upon all he has learned to prevent this disaster. Can this fallen hero embrace what he used to be – and stop this catastrophe?
SECRET SIX #26 $2.99 Page 96
Gail Simone and J Calafiore
It’s Scandal’s Secret Six vs. Bane’s Secret Six in the savage secret world of Skartaris! Who is manipulating the two teams, and who has vowed to track them both down?
ZATANNA #6 $2.99 Page 96
Paul Dini, Yanick Paquette, and Michel LaCombe
Zatanna has been taken captive by the demon who intends to steal her soul – and it’s up to her playboy gadabout of a cousin, Zach Zatara, to free her! [Zatanna's stage manager Arnie and his boyfriend Andre appeared in #4.]
VERTIGO
GREEK STREET #16 $2.99 Page 126
Peter Milligan and Davide Gianfelice
The curtain is finally coming down on our players when a Deus Ex Machina you’ll have to see to believe arrives on Greek Street… Don’t miss the heart-stopping final issue of Peter Milligan’s classics-and-crime mash-up![Detective Dedalus is gay.]
GREEK STREET: CASSANDRA COMPLEX Vol 2 $14.99 Page 126
Peter Milligan and Davide Gianfelice
In this second volume collecting, issues #6-11, a shocking new drama unfolds on Greek Street as disturbed mother-killer Eddie and aristo visionary Sandy try to get to London where Dedalus investigates a suicide and an urban witch tries to get through to a monster.
HOUSE OF MYSTERY #30
Matthew Sturges, Luca Rossi and Carine Brancowitz
There’s so much happening in this issue that it’s nearly impossible to summarize. There’s the thing with the witches, the bit with the monster, and then there’s killer ribbon. See? Too much. [Recurring character goblin Tursig is gay. How much importance is placed on him is something I'm unaware of.]
MADAME XANADU #28 $2.99 Page 128
Matt Wagner and Marian Churchland
For Charlotte Blackwood, taste turns into a nightmare when every time she eats a meal, she gets a vision of what her food went through before arriving on her plate! Can Madame Xanadu help get her off this bad trip? Find out in “Extra Sensory” part 5 of 6. [Wagner has revealed a part of Xanadu's life during the Spanish Inquisition in which she loved a woman named Marisol.]
VERTIGO RESURRECTED #1 $7.99 Page 98
Warren Ellis, Brian Azzarello, Grant Morrison, Garth Ennis, Jim Lee, Phil Jimenez, Bernie Wrightson, and others
“Shoot,” Warren Ellis’s much-talked about, but never published story, involving schoolyard killings leads this mega-sized special. Also included are rarely seen tales exploring the disturbing depths of horror, war, romance and science fiction.
WILDSTORM
THE AUTHORITY #27 $2.99 Page 110
Tom Taylor and Al Barrionuevo
One hundred thousand refugees scream inside the Carrier and are gone. Hawksmoor, Flint and Grifter disappear with them – taken by a species of brutal, nightmarish creatures. River’s growing powers as the Spirit of Information hid only a handful of Authority members. As they set out on an impossible rescue, a terrible history is uncovered and the mystery of Swift deepens.
EX MACHINA: TERM LIMITS TPB $14.99 Page 116
Brian K. Vaughn and Tony Harris
In this final EX MACHINA trade paperback collecting issues #45-50 of the Eisner Award-winning series, Mayor Hundred must navigate the most challenging hot-button issue of his career, while a powerful new enemy reveals a terrifying plan that’s been in the works since the very first issue of EX MACHINA! Will Mitchell Hundred’s new archenemy, a dogged reporter with powers far beyond those of the Great Machine, bring down the mayor’s administration? Will the tragedies hinted at in the very first issue of the series actually come to pass? [A supporting characters confesses his love for Mitchell.]
WELCOME TO TRANQUILITY: ONE FOOT IN THE GRAVE #4 $2.99 Page 114
Gail Simone and Horacio Domingues
Sheriff Lindo finally learns the identity of the villain responsible for beating Mayor Fury senseless and knows where they’ll strike next – at her sister, Venus! But can she arrive in time to stop the attack? Will even the help of the Coyote Kid be enough to stagger this monstrous threat?
D.E.
THE BOYS #47 $2.99 Page 261
Garth Ennis and Russ Braun
And it all comes tumbling down… Hughie’s nightmare begins as he finds out the last and terrible truth about Annie, with Butcher watching carefully from the sidelines. The Homelander calls a secret gathering of the clans- and marks the occasion with a particularly gruesome blood sacrifice.
WARLORD OF MARS #1 $1.00 Page 255
Arvid Nelson and Stephen Sadowski
The original warrior of Mars returns from Dynamite! Warlord of Mars, an enhancement of the classic Edgar Rice Burroughs story, Princess of Mars! If you thought you knew the story, think again! This series will capture the grit and action of the original while expanding on it with new elements. The story is about John Carter, an ex-cavalry officer in the Confederate Army who finds himself mysteriously transported to Mars! Joining him in his adventures there are Tars Tarkas, his Martian comrade, and Dejah Thoris, a Martin Princess.
DIGITAL MANGA DISTRIBUTION
A BLOODY KISS TONIGHT $12.95 Page 274
Makoto Tateno
Riku works for a local flower shop as a delivery boy. During one of his delivery to a western style mansion he encounters three exceptionally beautiful men. Since then, he has been plagued with terrifying yet sensual wet dreams every night! Who was fondling him!? Riku couldn’t help feeling violated, bewildered, and angry all at the same time… Keito, one of the 3 occupants of the western mansion, is the culprit of Riku’s downfall. He’s on the hunt for Riku to fulfill a destiny intertwined with love and betrayal, thus a vampire legend unfolds.
Order from Amazon
CLOSE THE LAST DOOR $12.95 Page 276
Yugi Yamada
It supposed to have been a romantic holiday for Honda and Nagai… but Saito invites himself over to be a third wheel! Can anything go right for Honda and Nagai? Honda gets a little jealous and insecure, but that’s all because he’s madly in love with Nagai. Would this love trial ever end?
Order from Amazon
FINDER 2 CAGE IN THE VIEWFINDER Vol 2 $13.95 Page 273
Ayano Yamane
Akihito thought he left the cutthroat dangers of the Underworld behind after barely escaping his last adventure alive. However, he soon finds himself reunited with the mysterious and powerful crime lord Asami, and he is once again thrust into an unseemly world of decadence and bloodshed. Will Takara be lucky enough to escape a deadly fate twice in a row, or are Asami’s plans for him of a more amorous nature? This volume also focuses on the backstory of FeiLong and Asami- how they met.
Order from Amazon
LOVE WATER $8.95 Page 276
Venio Tachibana and Tooko Miyagi
It’s the beginning of the Meiji Era, and the world is turning upside-down. Misao doesn’t think his life of tradition will ever change. Born into the pleasure quarters and raised as a courtesan, he knows that emotions are fickle things, changing with every hour. But when a rich man’s son visits Misao’s teahouse, Misao opens his heart for the first time. He pursues this reckless love on the cusp between two ages, yearning only for happiness and expecting nothing but pain. Can the world ever change for this prisoner of love? [Listed as a novel.]
Order from Amazon
NO TOUCHING AT ALL $12.95 Page 276
Kou Yoneda
On the first day of Shima’s new job, he meets a hangover man in the elevator. This is his first meeting with his new boss, Togawa. Though Togawa seems rude and cross, Shima sees his kindness beneath all his rough facade. Both men harbor a painful past but unlike Togawa, who was open with his feelings, Shima seems unable to move on. Will they fall in love against all their reasoning?
Order from Amazon
801 MEDIA INC
UNDER GRAND HOTEL Vol 2 $24.95 Page 279
Mika Sadahiro
From 801: Sen Owari, a Japanese student formerly studying at Columbia University in New York, was sentenced to serve 80 years in prison at “Under Grand Hotel” for the murder of his lover’s husband. While serving his time in jail, new evidence surfaces for Sen and sheds new light on the crime. It may prove to be his chance to be released early… unless it’s a setup – but a setup for who? And, why would anybody want to frame Sen? Mika Sadahiro’s (Pathos) controversial and fan-favorite title is finally available for the first time in print in English! 320 pages
Order from Amazon for $16.47
GIRL TWIRL COMICS
JANE’S WORLD A NEW FRONTIER: Vol 10 $15.00 Page 287
Paige Braddock
Jane gets mistakenly recruited by the Star League to defend the frontier against Xur and the Ko-dan Armada. Meanwhile, “Beta Jane” is back home in the trailer park setting Jane up for a rocky re-entry with her girlfriend, Dorothy. And while Jane is off world, Jill has an adventure of her own when she runs into a sexy ex while on assignment in Cairo. Don’t miss a minute of the comedy in this lesbian parody of the 80s sci-fi classic, The Last Starfighter!
Order from Amazon for $10.20
THE MARTIAN CONFEDERACY: REDNECK’s RED PLANET Vol 1 $15.00 Page 287
Jason McNamara and Paige Braddock
In the year 3535 the people of Mars struggle under corporate and political hooliganism. Boone, Spinner, and Lou were three outlaws looking out for themselves. When the cure for Mars’ toxic air supply falls into the wrong hands, these three rednecks decide to do whatever it takes to save their planet. Thieves. Outlaws. Rednecks. Humanity’s last hope on Mars!
Order from Amazon for $13.50
THE MARTIAN CONFEDERACY: FROM MARS WITH LOVE Vol 2 $15.00 Page 290
Jason McNamara and Paige Braddock
Hearts will be broken, moons will be destroyed and hooch will flow in zero gravity in this sci-fi romantic action comedy! When someone, or something, starts kidnapping the children of Mars, the planet’s outlaws band together to rescue them. Off world, out numbered, and falling apart from within, can the Martian Confederates discover the secret of Phobos before they destroy each other?
Order from Amazon for $10.12
IDW
CAPTAIN EXCELSIOR Page 162 $17.99
Zach Weiner and Chris Jones
Captain Excelsior is having a bad… life. His ex-wife, Mrs. Mind, is marrying a mortal. His eldest son, Kid Liberty, is struggling with his sexual identity. His daughter, Tesla Curl, can’t get a date to the prom. And, his mortal middle child… what’s-his-name… is, well, mortal. Over the course of a very long day and a half, Captain Excelsior attempts to fix his daughter’s problems, work out things with the son he cares about, and do whatever he can to prevent Mrs. Mind (soon to be Mrs. Mind-Meriweather) from being happy without him.
TRUE BLOOD #4 $3.99 Page 147
Alan Ball, David Tischman, Mariah Huehner, and David Messina
Sam’s attack on the evil spirit proves deadly for the local population, and it ends with him having to recount his most shameful memory… a secret powerful enough to re-energize the wounded spirit. Outside, Andy and the Sheriff have discovered the dome keeping them all trapped inside Merlotte’s, but will they be able to break in before Jason recounts the dirty details his first time? The stormy night in Bon Temps continues, in this original idea by TRUE BLOOD creator Alan Ball.
IMAGE/ TOP COW
ARTIFACTS #4 $3.99 Page 202
The first chapter of Top Cow’s biggest event concludes! Artifact bearers from around the globe including Sara Pezzini, bearer of the Witchblade; Jackie Estacado, bearer of The Darkness; Dani Baptiste, bearer of The Angelus; the Magdalena, bearer of the Spear of Destiny; Tom Judge, bearer of the Rapture; and many others have found themselves pulled into an ancient struggle ignited by the kidnapping of Hope Pezzini. And now, the architect of this fateful orchestration is revealed! [The relationship between Dani Baptiste (Angelus) and Finch as seen in the Angelus mini is a romantic/sexual one between two women.]
MARVEL
AVENGERS: THE CHILDREN’S CRUSADE
Allan Heinberg and Jim Cheung’s book take the month off.
DAKEN: DARK WOLVERINE #2 $2.99 Page 66
Marjorie Liu, Daniel Way, and Giuseppe Camuncoli
Did you really think that Daken wouldn’t be involved in sending Wolverine’s soul to Hell? Now that his Did you really think that Daken wouldn’t be involved in sending Wolverine’s soul to Hell? Now that his father is out of the way, Daken is free to do whatever he wants. And what does he want?
HAWKEYE & MICKINGBIRD #5 $2.99 Page 42
Jim McCann and David Lopez
This is it, the climactic battle you’ve been waiting for! They’ve been pushed, beaten, and nearly killed–now Hawkeye & Mockingbird face off against their personal arch-nemesis, Crossfire and the all-new Phantom Rider, in no-holds barred combat! Plus: a shock ending that affects…everything! Join the action, drama, romance and thrills.
INVADERS #2 $3.99 Page 47
Alex Ross, Christos Gage and Caio Reiss
Journey back to the darkest days of World War II, and witness the horrible events that took place on the worst day of the Invaders’ career…when the legendary heroes committed a deed so terrible its repercussions threaten us all in the present! Plus: Learn the never-before-told circumstances behind Arnim Zola gaining his freakish artificial body! All this, and the return of the Invaders’ worst enemies!
LOKI #1 $3.99 Page 63
Roberto-Aguirre-Sacasa and Sebastian Fiumara
The true origin of Thor’s archenemy and Marvel’s most unpredictable villain! He is the lie-smith; he is the shape-changer; he is the fire that burns. The God of Mischief and Trickery, Loki. Meet the mirthful, beloved young man that made all the Asgardians laugh…until the first time he killed. Discover the gnarled roots of his twisted, unrelenting hatred of the Asgardians. And learn the chilling truth of why he’ll never be stopped…
NEW MUTANTS #18 $2.99 Page 73
Zeb Wells and Leonard Kirk
If there are “No More Mutants” who are the mysterious folks who are ripping the New Mutants apart? All we know is they’re part of Project Purgatory and far more deadly than anything the New Mutants have had to face before.
THE STAND: HARDCASES #4 $.3.99 Page 10
Roberto-Aguirre-Sacasa and Mike Perkins
In a house in the newly established Boulder Free Zone, behind closed doors, seven soul survivors are holding a clandestine meeting. Their agenda: Saving a disease-decimated country and protecting themselves against the threat of the dark man. But what are they missing? Harold Lauder, who is biding his time and plotting his revenge… And Mother Abagail, who is having a crisis of faith and coming face-to-face with her personal demons… Hold your breath and say your prayers, True Believers, as we head towards the final conflict!
SPIDER-MAN: GRIM HUNT HC $19.99 Page 94
Joe Kelly, J M Dematteis, Fred Van Lente, Phil Jimenez, Michael Lark, Max Fiumaram, Phillipe Briones
Several years ago, one of Spider-Man’s greatest enemies, Kraven the Hunter, stalked his last prey, dying with a violent, misbegotten honor. Now, two women claiming to be his wife and daughter have tracked Spider-Man, through the urban jungle, weakening him through the Gauntlet while they prepare to attempt an unholy resurrection. They’re hunting Spiders…and Spider-Man’s friends and namesakes are in their sights. J.M. DeMatteis, author of the classic “Kraven’s Last Hunt” returns to the Amazing Spider-Man with Max Fiumara to explore an unknown confrontation between Kraven and Spidey’s violent doppelganger KAINE Collecting AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #634-637, GRIM HUNT PROLOGUE and material from WEB OF SPIDER-MAN #7 & SPIDER-MAN ORIGIN OF THE HUNTER.
THANOS IMPERATIVE #5 $3.99 Page 58
Dan Abnett, Andy Lanning, and Miguel Sepulveda
hanos lives, but now Lord Mar-Vell moves in for the kill! The Undying Lord of the Cancerverse has underestimated the tenacity and fury of his adversary, but no longer! The Mad Titan is outnumbered and outgunned by the Cancerverse forces, and his unlikely allies–Star-Lord, Rocket Raccoon and the other brave misfits–find themselves making a last stand to save the galaxy’s #1 villain! [Phyla (Quasar, now "Martyr") and Moondragon were lovers before Moondragon’s apparent death. Moondragon has since returned to the land of the living while Phyla appears to be dead. Oh wait, she's better. No, she may be dead again for sure. Or is there another recovery in her future?] Note: Both Guardians of the Galaxy and Nova are supposedly on hiatus during this mini series. It’s unknown if or how much Phyla and Heather will be featured.
THOR: FOR ASGARD #3 $3.99 Page 62
Robert Rodi and Simone Bianchi
The epic adventure continues, with the god of thunder as you’ve never seen him before! As endless winter rages, the Asgardian court dissolves into bitter factions, and a shocking death prompts Thor to depart his troubled capitol at its moment of greatest peril. Plus: an electrifying revelation about Odin! You’ll never look at the All-Father the same way again!
X-FACTOR #210 $2.99 Page
Peter David and Vanlentine De Landro
Wolfsbane returns to the team traumatized by her time with X-Force only to be slapped in the face by ex-boyfriend Rictor’s new relationship with Shatterstar. Can Rictor repair the damage and ease her mind? And what exactly is the nature of the child growing inside her? Meanwhile, with the rest of the team in Las Vegas, Monet is visited by a war veteran with a terrifying secret… [David confirmed long standing fan speculation that there is a romantic component to Rictor and Shatterstar's relationship in X-Factor #44, published earlier in 2009 despite the discrepancy in numbering.]
TITAN COMICS/ PUBLISHING
TORCHWOOD #3 $3.99 Page 326
Gareth David-Lloyd, Gary RUssell, Pia Guerra, and Adrian Salmon
This special issue features the comic-writing debut of Gareth David-Lloyd, best known to Torchwood fans as Ianto Jones! In this story, Ianto meets some faces both familiar and yet not, also he comes across a beautiful, deadly woman who may upend his life! Also, part three of the epic “Broken.”
TORCHWOOD MAGAZINE #24 SPECIAL $9.99 Page 345
Get on the road this summer, with our complete guide to the locations of Children of Earth. Go global as we investigate the Torchwood phenomenon around the world. Gorge yourself on three brand-new short stories!
TOKYO POP/ BLU
GRAVITATION COLLECTION Vol 6 $14.99 Page 319
Maki Murakami
Eiri and Shuichi’s hot and intense relationship continues to escalate! But as Bad Luck’s record races to the top of the charts, a member of the band threatens to quit, and Shuichi makes an impromptu trip to the U.S! Will Shuichi and Eiri’s new-found love survive his hard-rockin’ lifestyle?
Order this manga from Amazon
STRAY CAT $14.99 Page 319
Halco
Kaoru is frustrated — he’s just been dumped by his boyfriend again! And it’s all because he could never express his true feelings properly. What’s wrong with him?! Feeling lonely and miserable, he takes a stroll through a gay park one day and meets a straight guy named Youhei. Although he seems to be an unassuming, gentle soul, something inside Youhei has caused Kaoru’s heart to swell. Will Kaoru step out and express his feelings to Youhei? Shrinkwrapped with Parental Advisory sticker on the front cover.
Order from Amazon
TOPSHELF
LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN CENTURY 1910 $7.95 Page 320
Alan Moore and Kevin O’Neill
Carnacki the ghost-finder is plagued by visions of a shadowy occult order who are attempting to create something called a Moonchild, while on London’s dockside the most notorious serial murderer of the previous century has returned to carry on his grisly trade. Working for Mycroft Holmes’ British Intelligence, Miss Murray is drawn into a brutal opera acted out upon the waterfront by players that include the furiously angry Pirate Jenny and the charismatic butcher known as Mac the Knife. [One of Moore's characters is Orlando. Orlando, being the sex changing lead character in Virginia Woolf's novel of the same name, is a man born during Elizabethan England who decides to be immortal. Afte a long sleep, Orlando wakes to find his physical body has changed and become female while retaining his personality. Moore takes the transformation one step further and returns Orlando to male form.] Re-offered.
Three
August 27th, 2010
Joey Alison Sayers, Eric Orner, and Robert Kirby
Rob Kirby Comics
$6.25
Three is the title of a new comics anthology featuring the work of LGBT writers and artists. If “three” seems like an odd title for a comic, editor Kirby reflects on the ways this simple number saturates our lives: three Fates; three wishes; past, present, future; beginning, middle, end; and of course, the phrase “queer as a three dollar bill.” To his list I would add something Lao Tzu wrote in the Tao Te Ching (who, just to clarify, is not some long lost, never-seen-on-panel relative of I Ching, mentor to Wonder Woman during her Kung Fu days):
Tao produced the One.
The One produced the two.
The two produced the three.
And the three produced the ten thousand things.
How’s that for a hoity toity reference? I may have just piqued the curiosity of gay spandex-loving readers and lost them a split second later. Let’s hope not because Three is deserving of your attention. My only reason for including these lines by Lao Tzu is to show that even a long dead philosopher knows the importance of “three” out of which all things are made possible.
But how does three apply to Three, you ask? Simple. Three stories in one comic, done this first time out by three people: Joey Alison Sayers, Eric Orner, and Robert Kirby. Orner’s name should be familiar to many from his long running strip The Mostly Unfabulous Life of Ethan Green. Likewise, Kirby should be best known for his Curbside Boys strip and Boy Trouble anthologies that saw life as both an indy comic and two collections from Green Candy Press. I shouldn’t admit this, but Sayers, known for her Thingpart strip, was unknown to me aside from vaguely recalled references to said strip. That was remedied by a visit to her site and clicking around to get a better feeling. One of the things about anthologies is to introduce different creators to readers, so mission accomplished there!
Several years back I rented Yossi and Jagger, Eytan Fox’s film about two Israeli soldiers having a secret love affair. It was my sudden awareness of my ignorance about anything gay in Israel that made me curious when I came across it at the video store (how 1999 is that?). Flash forward to recently when I stumbled across Men of Israel for a very >ahem< different spin on gay men in Israel. Eric Orner’s Weekends Abroad is another take on life and culture in that country, ostensibly through his own eyes as I learned through a little search that Orner’s recently lived in Israel to work on a project. Being Jewish doesn’t mean he fits in with Israeli or Jewish society as it’s expressed there. It certainly doesn’t help matters that he doesn’t understand Hebrew thanks to an incident involving, of all things, Wyler’s Lemonade. This is especially true for him in more devout Jerusalem where he works and less so in modern and gay friendly (or friendlier) Tel Aviv where he escapes. More than not fitting in, he doesn’t want to fit in and this attitude ensures that hijinks ensue from getting on the wrong Tel Aviv bound bus whose only stop is three (there’s that number again) miles out of his way, to a hook up gone south, and early morning meanderings through unfamiliar neighborhoods. Oddly enough it’s this unexpected wandering through Tel Aviv’s mostly empty streets that he finally develops a connection after spotting the person responsible for some curious English graffiti with which he’s been mildly obsessed. Coming across this person who simultaneously negotiates and participates in life both differently and as an outsider brings him to a similar understanding and acceptance.
Orner’s style here is a pleasant surprise, which is not meant as a backhanded compliment regarding his work on the Ethan Green strip. In general it’s more detailed but not overworked. From an artist point of view I’d say that Orner had a lot of fun being freed up from any constraints artists have working on the same characters over a strip’s lifetime. Figures have more detail and unique characteristics and the scenes in which they live and interact are highly evocative of a distinct place. Creating that kind of impression isn’t as easy as you may think. Orner works in black, white, grey tones, and light yellow, a combination that works surprisingly well. This is the same approach Orner is using in his bigger project about his observations while living in Israel that you can see samples of here and here. After reading this story and those samples I’ve realized how my perceptions of Israel and its people have been affected by myopic evangelical Christian notions of the country being the Holy Land. It may be true in a sense, but those ideas are frozen in abstract, subjective fantasies reluctant to admit the greater reality. In any case this larger outsider as observer project has me quite curious to read it.
Number One by Sayers is a short piece about the perils of having to pee when out in public. For sure it’s an odd topic and I bet you don’t usually think about it if only because you may be a guy and, guys, shall we say, have easier options when nature calls. Unfortunately women don’t have that advantage. Sayers’ treats her doppelganger’s situation with humor. Now the story functions on this level just as is, but there’s a deceptive simplicity at work here when you take into account that Sayers is M2F transsexual who negotiated the world in a body that didn’t match her innate gender identity. Considering this, Number One becomes a gentle and celebratory slice of her new life.
Kirby’s Freedom Flight revisits Drew, one of his main characters from Curbside Boys. It’s been several years since I enjoyed the experience of reading the two Curbside collections back to back and I remember relating to Drew in several aspects. Kirby visits Drew’s adolescence in a brief flash back, and now it seems I relate to Drew in a couple other ways. Drew the child used to hide from adults sometimes to eavesdrop on adults. Only my “hiding” was in plain sight, pretending to do kid things, and it amazed me to hear what adults talked about when they thought I wasn’t paying attention. He also dreamt of flying away on a plane from “everything.” Clearly Drew had some heavy stuff going on as a kid. My mode of travel was by hopping one of the freight trains that came down tracks near one house we lived in. But you’re not reading this to learn stuff about my messed up childhood, are you?
Flash forward to 1994 and Drew’s in his 20s, the boytoy of an older professor he had for film studies. He could be happy living in New York with a boyfriend, but that listless, unsettled feeling of childhood has struck again. When Mitch ignores him again in favor of grading papers (surely one of the banes of teachers all over), Drew simply decides to quietly make a break with the clothes on his back, a little cash, and Visa card for which Mitch is probably the co-signer. Kirby creates an encounter with a three-legged dog that acts in a fashion like an animal spirit guide until the owner appears and bam! totemic interruptus! Anything Drew feels he might have learned from this affable canine muse is gone. And just like that, so is his compulsion to leave Mitch.
Like Sayers’ Number One, Kirby’s story has a lot more going on beneath the surface. Drew the 20 something is in denial over being emotionally handicapped. But there’s more involving relationships, specifically how Drew sees his role. And Mitch has issues, too. While out walking, Drew wonders if Mitch will remember to take his “meds”, a phrase that clued me in to Mitch’s situation Kirby drew a little bottle labeled “AZT” a couple pages later. This is 1994 and AZT was one of only a very few HIV drugs at the time. A long life was often a coveted dream and gay men were selling life insurance policies and living it up in what little time they assumed was left them. And here Mitch sits resigned to grading papers, ignoring the company and hot and sweaty sex with a boyfriend 15 or 20 years younger, perhaps out of fear of infecting him. But he’s the perfect boyfriend for Drew because he’s clearly confused desperation, duty, and martyrdom, and a monotonous routine with love, a sense of purpose, and identity. Or perhaps I’ve just projected my philosophy regarding how living life with a chronic disease impacts relationships.
Art wise, aside from the blue, black and white color scheme, Kirby’s work here is a progression from his Curbside works. Like Orner, Kirby seems to have had fun expanding on drawing more background and scene elements giving a sense of animation.
Ask me what happened in some superhero comic I might’ve read a couple weeks ago and I’d be hard pressed to tell you. Too many are like the comics version of self-gratification. These three stories though, they’ve gotten into my head. sat down and stayed a while. I’ve even watched another Eytan Fox movie, The Bubble. Good job, you three!
Three can be purchased at Robert Kirby’s website . Shipping is quite reasonable. People on tap for the next issue are Machael Fahy, Jennifer Camper, David Kelly, Craig Bostick, Sina Shamsavari, and Jon Macy.
Other links of interest:
My friends François Peneaud and Sean McGrath have also reviewed Three. Read their thoughts here and here.
Visit Ethan Green’s website and head over to Joey Alison Sayres’ spot on the interwebs.
Boy Trouble volume 1 and volume 2 (with preview pages) are available from Amazon.
My Son The Daughter
August 24th, 2010Over at The Magic Whistle, blogger Sam Henderson posts scans of “My Son, The Daughter”. It’s a book of cartoons about a gay son drawn by Mort Zucker and printed in 1966. Typical humor for the time and the twist here is it’s told through the mother writing a letter to her sister. Go read now! Found via Journalista!
