Posting:

Due to the current troll infestation we will be requiring you to sign in to leave a comment. Also, please note that we will be very nice in the regular posts, but we will not be gentle in the Sunday Blaspheme posts. You will be expected to back up any ideas with facts.

I am always happy to answer any questions I can:)

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Best!

Brett

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Egad! He's GAY?!?!


Breaking news! Ok, not really. Yesterday on the Twitter Gail Simone tweeted:


Gail Simone: Tomorrow I am on a panel not listed on the schedule, WHERE ARE THE GAY SUPERHEROES, at 11:00 am, in Mezzanine 1. It’ll be great!

Brett Booth: We got at least one in Teen Titans:)

Gail Simone: Really? Who is the gay superhero in TT? Can you say?

Brett Booth: Bunker is gay (the purple guy, I know, not my first color choice!)

Brett Booth: We’re trying to make being gay a part of who he is, your gaydar should be pinged right off the bat:)

Gail Simone: Thanks, Brett! I don’t know the character, but I would love to hear about him so I can tell people to look out for him!

Brett Booth: First appearance other than the cover to 1.





Scott and I have done a bunch of interviews and I know I mentioned this to someone... this didn't seem like a big deal to me. But after reading things from multiple news sources I guess it may be. And I do have to commend some of the commenters on Bleeding Cool interesting stuff!


I'll see if I can answer a few things before the "Won't someone think of the children!" hysteria begins (too late I see!)


Let's see, this is from Scott Lobdell:



His real name is Miguel Jose Barragan.   He was raised in a very small Mexican village called El Chilar.  He was very loved by his family and the village as well -- and they were as accepting of his homosexuality as they were to his super powers when they first manifested.   To that end he grew up in an angst-free environment.   He was born out of the closet and so he has a very refreshing outlook on life.



So Bunker has been out of both closets since the get go. Why the more flamboyant look? Well it's complicated. I've seen all the other gay superheroes out there, Ok maybe not all. They look just like regular heterosexuals, they act like regular heterosexuals, they just happen to have sex with people of their own gender, under the covers and in the dark. Sure you might get a kiss on a page, but that's all (an no we won't be doing any sex scenes in TT, get your minds OUT of the gutters;) 


We wanted to show an interesting character who's homosexuality is part of him, not something that's hidden. Sure they are gay people who you wouldn't know are gay right off the bat, but there are others who are a more flamboyant, and we thought it would be nice to actually see them portrayed in comics. Did we go over the top, I don't think so. I wanted you to know he might be gay as soon as you see him. Our TT is partly about diversity of ANY kind, its about all kinds of teens getting together to help each other. It is a very difficult line to walk, will he be as I've read in some of the comments 'fruity'? Not that I'm aware of. Will he be more effeminate than what we've seen before, the 'typical' gay male comic character, yes. Does it scare the shit out of me that I might inadvertently piss off the group I want to reflect in a positive way, you're damn straight (pun intended!)


The Pink shirt has been changed to blue, it's only pink because his costume is actually showing a bit, we didn't want too many different colors. But I think the blue works just as well. I would have used that image but I don't know if I got that change in my files... 


As for the children.. Most simply don't know or don't care. It's not like Migg's is going to be doing a one man gay pride parade. I don't t hink we even mention that he's gay, you see him, you know it, no need to harp on about it. He's just a happy fun loving guy! He won't be wearing anything that I haven't seen at Walmart. Well maybe Target;)


So if you have any questions ask away. If it's about how much you hate homosexuals, please don't bother, I'm pro gay rights and marriage, and rather than give you your 15 minutes I think I'll just delete it. I may be willing to take some heat but I don't enjoy seeing seeing others attacked for no real reason other than being gay. Will I be called a hypocrite because I 'attack' religion? I'm sure I will, but religion is a choice and being gay isn't, sorry creationists, too much science to even go there, so don't! 


Seriously, I really wish this wasn't a big deal. It shouldn't be, but that would be in a perfect world.


Let my inevitable skewering begin!

41 comments:

S said...

Hi Brett,
Just have a few questions, as you know I'm a big fan of urs, thanks for giving us some info on miguel.

Anyhows this came as quite a surprise since initially scott said there isn't any plans to include any lgbt characters, so was he originally planned to be gay but scott was just covering it up or was it a last minute change?

Also, it seemed like he didnt had that soul patch and facial hair on the cover, would those just be temporary?

Uhm another one would be and i dun mean to be offensive, if you do find it offensive please feel free to not answer or delete it. But somehow i find his "fashion choices" a little.... unthoughtful for a homosexual teen. Granted I find the blue shirt works better with the whole outfit, but somehow I just feel like he should be more stylish than everyone else.

Mark said...

Very cool Brett. I appreciate your attempt to give the gay community a relateable super-hero. I have a few friends who are going to be way more interested in this book now.

David said...

Brett and Scott,
This is great work. Like you, I'm pro gay rights and marriage and all that. I have a good friend who's gay. One of my favorite comic characters is Marvel's Wiccan (not because he's gay, but that adds to his personality). I really like that DC is stepping it up with these characters. You have Batwoman and now Miguel. I haven't really seen any others in the New 52 yet, so there you go.

I like that he's Mexican too, very diverse in relation to the rest of the team. He looks like he'd be witty. Like, in his happy-go-luckiness, if some ignoramus would try to insult his homosexuality or race, he would be able to say something really snarky and get everyone laughing.

And, S, I dig his style in this pic. It's a bit preppy, with a nice sweater-vest, slacks and nicer shoes. The kid knows how to dress, I'd say. With every reveal, every piece of art that Brett posts, I know even more that Teen Titans is going to be the BEST book of DC's New 52. I seriously can't wait.

If Scott still had his Twitter, I'd tell him myself how happy for, proud of, and in anticipation for this book I am. Pass it along, if you could, Brett. That'd be just so cool.

Also his Superboy book was amazing.

Brett said...

S,

I don't know. He's always been gay, Scott might have been making a joke. I was asked about it after an interview Dan did. I didn't give a name but I did say there would be one.

He does, it's colored lighter because of the time of day:) I'm drawing it in issue 4 so not very temporary.

He's into retro at this point, but as he gets further out in the world he'll change it up. He's only recently left Mexico so he might not be hip to all the new. He'll get there;)

Thanks Mark!

Best,

Brett

Brett said...

Thanks David!

Scott comes on here from time to time so I'm sure he'll see it! But I'll pass it along anyways:)

Best!

Brett

S said...

Thanks Brett for the replies, cant wait to check out teen titans when it comes out, wish you guys all the best hopefully we'll see TT hit above 100k for the first issue!

Also David, uhm, Im gonna hafta agree to disagree on the outfit.
But hopefully once Miguel gets out in the world we would see a full blown fashionista wearing the likes of fred perry, AX and nudie jeans. LOL.

Brett said...

OK, what are Nudie jeans? Are those the super low skin tight ones?

Best,

Brett

GamerGuy said...

It's the company name. They use organic cotton, re-use salvaged denim, look at the practices of business partners to make sure they're not using 8-year-old Guatemalan kids in their manufacturing process, etc.

Anonymous said...

As a gay young man, I think that what you and Scott are doing is not only commendable, but something that any gay teenagers that end up picking your book will take directly to heart. I remember being in high school and picking up Young Avengers #7 on a whim, where we found out definitively that Hulkling and Wiccan were gay. It was the first time that I thought, "Wow, maybe this is going to turn out okay for me."

If you guys can do that for even one struggling, gay teenager, then I think you'll have done right by the entire gay community. Support can be hard to come by in those early years for some teens, and if this gets one kid through that, it'll be worth all the lumps that the "ZOMG! The gayz!" crowd will be throwing your way in the days to come.

Son of Baldwin said...

Dear Brett:

As a black gay man, I'm asking you and Scott to please try your best to not make this character into a walking stereotype. There's nothing wrong with a flamboyant, effeminate gay man, but please remember that flamboyant, effeminate men are also human beings. I thank you.

Respectfully,
Son of Baldwin

Matthew said...

Brett:

We chatted a bit about this on twitter last night, but just wanted to say how really happy I am with your and Scott's thought process. Someone online disfavorably compared Miguel to a super-hero Kurt Hummell from Glee. I read that and was like, "Yes! Exactly!" I wasn't strong or lucky enough to be an out gay teenager in high school, but my best friend was. Your drawing and description could literally be him at that age (except back then it would have been a Flock of Seagulls hair cut instead of a faux hawk). Thanks for adding another real depiction to the landscape!

Matt (Fotocub)

Legion_Quest said...

I think it's great to see any kind of representation for gay male characters, especially in DC, and although, as a non-flamboyant gay male I'm on the fence about how flamboyant you're new guy here is going to be in case it ends up lapsing into stereotype land, it really has made me interested in Teen Titans beyond needing my Red Robin fix.

I think it would be great to see a story dealing with 'effemiphobia' within the gay community further down the road - when Bunker here maybe meets up with another gay character who perhaps isn't as loud and proud as it looks like he is going to be.

AlĂȘ said...

Dear Mr. Booth,

I can´t express how happy I am with the new diversity direction the DC Universe is taking post relaunch.

I'm a grown up man now, but when I was a kid and even a teenager it was kind of difficult not to see gays in comics. I felt so excluded.

Yes, there are gay kids and there are gays teens and they all need good characters they can relate to.

I also like the fact that MIguel is flamboyant. I mean, there's absolutely nothing wrong about it. Not all gays are testosterone driven alpha males.

Oh, and Miguel looks exactly like my best friend ;)

Alain M. Diaz said...

Brett,

I've gotta say as a massive fan of the Teen Titans, and a member of the LGBT community, I'm very much looking forward to seeing what you're doing with the Teen Titans, and in particular this Miguel character. The fact you're going for a bit more flamboyant route is actually a bit of a interesting change of pace, since as you mentioned, most gay characters are played very "straight" in that you'd only guess their sexuality by the fact they're dating someone of he same sex and occasionally kiss them.

I think I've only got two concerns about him and that's mostly from what I've seen happened to other gay characters from comics, TV and movies in the past.

One that he'll be the forever alone gay character, who never actually has a relationship that is properly developed (i.e. Anole or Karma in the X-Men). Too often we get that "okay, he can be gay, but he can't date anyone seriously" scenario.

The other that he'll be one note where he is known only for being gay and demonstrating nothing but gay stereotypes such as gay trivia, fashion, show tunes, reality tv, etc... (i.e. Jack McFarlen from Will & Grace or to a lesser extent Kurt Hummel from Glee).

But since I've always felt pretty good about trusting Scott Lobdell's writing, so I'm pretty confidant that he's going to writing this character as a fully developed person. From what you describe, it sounds like he'll be along the lines of Wiccan and Hulkling from Young Avengers who are shown to be happy and proud of who they are, in a relationship, with varying interests beyond only being the gay characters.

I'm really looking forward to seeing what you guys do.

Joe Glass said...

May I just say thank you, to both yourself and Scott, not just for bringing this character to life for us, but in presenting an aspect of gay culture that has been sorely lacking in comics.

I myself am writing a comic about a diverse LGBT superteam called The Pride, coming out later this year (http://igg.me/p/37384?i=shlk), and the very first character I came up with for it was one called FabMan who is camper than a row of tents; simply because although there have been gays in comics, I have not seen that sort of gay man, and felt it was like saying their voice wasn't worth hearing and had nothing worthwhile to contribute.

Far from it, some of the gay rights movements wittiest, strongest and most influential people have been fruitier than a greengrocers, and it's good to see an attempt at truly showing a diverse range of characters, especially amongst a teen demographic.

I look forward to reading Teen Titans, was always going to be picking it up, but now I look forward to it all the more.

If I had one question about he character, it would be this: he has grown up in a fairly privileged world in terms of having loving people around him who accepted him no matter what...will he face any of the more negative opinions that face gay men when he ventures further out into the world, either from outside the team or even within?

And another question I would have, in regards to Dan's interview with Advocate: Dan Didio stated when asked about the possibility of a gay character in Teen Titans that if they were to have one it would need to be an entirely new character, and not an already established one. Yet, as part of this relaunch, disabled characters have found themselves able to walk again, married couples have been anulled, fat characters made thin etc etc...why do you feel DC thinks outing an established character as now gay is a step to far?

heffison said...

Glass:

I think that, aside from making a major change to a character that fans are already used to being straight (it is more of a jolt than Waller's liposuction, after all), there is the risk of accidentally making it look like a "choice" to be gay if a historically straight character suddenly comes out. Most lgbt and allied folks would never make that assumption, but other less-informed people can and would.

I've always thought that the easiest way to get a gay male character at the top of DC's pile would be to make the next Robin a gay kid, but Damian's not going anywhere for a while. But having a gay member in Teen Titans makes perfect sense. (And maybe Migg will be the one to get Tim to admit to being bi.) (Watch the comments that gets to see why DC won't "bring out" an established character.) :)

Brett:

I know you're committed to this and I trust that you and Lobdell will do a fine job of giving gay youth representation in the mainstream DC world.

Joe Glass said...

heffison:

I can see what your saying, but I would have to argue that point too. I know many gay men and women who didn't come out until much later in life, some even having got married and had kids with a member of the opposite sex first.

For some, it was fear of admitting who they are even though on some level they knew. For some, they genuinely didn't realise themselves until they were that age.

One of the guys I went to school with had a string of girlfriends while I went to school with him. He then, in uni, had a gay relationship, and he's now gay himself (even more, he's actually incredibly flamboyant, which he wasn't before he came out).

He says that we went out with girls because it genuinely never occured to him that he may be gay. None of his friends were, he knew nothing about that world as it were, so just assumed that he was straight. When he had his eyes opened, as it were, then he realised that was who he was happy as. It wasn't a choice, it just genuinely never occured to him that it could be part of who he was.

And I would have to agree...if I was to write any existing teen character as gay it would be Tim. I think it would be easy to explain all his previous girlfriends, and there'd be potential for an interesting dynamic in his relationship with Superboy (assuming they are still meant to have been good friends in this reboot)

robert said...

As a heterosexual Catholic, I have to say I'm outraged that people can be outraged over an openly gay character in comics. We live in a world where the first interracial onscreeen kiss had to happen on a scifi tv show. And now in a medium that can push all boundaries, where humans can fly,.shoot lasers from their eyes, and run faster than the speed of sound, people think a character shouldn't beopenly gay or flamboyant. I'll be proud to buy Teen Titans. I guess the only question is when will people stop trying to force everyone to see their narrow views?

Fatboy73 said...

I've always thought that the easiest way to get a gay male character at the top of DC's pile would be to make the next Robin a gay kid

That in theory would be a good idea but I think Batman has waaay too much of a loaded history with his "Robin's" for that to happen. There's already too many bad jokes going around. :D

heffison said...

Glass:
Yeah, I've met a lot of guys who came out later in life. I used to be surprised by how many gay guys had ex-wives and kids, but now it's almost to be expected if they're over thirty.

The problem is that a lot of people haven't met that many gay folk. The time it would take to tell the whole story of how, say, Barry Allen just hadn't worked it all out, would be a huge project and still wouldn't convince all of the long-term fans (gay or straight).

With the A-list DC characters, we've had too many narration boxes showing their thoughts over the years to be convincing that they were unaware of their "true nature" all along.

You have a point that in a relaunch, DC could make a change and say, this nU version of whoever was secretly gay all along, even if the prelaunch version wasn't. But I don't think DC wants us to see the A-Listers as being that new. Batman was only relaunched, while Teen Titans was rebooted. And once you drop past the A-Listers for possible gay characters, you might as well start over completely and make it an aspect of a new character from the beginning, whether he's truly aware of it at first or not.

Now, if DC wants to put out an ELSEWORLDS based on what if Bruce Wayne were gay...Fox Network would explode, I guess. Brett, would you take that assignment?

Kevon said...

Let me just say I'm a black christian male, since that seems to be the appropriate opening line here :)

I KNEW IT! You did a good job of making him seem gay off the bat, because to me, my gaydar was off the charts when first seing him, for the costume screamed gay, but I didn't want to sound homophobic at all.

This book just gets better and better. Although I feel like making him gay AND Mexican might make the whole diversity thing feel a little forced, since we're all used to the 4 white characters, but then all of a sudden we have 4 "super" ethnic ones, but that will just have to be judged as we go along.

I must say, I've been most excited for this book out of all the 52, not only because it's the only one featuring my favorite character (Tim Drake), but because all of the thought and research Scott has been putting in to writing it, plus an awesome artist like you. Personally, I think this book is the real representation of what DC is trying to accomplish with the new 52.

geogerus said...

I had to laugh when I saw this. It made me smile. You had already given me positive expectations for this character when the name got changed to Buster and you said he beats on SB. So now seeing that he is a Mexican homosexual with style and flamboyancy sold it to me.

Why? Because I am a gay man in a very happy relationship with a slightly flamboyant stylish Mexican.

I swear you guys are just aiming at my wallet with the stuff that keeps coming out. Lol. Totally makes this more relatable and after showing him he wants to read the issue as well. So that's two copies I'll be buying, I could share but you guys deserve the extra 2.99 for that haha.

Again thanks for sharing with us. The art and the colors look great. This will be a stunning new book. Looking forward to it.

Brett said...

Ok, I think I got everything answered, if I missed you, hit me up again!

Son of Baldwin,

That's the plan. Person first, being gay, part of that person:) Neither of us want to create a bad walking stereotype:)

Matt,

LOL! Now you're dating yourself! And me as well! Scott wanted the more retro look, which I do like. I was going to for punk with my original design.

Legion_Quest,

That's the problem, there are only one type of gay males in comics, we'd like to open that up with some new life, a more realistic cross section of the gay community.

I'll pass it on to Scott, and I know he's reading these as well;)

Ale`,

Thank you , that made my day!

Alain,

I doubt he'll be alone for long, he's in New York! I have no problem finding Migg's a good guy, but we've only really just begun with TT, I can't say for sure what happens after issue 5, but knowing Scott (and how much he likes the character) I'm sure he has something planned:)

That's not the plan for Migg's. He's got a role to fill but it isn't the witty comic relief. That's Bart's job;) I don't want to give too much away so I'll stop there.

Joe,

I think kids these days are a bit more understanding, especially if they are outcasts to begin with because of their powers. But I know that's not the case with all kids
So internally I'd say no, but externally… I'm sure it will come up, intolerance always does unfortunately.

I would have loved to have made one of the core 4 TT gay, but after dealing with a fan who had a problem with it from a mere mention, I'd have to say the core audience, the hardcore fans, might lynch us! It's more about the continuity than anything really mean spirited. You can't change anything established unless it minor. We're doing some major remodeling in TT and I think doing that might have pushed them over the edge;)

heffison,

We're trying, I'm only hoping we can pull it off, it's tricky.

And I would TOTALLY take that assignment!

robert,

LOL! Thanks for that! And never, people will always want other to see things their way. It's human nature.

Kevon,

LOL! I actually wanted to stay away from the colors for that specific reason but they looked the best on him. Andrew did like 7 different versions and the purple was the most 'him'. We didn't really want to announce it, we don't see it as a big deal, just who he is:) I'm really happy about all the positive feedback:)

Thanks!

geogerus,

Haha! OK, we are not trying to get more money out of you… really;) But just in case it wasn't clear (I tend to ramble) Miggs won't be in the book until issue 3. And thank you!

Best,

Brett

fanboi said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
fanboi said...

Just when you thought you'd answered all the questions...

I'd really like to include Bunker in my list of over 300 LGBT Super Heroes, Villains and supporting cast ASAP.

http://queersupe.com/a-z-lbgt-comic-book-character-superlist/

Any chance of a standalone drawing of the character in costume? (I always try to include good quality solo image in costume for each entry. If they'll let you... can we see your designs for Miggs (as you call him?

Brett said...

Hi fanboi,

Hmmmm... I don't have any big costumed shots, mostly small stuff. Is that OK?

Best,

Brett

fanboi said...

The images I use are all 450 x680. Not hi res or anything. Just big enough to capture the look of the character. Did you do turnarounds or concept art you could show? I can replace with a better shot later - I'd just like something to get him added ASAP. Thanks for the reply.

fanboi said...

example image size for the list (which is the largest and MOST inclusive list of its type)...

link to image for Apollo from the Authority.

http://queersupe.com/images/lgbtheroes/apollo.jpg

and thanks again for doing your best to provide quality entertainment AND sneak in a bit of inspiration to LGBT youth. I hoping i will enjoy and be surprised at where you take the character.

steve said...

The real challenge is not in including a gay character; it is going to be how you treat the character and this polarizing social issue. Too often gay characters are included as a media attention grabbing ploy, which I don’t think is your intention at all. In the past I haven’t seen a lot of balance in showing both sides of the social issue in an even handed manner.

The temptation for a weak writer is to vilify those who don’t hold the same views as they do, so if you are pro-gay paint those who hold traditional values as being small minded homophobic bigots while showing gay characters as being worldly savvy, ultra talented, sophisticated, educated individuals; the implication if you don’t think like us you are stupid and there is something wrong with you (not just your values or way of thinking). The comic book world is a pretty small industry and it tends to have quite liberal social and political leanings so the real trick is not to “preach to the choir,” but in a realistic way show the best and the worse of gay AND straight characters without pulling out the soap box.

I’m hoping for tolerance in including this character; tolerance meaning respectful treatment of those who disagree with your position, not the convoluted idea presented in the liberal press that tolerance means open acceptance.

No matter what, I know the art side of the book is going to rock.


Steve

Jason said...

Ok so now I'm sold on yet another DCnU book I wasn't expecting to buy. Produce good comics and I'm in it for the long haul.

IADW said...

I just want to say thanks guys for taking this step.

Growing up and battling with this part of my identity was hard, as it was for nearly everyone I've met who faced the same feelings. Not only was my love of comics used against me "Even those comics you're reading are about "normal love" surely that has to be a sign" it was hard to escape feeling everything that's involved in that scenario, without positive role models in entertainment media that you can identify with.

Having characters in your chosen escapist media that you can identify with who aren't unrealistic or exaggerated stereotypes definitely helps and you can be sure this comic falling into someones hands, somewhere along the line, definitely will.

Here's hoping the rest of fandom can appreciate this and give Bunker enough tolerance to work.

Looking forward to it guys.

M.O.R said...

A gay character? Well I never. ;)

Seriously though, I am all for this. Although the colours in that preview art, and the colour of his costume, make me think Power Rangers. Ya know, how all the rangers, in regular clothes, always wore the same colour as their PR suits? Red Ranger wears red while casual, blue ranger wears blue, such as a blue tee shirt... Feels the same here. But I know that this is a work in progress, and colours have been changed, since...

I have no problem with the idea of a gay character, but as some have noted, I worry about the fine line one must balance in order to veer away from a caricature.
It is sort of what happened with Northstar a few years back, when he was written as a gay guy who would pounce on anything with a pulse. The nightmare version, as created by every gay hating fundamentalist in the world to propogate their hatred.

But I like this idea, and I would be interested to see how the Titans will react. We have already had a Speedy who was HIV positive, so the Titans have dealt with characters that were dealing with their own problems/ adversity.

But strangely, they have not had an openly gay hero, despite all their years working together, and if they had had a gay hero on the team, she/he was not out at the time.

I agree on not making an assumed heterosexual hero/ heroine gay, because it would draw the 'gay is a choice' clique, moreso than the 'well, they were always gay, you just did not know it' group.

Somehow, something that happens in real life rarely translates well into fiction, no matter the medium.

M.O.R said...

I forgot to say, Brett, you and Scott really seem to have drawn a big crowd upon announcing this.
I am not gay, but my cousin is a lesbian, and she did not come out until well into her thirties.
Makes me glad to see all the people who are finding comfort in this event.

And as Dan above says, years down the line, some kid, who is struggling with their identity, will read that comic, and in between all the strong writing and great art (:)), they will find a person who is just like them, yet completely comfortable with that. And that will give them solace...and courage to admit to who they are.

And right there, you and Scott, will attain immortality (one's message is eternal). :)

Take care Brett.

Warmer Climes said...

GENIOUS!

Unknown said...

Good for you, I just made a video ranting how DC hates gays,cripples, and heavy people. But, loves lesbians. http://youtu.be/MFcHndYDJFY


Thanks for doing the right thing now talk them into making Amanda Waller heavy again and I'll be happy.

fanboi said...

anyone read the moronic ramblings at that Moonbattery link below? Looks like the haters found themselves a spot to rant. I just don't get that kind of negativity.

Jess Ruffner-Booth said...

Racism and homophobia all in one swell foop:

http://moonbattery.com/?p=2456

"The push to get little kids to approve of homosexuality will be combined with hispandering this fall when DC Comics introduces to the Teen Titans a gay Mexican superhero named Bunker."

I didn't even know 'hispandering' was a word.

"Generations who grew up on relatively wholesome comics that presented America as good and did not try to corrupt children with pervert role models went on to elect Barack Hussein Obama president. Who knows — maybe the constant diet of moonbat degeneracy fed to kids now will result in a rebirth of traditional values."

Makes you proud to live in the enlightened US, don't it? I didn't even bother to read the comments.

M.O.R said...

Hispandering - Alot of people have a problem with it, and I do not know why. It's a perfectly cromulent word. :)

Ah yes, people who object to this feel that it will embiggen them to their friends. (sorry, Ill stop the jokes now)

This is one comment by a user called roflcoper down.

'Roflcoper down says:

September 20, 2011 at 9:25 am

You bigots are ignorant and full of hate for gays because you don’t understand them.

Nobody is trying to subvert your culture by aiming this right at your kids!'

So there is hope for humanity. Sadly, one of the commenters on there said being gay was a choice.
Which makes sense..sorta. I mean, they have all the best fashion choices, they look fierce. They get their own parade.

And who wouldn't wanna risk segregation from their families, friends, relatives, religious funddies etc, just for those benefits. (And the irritating factor of sodomy with someone else).

Yeah. That makes sense.

9 9
___

bloggooding said...

I can't get over how good your artwork is on this book. You even make flamboyantly gay characters baddass!

Brett said...

fanboi,

It's more the fact that all the images of Miggs in costume in issue 3 are small, like not splash images. I have some without the costume.

Steve,

There are no plans for any sort of confrontation. But I'm sorry, if there is an opportunity to have him confront a homophobe either human or super powered that makes sense or fits into the story, I will pounce on it and turn the knife. I will not be tolerant of intolerant views, that's just wrong. You are allowed to have your views, however wrong and hateful they may be. but I don't have to respect them, I just have to tolerate them like I'm doing now:)

Scott's the writer and he's not as… aggressive as I am about this, but you never know. He does surprise me. But I'm not looking for a soap box in the form of a comic, I have this blog were I can talk about anything I want to.

How you can be so cavalier about the liberals at this time is amazing! Cognitive dissonance is amazing!

Thanks Jason!

Dan,

Thank you, That's the point we're trying to make. I do want to stress that we aren't trying for a 'Just Jack' kind of character, just one that we think hasn't been done in comics. One closer to some of the people we know and love.

M.O.R.

Yeah, we did a bunch of color choices for this character, I really didn't want to go without he purple, but it looked the best with all the other characters together. Scott and I both have people in mind that we know that will be the 'model' for him, just to make sure he stays grounded in reality.

We didn't actually 'announce' it. It was really just an opportunity seized. Gail is big in the comics world, why no give her all the info she can have when talking about things like this. I hope we can make a difference and bring in a section of the population that doesn't have a voice in mainstream comics.

I guess people don't know I live in a heavily hispanic polluted area. Lots of time I'm the minority. Nicest people!

I'm guessing all the hate if from Arizona;)

W,

Thanks:)

jason,

Comics are dominated by men and men love lesbians, at least 'hot' lesbians. When Scott and I first started talking diversity was the biggest issue. So we're trying for a diverse cast:) And there are more surprises still to come!

J. Eliot Mason,

Thanks! He is fun to draw, he's full of life! Plus he gets to go toe to toe with SuperBoy in issue 5:)

Best,

Brett

Anonymous said...

Here's a thought to keep in mind when creating Titans: I'm fifty and gay and have been out probably over thirty years. Most of my family are committed Christians who have never once told me I'm going to Hell, acted disapproving of who I was, nothing. I live in Phoenix currently and have for fifteen years and have never once had a bad experience despite the fact only Helen Keller wouldn't know I was gay. Acceptance is out there and it would be nice if it were shown in a story for a change...