Over the years, the superhero genre has grown to become an integral part of our entertainment industry, with millions of fans around the world. DC Comics has been one of the leading publishers of superhero comics with iconic characters such as Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, and many more. However, it might surprise you to know that DC Comics, like many other publishers, was once closed off to diversity and representation, with exclusively straight, white, and male characters in its universe.
Fortunately, that changed with time, and today, we have a broad range of characters who represent different races, ethnicities, genders, and sexualities. One of the most notable pioneers of diversity in the DC Comics universe is the first gay DC superhero – Extraño. In this blog post, we will dive deep into the character’s history, his relevance, and his impact on the comic book industry.
Who is Extraño?
Extraño is a superhero magician appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He made his debut in Millennium #2, published in January 1988, and was created by Steve Englehart and Joe Staton. Extraño is a superhero who possesses magical powers and abilities, and he is notably known as the first openly gay superhero in DC Comics.
The character was created explicitly to represent the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) community in the form of a superhero in a mainstream comic book. While his sexuality was ground-breaking at the time, the comic creators did not want it to be the centerpiece of the character. Instead, they wanted to create a multidimensional character that could stand on his own as a superhero, have adventures, and be treated as an equal by his peers.
Englehart’s inspiration for creating Extraño came from personal experiences with friends in the LGBTQ+ community who were looking for representation in pop culture. Staton and Englehart created the character as a positive role model for the LGBTQ+ community, with the hope of inspiring readers to embrace and celebrate diversity.
The Relevance of Extraño
Extraño was launched at a time when the LGBTQ+ community in the United States was in the midst of the AIDS epidemic, and discrimination was widespread. His introduction to the DC Comics Universe was a significant step forward in diversity in comics, as it introduced an openly gay superhero. Extraño’s characterization was unique, as he didn’t fit into any of the stereotypical depictions of gay men in mainstream media in the 1980s.
Extraño’s personality is flamboyant and over the top, but it was clear that his sexual orientation wasn’t his defining trait. He was still a superhero who fought for justice and used his magical abilities to protect the innocent. With Extraño’s character, Englehart and Staton imprinted an image of an LGBTQ+ character that was not just about his sexuality, but also his bravery, dedication to justice and also his incredible powers.
Another noteworthy aspect of Extraño is his representation of the Latinx community. His name is Spanish for “strange” or “weird,” which fits with the character’s mysterious and mystical powers. Additionally, Extraño’s Latin American background was also important, as it highlighted the under-representation of Latinx individuals in media during the late 1980s. His character was also able to represent individuals from the Latinx community in the broader superhero cosmos
Impact of Extraño on the Comic Book Industry
Extraño’s introduction to the DC Comics Universe was groundbreaking, as it broke barriers and paved the way for more LGBTQ+ characters in mainstream comics. His representation of the Latinx community, as well as the LGBTQ+ community, was crucial for the time, as it brought attention to the under-representation of diverse individuals in comics.
Extraño’s arrival was not without criticism, however, some older readers and some creators felt that the introduction of a gay character in comic books was forced and that comics shouldn’t be political or push any agendas. In response, creators reminded critics that comics have always been political and have been used as a means of social commentary since their inception. They also believed that in a world with increasingly diverse readership, the industry should reflect the broader population.
Nevertheless, Extraño remains a significant figure in the history of comics in the United States. He was a forerunner in the push for representation of diverse characters in comics during a period when it was not mainstream, and his character ushered in the creation of many more LGBTQ+ characters in later years. It is impossible to ignore the impact that Extraño had on the evolution of the comic book industry in America.
Conclusion
Extraño was the first gay DC superhero, and he remains an essential figure in the history of comic books in America. His character introduced a vital representation of the Latinx community and the LGBTQ+ community, which was not always present in mainstream comics. While there are more diverse characters in comics today, it is important to remember why Extraño was created in the first place and the significance of his character in breaking barriers.
As the comic book industry continues to evolve, it is vital to remember the milestone Extraño represented and how far things have come, and how far we have to go in realizing full representation in comics. His character will always be remembered and celebrated for its groundbreaking representation and for being an important representation of pride, bravery and having the drive to make a change.
FAQ
Does DC have a gay character?
Yes, DC Comics has included numerous LGBTQ+ characters in its comics over the years, including gay characters. In fact, the publisher has been at the forefront of promoting diversity and inclusion in the comic book world.
One of DC’s most prominent gay characters is Alan Scott, the original Green Lantern. In 2012, DC officially confirmed that Alan Scott is gay in its Earth 2 comic book series. In this series, Alan Scott is portrayed as a successful businessman and leader of society who is openly gay. The character has been praised for adding much-needed representation to the LGBTQ+ community in comics.
In addition to Alan Scott, DC Comics has also introduced several other gay characters into its stories. Some of the more notable characters include Batwoman, Midnighter, Renee Montoya, and Alysia Yeoh. Batwoman, also known as Kate Kane, was reintroduced as a lesbian character in her own comic book series in 2006. Similarly, Midnighter is an openly gay superhero who has been featured in various comic book titles over the years.
DC Comics has also been praised for introducing trans characters into its comic book universe. One of the most prominent trans characters is Alysia Yeoh, a supporting character in the Batgirl series. Alysia is depicted as a transgender woman who is portrayed as a strong and capable character, and her inclusion has been celebrated as a step forward for trans representation in comics.
Dc Comics has a rich history of introducing LGBTQ+ characters into its stories, including several gay characters. The publisher’s commitment to diversity and inclusion has been lauded, and its inclusion of LGBTQ+ characters has played an important role in promoting acceptance and equality in the world of comics.
Is The Green Lantern gay?
In 2012, DC Comics announced that one of their most iconic superheroes, Green Lantern, is gay. The announcement was made by writer James Robinson during an interview with USA Today. This revelation marked a significant milestone in the representation of LGBTQ+ characters in mainstream comic books.
The Green Lantern is a powerful member of the Justice League and is known for wielding a ring that gives him the ability to create anything he can imagine out of green energy. The character has been around for over 80 years, and during that time he has undergone several iterations, with different people taking on the mantle of the Green Lantern.
The announcement that the character is gay refers specifically to the character Alan Scott, who was the original Green Lantern. Robinson revealed that in a rebooted version of the character, Scott would be a gay man with two children. This marked the first time that a major superhero in a mainstream comic book had been revealed to be gay.
While the decision to make the character of Alan Scott gay was seen by many as a positive step forward for representation, some fans criticized the move. Some argued that the decision was an unnecessary and forced attempt at being politically correct, while others suggested that it went against the established history and character of the Green Lantern.
Despite this backlash, the character of Alan Scott as a gay man has continued to feature in DC Comics, and other major comic books publishers have followed suit in the years since the announcement. LGBTQ+ characters are now a more visible presence in mainstream comic books, although there is still much work to be done to ensure that diverse representation is the norm rather than the exception.
Who is the Lgbtq hero in Marvel?
Over the years, Marvel Comics has featured a number of LGBTQ characters in their comic book universe. One of the most significant LGBTQ heroes in Marvel is Wiccan. Wiccan is a superhero who possesses magical powers and is a member of the Young Avengers.
Wiccan, whose real name is Billy Kaplan, made his debut in the comics in 2005. He is the son of Scarlet Witch and Vision and has a twin brother named Tommy Shepherd, who is also a superhero known as Speed. Wiccan’s powers include the ability to cast spells, teleport, and fly.
What makes Wiccan stand out as an LGBTQ hero is his relationship with Hulkling, another member of the Young Avengers. Hulkling, whose real name is Teddy Altman, is a shape-shifting alien who has super-strength and flight abilities. Wiccan and Hulkling are in a romantic relationship in the comics and are considered one of the most prominent LGBTQ couples in the Marvel Universe.
It’s worth noting that Billy Kaplan is not the only LGBTQ character in Marvel Comics. Other notable LGBTQ characters include Northstar, Iceman, Mystique, and Deadpool. However, Wiccan stands out because he is a relatively new character who has been embraced by fans and has become a fan favorite, thanks in part to his well-developed backstory and his relationship with Hulkling.
In 2021, Wiccan made his live-action debut in the Disney+ series WandaVision. While he is not explicitly referred to as LGBTQ in the show, his character’s comic book history suggests that he is gay, and fans are hoping that the series will continue to explore his identity in future episodes or other Marvel projects.
Wiccan is a significant LGBTQ hero in the Marvel Universe. His relationship with Hulkling and his magical powers make him a unique and memorable character. With the increasing representation of LGBTQ characters in comic books and in the media, it’s important to continue to highlight characters like Wiccan, who help to promote inclusivity and representation.
