The problem is that this version of the superhero isn’t entirely accurate.
However, the moment Superman’s son, Jonathan Kent, kissed his male friend Jay in Superman: Son of Kal-El #5 by Tom Taylor and John Timms was different.
Most iconic LGBTQIA+ superheroes in comic books
June 1 marks the start of Pride Month in the United States, in which the lives, legacies, and talents of LGBTQIA+ people are acknowledged and celebrated.
Deadpool
Longtime Deadpool writer Gerry Duggan has said that Deadpool is sexually attracted to “anything with a pulse”. Instead of hiding her identity, she openly declares herself a lesbian as an act of protest, encouraging others to embrace their queerness without fear. However, it wasn’t until her portrayal in Harley Quinn (2015) that it was officially confirmed.
Even Ryan Reynolds (the Canadian actor responsible for bringing him to the big screen) has gone on record saying that he wants to explore his pansexuality in future movies. When the two come together they are able to A) move at the speed of light and B) release a blinding light upon touching. By being a mainstream superhero and a member of two of Marvel’s most popular teams, he demonstrated that queer heroes can operate effectively at an elite level while fearlessly promoting acceptance of LGBTQ+ issues.
And now, after some careful thinking, I present to you the top 10 LGBTQ comic book characters!
10. And now that they're both out - and took things even further in the Harley Quinn: The Animated Series: The Eat, Bang, and Kill Tour spin-off comic - Harley and Ivy are one of comics' most prominent on-again-off-again queer couples.
Constantine
Ol' Hellblazer has been confirmed bisexual since Brian Azzarello's 'Ashes & Dust in the City of Angels' matter-of-factly treated the character's queerness.
That portrayal has allowed other writers to explore exactly what that means for the wayward magician.
Bisexual writer James Tynion IV’s recent work on the character reaffirmed Constantine’s fluid attraction and helped expand the kinds of stories that queer superhero characters can be expected to be a part of.
Midnighter and Apollo
Created as analogs of Batman and Superman, Apollo and Midnighter were among the first openly gay superheroes in comic books and were certainly the most visible gay superhero couple in the late '90s and early '00s.
When the Wildstorm Universe was folded into the DCU proper, they maintained their sexualities but their relationship was either off or completely erased before Steve Orlando's Midnighter title affirmed that they dated but were broken up in the 'New 52.'
However, the success of that run led to a renewed interest in the characters, with the World’s Finest Couple getting together again in the 'Rebirth' era with the Midnighter & Apollo title.
Batwoman
A military brat.
Comic creators made her abusive relationship with the Joker the focus of many of her stories, but subtle references that something more romantic may be going on have always been made about her relationship with Poison Ivy.
But in 2015, Harley Quinn writers Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti confirmed that Harley and Ivy were non-monogamous girlfriends, cementing Harley's status as one of DC’s highest-profile queer characters and taking her interactions with Power Girl and Wonder Woman from potential queerbaiting to legitimate interest.
Even before their relationship was confirmed, Harley and Ivy were a fan-favorite power couple, especially for queer women.
A simple search through a local comic shop and you’ll exactly what I mean.
Not only does Poison Ivy believe that she’s superior to all men, but she believes that all women are superior to men. Not only did she have one of the most beautifully drawn comic books in recent history but she was also the first openly gay comic book character to lead a television show.
Superhero comic books have come a long way from the days when they kept it simple and avoided topics that the Comics Code Authority (CCA) — the comic industry’s self-regulatory watchdog — deemed controversial, abnormal, or perverse.
It’s only now after decades of storytelling that characters who are a part of the LGBTQ community are being accepted. Additionally, writer Al Ewing confirmed that "Loki is bi[sexual]" ahead of 2014's Loki: Agent of Asgard. This marked a significant milestone in the increased visibility of LGBTQ+ characters in mainstream comic books.
As one of the “OG” queer superheroes, Northstar embodies the spirit of Pride Month by honoring the bravery and legacy of pioneers who paved the way for others.
John Constantine
John Constantine first made his bisexuality known in 1992. Because he attracts readers of all ages and beliefs and opinions of all kinds, Deadpool is one of the greatest LGBTQ comic book characters…ever.