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Showtime and Stan Lee to promote gay superhero

by Brad Trechak, posted Nov 13th 2008 12:13PM
ShowtimeFrom gangsters and serial killers, it looks like cable television is preparing to tackle another adult subject: superheroes (or rather, homosexuality in the guise of superheroes). Showtime, along with Stan Lee's Pow! Entertainment, will be producing a series about a gay superhero. The series is based on the book "Hero" by Perry Moore.

Superhero secret identities have been used as analogies for closeted homosexuals before (the most obvious example I can think of is from the second X-Men movie in which Iceman's mom asks "have you considered not being a mutant?"). As a result, I think the concept holds some promise.

My biggest issue with this announcement is the involvement of Stan Lee. While I appreciate everything he's done for the comic industry and media entertainment, his ideas are kind of old-fashioned at this stage of the game. Still, if the show has the depth of other Showtime series such as Californication or Dexter, I'll be impressed.

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Brad Patton

These guys have an interesting take on it. Of course, if he's super fantastic, how can you go wrong?

http://www.MarvelComicsGaySuperhero.com

January 17 2009 at 10:16 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
meccas

I have read the book and it's not only amazingly written its a great page turner. I didn't buy the book on the premise that it was a book about a homosexual superhero but on the fact that it was recommended at the store I bought it. The story line will be translated very well for television because of the depth that some of the characters in the book have. Read the book before you pass judgement I can tell you it has a great story and it's reminiscent of the Pixar movie incredibles.

November 15 2008 at 10:53 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
bamberluvr

If the series follows the book, the young boy who realizes he is a superhero hides the fact that he is gay from his father, It also winds up that even though the superheroes must live a double life, manty of them don't take kindly to the young boy when he refuses to live as a closeted gay person. In a community which should understand hiding yourself, the boy finds little understanding. I think that could make for some very interesting stories.

November 13 2008 at 8:49 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
BigDawg

Think Spiderman where Peter Parker doesn't have a thing for Mary Jane, he has a crush on some guy at work. Macho tough SuperHero to the world, having to closet his sexuality while in costume. (or does he?) His alterego is openly gay, so if anyone found out hist true identity, would he be, could he be, as effective as a superhero? I see lots of possibilities...

November 13 2008 at 3:11 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Thom

I really don't understand your question, Mike.

The dynamics of a gay superhero could be quite interesting. Many superheros have their identities hidden. The parallels to being in the closet are both obvious and interesting, particularly given the content of Hero (which wa a surprisingly good read). If the main character will be kicked out of this "Justice League" because of his sexual orientation, then you have some adversity right there, and I think it makes for an interesting and provocative dynamic.

November 13 2008 at 3:05 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Anita

Hmm, as I grew up on Stan Lee and Chris Claremont, I feel I have to disagree with you. I used to feel Lee's ideas were a bit dated, but things have become so convoluted in the comics world that I welcome something a bit simpler.

Also, Mike, I think you're missing the point. I believe the purpose is to avoid portraying homosexuality as some type of social disease. I haven't read Moore's 'Hero,' but based on the Amazon blurb, it seems interesting. While I love when comics try to reflect society's diversity, I'm always a bit tired when writers forget to give the character a personality. However, the novel seems a bit like Marvel's 'Ultimate' comics re-boot.

November 13 2008 at 2:17 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mike

Here's the problem with this concept, and everyone can bash me all they want for saying so: superheros are people who overcome their adversities, frequently with the help of extraordinary abilities, to do great things for humanity. Regardless of your personal opinion about what it means to be gay, how is this tale going to protray being homosexual as an 'adversity'? This is just asking for trouble.

November 13 2008 at 1:54 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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