Rawhide Kid: The first out gay comic book character to release in February

Lunachick · 01-15-2003, 03:30 PM

I posted this thread in the GLBT forum as well, but I wanted everyone's thoughts on this:

Marvel Comics to unveil gay gunslinger
Monday, December 9, 2002 Posted: 2:57 PM EST (1957 GMT)

The new Rawhide Kid

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Marvel Comics plans to break new ground in the comic book industry by introducing the first openly gay title character in a comic book.

The character will appear in a revival of the 1950s title, "The Rawhide Kid." Marvel expects a February debut.

The new series pairs the original artist, John Severin, now 86, with Ron Zimmerman, a writer for the "Howard Stern Show."

The Rawhide Kid has been a Marvel character since the 1950s both as a main and a secondary character. However, it was not until Zimmerman approached Marvel with his idea of a homosexual Rawhide Kid that sexuality was mentioned in the discussion of the character.

Although shy with girls, the original Rawhide Kid was not intended to be gay. The new version uses double entendres and euphemisms to reveal his homosexuality without saying anything explicitly. Based on a blurb on Marvel's Web site, the tone may be campy.

In a bubble in the first edition of the series, Rawhide Kid comments about the Lone Ranger: "I think that mask and the powder blue outfit are fantastic. I can certainly see why the Indian follows him around."

Brian Reinert, Marvel's public relations officer, said that Marvel has always been "interested in tapping into stories that are relevant today." He expects the reactions to this comic to vary.

Although many readers will accept the new sexuality of the Marvel hero, Reinert expects possible negative responses from people who don't accept homosexuality and readers who do not want to see a change in their beloved character.

"When you tackle these issues it will always push buttons," he said.

Marvel is planning six stories over the next six months. After looking at the response to those issues they will decide whether to continue production and whether they would be interested in more series with gay title characters.

Although Rawhide Kid is the first gay title character, Marvel does have several existing gay characters, such as North Star of the "X-Men" comic book series.

The Rawhide Kid series, beginning with the first edition "Rawhide Kid: Slap Leather," will run about 22 pages and have a suggested retail price of $2.95.

I'm writing an article about this in the local newspaper at my school, and I was wondering if I can get some opinions on this issue. I'll need your first and last name and the town/city/school you're from, and if you're a college student, say what year you are too! Of course, you can give me this information over PM.

I think this is a very cool idea and I hope this comic gets noticed.

Lunachick · 01-15-2003, 03:49 PM

boost!

Jeez, no one hardly replies to my threads....I guess I make unworthy threads.

**Jump** · 01-15-2003, 03:56 PM

I heard about this last month. I found it kind of funny that a cowboy would be gay. Fits too much of a common stereotype about cowboys being gay. I wouldn't be surprised if they had him eating custard in the comic

**jeth** · 01-15-2003, 04:01 PM

What I don't understand is why they had to take an existing character and turn him gay.

Couldn't they have made a new character?
*shrugs*

I posted about this last month, but the thread sunk fast.

Charles: · 01-15-2003, 04:02 PM

I mean, Just look at that outfit...

His shoes match his gun belt and hat tie.

He's got to be gay.

**Martin** · 01-15-2003, 04:07 PM

First gay title character my ass. Everyone knows that Cyclops is gay and Jean Gray is just his beard.

Lunachick · 01-15-2003, 04:07 PM

I wonder why your thread sunk so fast...I think this is so interesting.

I want to know why an existing character turned gay as well....that's what I'm trying to get into my article.

seso · 01-15-2003, 04:37 PM

I hope they'll release it in Europe as well.

I can't wait to read about them.

Guess they won't be too sexual...

**Martin** · 01-15-2003, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lunachick
I want to know why an existing character turned gay as well...

He didn't *turn* gay, he just became comfortable with his sexuality

**Artemus** · 01-15-2003, 04:42 PM

How can you tell they are gay? Do they get butt-fucked if they solve the mystery?

And how can we be sure all of the other previous superhereos were straight?

What about transvestites? And the transgenders? When will they get their superhero?

I never thought of comic book heros as having sexual orientations. But, then again, I don't read comic books!