Green Lantern Has a Boyfriend.

A few weeks ago, DC comics revealed its plans to reintroduce one of its “iconic” characters as gay.  The only hints they gave were that it was a male.  The writer of the comic series Earth 2, James  Robinson, was interviewed by The Advocate (read the interview here) and gave some insight into the decision to make Alan Scott’s character gay.

I didn’t realize that there have been several versions of the Green Lantern over the years, but Alan Scott is the original.  He was introduced in 1940 and was a very popular character for the comic.  DC is relaunching many of their characters in an attempt to revive readership, refresh the characters and attract younger readers.  In previous story lines, Alan Scott’s biological son, known as Obsidian, was a gay character.  Since the reboot would not included him, he got the idea to make Scott gay.  His editors didn’t blink an eye.

This is a true testament to the fact that “gay” is becoming part of the normal experience in American.  I think having a strong, handsome superhero who defends the universe will be a positive image for young gay men… and pretty cool for old gay men like me.  Count me in to get a copy of Earth 2 #2 – it will be released next Wednesday.