Queer crusaders take flight

Queer comic book readers and fans in Brisbane will be able to take part in a new social group aimed at the LGBT community.

Described as a club for anyone and everyone who loves comic books and graphic novels, the group plans to meet monthly.

Organiser Curtis Singleton said he was forming the group as a spin-off of Brisbane’s existing Queer Readers group, which is said to be supportive of the idea.

“I originally started out as a fan of Archie Comics from reading the actual comic line itself or the newspaper run of the series,” Singleton told the Star Observer.

“I was also a fan of the Batman and Superman movies which generated my interest in DC Comics.”

Singleton said he hoped the group might discuss LGBT themes in comics as well.

“Members might like to discuss LGBT themed-comics or gays in mainstream comics, along with any controversial storylines that they find fascinating or intriguing,” he said.

“This may also include a lack of LGBT characters in mainstream comics.”

In January this year — little more than a year after introducing the series’ first gay character — Archie Comics celebrated its first same-sex wedding.

DC and Marvel comics have also sought to capitalise on their huge gay readerships with a swag of new or reimagined superheroes with same-sex attraction in recent years.

The new Brisbane group’s upcoming information night will be an opportunity for participants to discuss ways of helping promote its meetings and activities.

Singleton hopes the meetings will allow discussion and debate among members about their favourite characters and story arcs, along with their favourite artists or writers.

The LGBT Comic Readers Interest Group will hold an information and discussion night on April 26, 7-8.30pm at Healthy Communities, Teneriffe.

INFO: Contact Curtis Singleton via [email protected]