One of DC’s iconic superheroes, Alan Scott a.k.a. the Green Lantern, has come out of the closet.
Publisher Dan DiDio confirmed the rumors about the Green Lantern today, a character who currently appears as the lead in DC’s “Earth 2.” The comic is a rebooted version about one of DC’s original heroes and is written by James Robinson.
In an interview with EW, Robinson said that Alan Scott’s sexuality i just a part of his character, but not his defining trait.
“He’s an interesting, complex character that I think people will respond to on many levels. He’s the epitome of heroism. And I hope that he’s a positive representation of a gay man,” Robinson said.
Homosexual characters are no stranger to the comic book world, which has becoming increasingly diverse both sexually and ethnically. DC Comics portrays a lesbian Batwoman while Marvel’s “Astonishing X-Men” is set to feature a superhero gay marriage.
The welcoming of a gay Green Lantern along with other homosexual characters is a big step forward from DC’s sexist past. During the 1950’s, Batwoman was introduced as a “girlfriend” to Batman in order to fend off rumors that Batman and Robin were a gay couple.
Batwoman, or Kathy Kane, became a superhero so Batman would marry her and carried a “utility purse” rather than a utility belt, which carried crime fighting tools like lipstick and compacts. But, a later version of the character portrayed Batwoman as an ex military chick and out lesbian, a stark contrast from her former self.
The Green Lantern’s sexual orientation is revealed within the first few pages of the latest “Earth 2” issue, which is set to hit stands on Wednesday.