Lots of people who come to Japan are at least a little acquainted with manga: Japanese comics and graphic novels, which have become famous all over the world. However, there are a number of people who like American comics: and it’s no surprise. After all, even Akira Toriyama told his readers that Goku’s alien origin was inspired by Superman.
So for anyone homesick for American comics, where can one find them? And what are the best gay comics that can be found? Face front, true believers, and we’ll take you through it!
Recommendations
Here are five Western gay comics, or those prominently featuring gay characters, that we heartily recommend!
Midnighter
Originally a part of the WildStorm universe and imprint, before it was folded into DC as part of one of the regular massive continuity shake-ups, Midnighter is considered to be something of a Batman analogue in his team, the Authority.
This series follows the Midnighter following his break-up with his long-term partner Apollo, the Authority’s equivalent of Superman. This comic fleshes out Midnighter outside of his relationship, delves into the anger and frustration that one can experience after a partnership ends, and sees him team up with some of DC’s finest. The first solo gay superhero comic published by DC, it’s a must-read for anyone who thinks Batman could have been a little more gay.
Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles
A weird pitch for DC’s Hanna-Barbera crossovers, this comic reimagines the pink puma as a Tennessee Williams-esque playwright in 1950s America. While the premise is a little out there, creators Mark Russell and Mike Feehan use the fictional feline to tell a compelling story about the struggles that queer creatives endured during the era of McCarthyism.
The winner of the GLAAD award for Outstanding Comic Book, don’t let the starring of funny cartoon characters like Snagglepuss, Huckleberry Hound, and Quick Draw McGraw fool you. This is a moving tale of what it meant to be queer in the middle of the 20th Century, spanning the House of UnAmerican Activities hearings to the Stonewall riot. An easy recommendation.
Flamer
A semi-autobiographical graphic novel by Mark Curato, detailing a week at a Boy Scouts summer camp, where protagonist Aiden Navarro finds escape each year from his abusive father and deeply oppressive Catholic school. This year, however, both he and his compatriots are going through puberty, and are trying to prove how manly they are. In 1995, this includes performative homophobia, and Aiden struggles to both fit in and come to terms with his identity — and his attraction to fellow camper Elias.
Tackling toxic masculinity and homophobia, this comic met with rave reviews on publication, and won the Lambda Literary Award, which celebrates LGBTQ+ writings. And there’s another way that you can tell it’s good: Flamer has been the subject to book bannings by homophobic legislators in the US.
The Magic Fish
Another semi-autobiographical comic, this time by Trung Le Nguyen, a Vietnamese-American who, using books of fairytales, teaches his mother English. At the same time, he tries to negotiate how to reveal his sexuality to her.
Nominated for a Lambda Literary Award, a GLAAD award, and even an Eisner Award (the equivalent of the Oscars for comic books). Nguyen’s ability to weave his story alongside western and Vietnamese fairytales has been especially singled out for praise, as has his use of color. Unmissable.
You Brought Me the Ocean
Written by Lambda Award-Winning author Alex Sanchez and illustrated by Julie Maroh, of Blue Is the Warmest Color, this story is a reimagining of Aqualad — the sidekick and protoge of Aquaman — as Jackson Hyde, who is struggling with his burgeoning sexuality and growing superpowers as he matures into a young adult in the stifling small town of Truth or Consequences in New Mexico.
Praised by readers for its relatability and excellent artwork, this all-ages graphic novel is also highlighted for its excellent intersectionality and the parallels it draws between growing awareness of one’s sexuality with the development of superpowers. An easy pick for anyone who likes their cape and cowl comics with depth to them.
Where to Buy Gay Comics in Tokyo
Verse Comics
All of these comics, and many more, can be purchased from Amazon. However, for those who like to actually touch the books before they buy, and have a chat with knowledgeable staff to ask for introductions, there is no better place to go than Verse Comics in Ikebukuro.
In addition to tirelessly getting weekly singles, it also has an extraordinary library of TPB and hardcover comics on sale, and a loyalty card system for regulars to get money off. It also sells merch and Japanese language editions of some comics, making it perfect for fans looking to buy books to help practice Japanese.
We hope this has been helpful in giving anyone who wants to explore a touch of gay western comic art in Japan a few new books to try. Until next time, excelsior!
