Comments on: GLAAD Announces 20th Annual Media Award Nominees

By: Steve MacIsaac

Steve MacIsaac — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 03:23:26 +0000

Actually it’s not just the comics which are like this, but pretty much all of the categories. I’ve read articles talking about it before, and the thinking is pretty much “We’re a watchdog group, we want to make sure we reward positive representations of the LBGT community, Fiction/film/art/culture/music/comics done by queers will de facto HAVE such positive representations, therefore we don’t need to publicize it.” I can sort of see the thinking, except that because its one of the most visible awards of its kind it winds up being sort of slap in the face to LGBT creators. Oh well.

By: Halliday

Halliday — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:45:47 +0000

YOUNG AVENGERS? Really? They never actually say, “We are a gay couple” at any point in that book. It’s sort of implied, but never actually confirmed verbally or visually (unless you count the Hulk kids earring, I guess?). I’m pretty sure they don’t even hold hands.

By: Ab.

Ab. — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:03:21 +0000

I agree Chris, re: mainstream. I do think it’s part of the education process or lack thereof. I would assume that the GLAAD jurors think of comics as “super heroes” and are not aware of the plethora of wealth beyond this genre.

I’m curious to see what the nomination process is. Do the individual publishers have to submit their titles for consideration? Just having done awards submission myself – I think this process will open it up for “lesser mainstream” titles to be given an opportunity/consideration.

BTW, I consider myself as a superhero nerd, so… >=P hehe.

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:40:41 +0000

Myk- Buffy.

Chip- He Wishes.

Ab- I guess my issue is that they define mainstream appeal as superheroes, which doesn’t do much for me when the mainstream of America–excluding Spider-Man meeting Obama–doesn’t really care about superhero comics. It’s like if _every_ nomination went to guiding light, in every category, regardless of how appropriate it was.

Steve- Exactly. I feel like hardcore superhero nerds both nominate and pick these awards, and they’re not doing anyone any favours with their choices.

By: Steve MacIsaac

Steve MacIsaac — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 03:40:32 +0000

I’m glad that you wrote about this, because this award has always driven me up the fucking wall. It’s seems to be really only interested in visibility issues in the mainstream comics industry; a B-list lesbian character in a high-profile book will always trump everything else. I mean, this is a group that awarded the prize to 52 over Fun Home. Ridiculous.

By: Ab.

Ab. — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 02:03:44 +0000

You make a very valid point, Chris. I think LGBT creators warrant a separate category though. I think – given the current environment as a whole, and not just talking about comics – it’s always good to recognize those that try to include LGBT content (e.g. daytime soap As The World Turns).

And as for the nominated titles – I think the Young Avengers title is fantastic. Think of it as Star Trek TNG to the Avengers. The two gay characters are great and it’s not forced or preachy, but rather, just a small facet of who they are. One of the pair had to change his superhero name Asgardian to something else – given the jokes that people would make about his name. Think about it. It’s hilarious and well written.

By: Jbird

Jbird — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:16:46 +0000

But Secret Six portrayed both its gay love story and its surviving gay character TERRIBLY.

By: Sexy Detective Zdarsky

Sexy Detective Zdarsky — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:31:08 +0000

“to gays rather than recognizing the achievements of… you know… actual gay people
…
(Maybe Scott Pilgrim will finally get nominated next year when the movie comes out, eh?)”

Whoa, whoa. Did you just out Mal?

By: Journalista - the news weblog of The Comics Journal » Blog Archive » Jan. 28, 2009: Letter from Carmine

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:43:45 +0000

[...] [Scene] GLAAD media award nominees announced Link: Christopher Butcher [...]

By: Myk

Myk — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:07:24 +0000

So now I´m wondering which one of the five books mentioned above you did read?