Comic-Con
2012
Gays in Comics Panel Celebrates 25th Year Twenty-five years ago, Comic-Con International unveiled a panel that would go on to have lasting appeal to the convention. The first Gays in Comics panel occurred at Comic-Con in 1988. Over that past quarter century (!), one constant has been present at all the annual panels: moderator Andy Mangels, who started it that very first year and has been at it ever since. What’s the “secret origin” of the Gays in Comics panel at Comic-Con? Andy Mangels: Back in 1988, while writing for Amazing Heroes magazine, I produced a 36-page in-depth article that ran in two issues, titled “Out of the Closet and into the Comics—Gays in Comics: The Creations and the Creators.” At that point in time, nobody had ever written about the subject in an article, and nobody in the mainstream comic book industry was out of the closet (though there were a handful who were “out” in the underground/nascent independent comic world, most notably Howard Cruse and Roberta Gregory). I interviewed a lot of gay, lesbian, and bisexual creators who were quoted anonymously, as well as a lot of heterosexual creators, about the way the industry treated gay characters, gay creators, and gay fans. The articles were released in mid-June and early July, a month prior to San Diego Comic-Con 1988. Even in those pre-Internet days, the reaction was immense. There were a lot of letters written and phone calls made. It became one of the biggest news stories of the summer! Although I had not chaired a panel before, I approached Comic-Con about doing a Gays in Comics panel. They were unsure what the response would be, but scheduled a panel in the 3,000-seat Civic Theatre. I put a panel together of some straight creators, as well as some “out” underground/independent creators. I believe there were about 700 to 800 people in the audience that year, and everyone was shocked at how high attendance was. I was only 20 years old then, and coming out to the industry as the first openly gay mainstream professional, while leading a combative panel in front of an audience like that, was a trial by fire. But it was clear to everyone that year, and in the years that followed at Comic-Con, that gay, lesbian,
60 COMIC-CON ANNUAL 2012
(L to r) The panelists from the 2011 Gays In Comics panel: Jon Macy, Andy Mangels, Robert Kirkman, Paul Cornell, Greg Pak, Chip Kidd,and Dan Parent. bisexual, and transgendered fans and professionals mattered in the industry. You’ve done 24 panels over the years . . . which one was the most memorable for you, and why? Each year, I have a lot of people who say, “This year’s was the best one yet!” and it’s hard to disagree. After over two decades, things have changed, and the dialogues on-panel are much different than they used to be. Whereas the larger publishers used to shun the panel, many of them now suggest participants. It’s always a difficult balance finding a diverse lineup, trying to include men and women, gays and straights, people of different ethnicities and ages and fame-levels. I think Year 20 was a pretty memorable year because Paul Levitz—then the head of DC Comics—appeared on it. That sent a message to the industry—at least to those who were listening, since the comic press mostly doesn’t send reporters to this panel—that a major force in the industry felt it important to dialogue with the GLBT audience. Do you feel that the panels have fulfilled the original intent and mission you had in mind when they started? The dialogue fostered by the panels has helped change the industry itself: there are more good GLBT characters than ever; some companies have GLBT employee groups; and the word “diversity” isn’t looked at by most as an obligation but as a creative opportunity. When I began the panel in 1988, Marvel reportedly had an intercompany mandate
that there were “No gays in the Marvel Universe.” Now, not only does Marvel have gay characters, but Archie and DC have gay characters headlining their own books! The dialogue begun at the Gays in Comics panels has helped fans as well. From early fan gatherings after the panel sprang gay comic clubs, and then Internet forums and online clubs. A zine I put together in 1999 for dispersal after the panel which listed all the “out” creators at the time eventually led to the formation of PRISM Comics, the nonprofit group that supports GLBT creators and fans and which proudly exhibits each year at Comic-Con. There have been gay comic fan receptions and parties after the panel since 1999, and additional panels at Comic-Con since 2002. And attendance at all of the panels has remained stellar; we’ve inhabited a 1,000-seat room since 2006! With the aid of ComicCon, the GLBT comic fans have been able to find a sense of community within the larger comic fan community. Besides the 25th anniversary Gays in Comics panel for Comic-Con 2012, what are you working on now? I will have one new book (my 20th!) out this year, titled Lou Scheimer: Creating the Filmation Generation, from TwoMorrows. I’m continuing to write for magazines such as Back Issue and Star Trek magazine, as well as online sites, have been acting in minor roles on Grimm and Leverage, and produce the yearly charity event “Women of Wonder Day” every October.
Photo by Ted Abenheim, PRISM Comics