DC Comics has gay marriage storyline in the works for Batwoman

While not busy "defeating Medusa and a horde of villains," Batwoman prepares to pop the question to Maggie Sawyer

Published February 20, 2013 7:27PM (EST)

  (Joe My God)
(Joe My God)

As Rick Johnston wrote for comic industry site Bleeding Cool, we're putting up the "Batspoiler signal" on this one.

DC Comics has a surprise twist in store for the latest issue of their "Batwoman" comic: A gay marriage proposal.

In addition to a "massive conclusion to the current storyline as Batwoman and Wonder Woman struggle to defeat Medusa and a horde of villains," readers will also see Batwoman pop the question to her longtime secret love, captain Maggie Sawyer. Sawyer once served on the supernatural task force with Superman, but was transfered to Gotham City to head their Major Crimes Unit. Oh, and have a tortured but super hot relationship with Batwoman!

DC Comics has been making a serious -- if imperfect -- effort at diversifying their super squad with reboots of various characters, Batwoman being just one.

And while the possibility of Kate (Batwoman's real identity -- don't tell anyone I told you) and Maggie's nuptials is a pretty natural part of their storyline, it also probably doesn't hurt for DC to get a little good press on gay rights. The company has been taking heat over their decision to hire anti-gay activist Orson Scott Card to pen a digital reboot of the "Superman" series.

Card, who says things about gay marriage like:

“I find the comparison between civil rights based on race and supposed new rights being granted for what amounts to deviant behavior to be really kind of ridiculous. There is no comparison. A black as a person does not by being black harm anyone. Gay rights is a collective delusion that’s being attempted. And the idea of ‘gay marriage’ — it’s hard to find a ridiculous enough comparison.“

Card, who thinks laws criminilazing homosexuality should stay on the books “to be used when necessary to send a clear message that those who flagrantly violate society’s regulation of sexual behavior cannot be permitted to remain as acceptable, equal citizens within that society.”

Card, who doesn't want Batwoman to have a little happiness after all of that crime fighting!

DC Comics has resisted calls to ditch the "Ender's Game" author, saying in a statement to Wired Magazine, “As content creators we steadfastly support freedom of expression. However, the personal views of individuals associated with DC Comics are just that — personal views — and not those of the company itself.” But gay rights groups continue to apply pressure, arguing that if DC Comics truly supports diversity, then they shouldn't employ an author (no matter how once-talented he was) who uses his voice and his vote to deprive people of their rights.

 


By Katie McDonough

Katie McDonough is Salon's politics writer, focusing on gender, sexuality and reproductive justice. Follow her on Twitter @kmcdonovgh or email her at kmcdonough@salon.com.

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Batwoman Comics Dc Comics Gay Marriage Gay Rights Lgbt Rights Lgbtq Rights Orson Scott Card