Image via Wikipedia
09/02/2011 – by Cynthia Wright
Even though, my comic book allegiances have always been with Storm from the X-men series, who has yet to ever have a lesbian dalliance of any kind (sadly), it’s nice to see that the idea of a lesbian superhero isn’t so farfetched this day and age. While Batwoman was originally made to supply Batman with a love interest, since his “relationship” with Robin was becoming questionable – her current reinvention has the fiery redhead taking to the streets of Gotham City in the pursuit of justice and some lesbian love on the side.
Although, the new Batwoman was released publicly in 2006, receiving such a negative backlash from the public all productions of the Batwoman solo series were put on hold. Now, in 2011 – that is no longer the case. Recently, artist and co-writer J.H. Williams sat down with the Advocate to discuss Batwoman’s new comic book series.
The Advocate: Batwoman is the highest-profile gay superhero to have her own ongoing monthly comic from a mainstream publisher. Do you feel pressure because of that?
J.H. Williams: Yes, I do, but not necessarily in a bad way. I feel the pressure, but I have confidence in it too. For me, the pressure comes from wanting to make sure we’re telling a good story. The political aspects — in terms of her being a gay character — are irrelevant to me because I’m just writing a good character. I think that is probably the smartest way to approach it instead of worrying about any sort of media feedback the story could possibly generate. It’s more important for me to treat the character the same way I would treat any other character. That means respecting the way Kate Kane’s story is told. In this case, it’s an interesting situation because we are dealing with a gay character, so those aspects can’t be ignored, but they have to be told within the framework of the story. It’s got to all fit into the bigger picture.
Lesbian characters and female superheroes both have a history of being overly sexualized.
I approach Batwoman the same way I’ve always approached female characters in my other projects. I think the trick is making sure she is a person first and woman second. So many times characters get stereotyped or become too much of a symbolic image rather than a real character. Once that happens you’re no longer trying to write a person you’re trying to write a superficial idea. I think by approaching her as a real person, it makes it easy to approach any sexual aspect in a more respectful and tasteful manner. Everything becomes less overt. It’s not about trying to create cheesecake or eye candy or anything like that. Any sexuality has to come from the character and the story itself.
More questions, along with exclusive panels from the comic can be viewed on the Advocate’s website. Batwoman #1 will land on store bookshelves September 14th.
