First Dumbledore, now this!
An exchange of dialogue in “Amazing Spider-Man” issue 678 led some fans to speculate on the sexuality of a certain Spider-Man supporting cast member. When asked about it online, Slott confirmed that yes, the character is indeed gay.
Who is the alternative lifestyle supporting cast member?
Norah Winters?
Felicia Hardy?
Vin Gonzales?
Anna Watson?
Mr. Negative?
Sha Shan?
To pull this mysterious person out of the closet, click on the “continue reading” link below..
Max Modell.
The image is from “Amazing Spider-Man” issue 678, which was released yesterday. While reading it I glossed over the reference to Hector and assumed Max meant a business associate. I went online and was surprised to find people suspecting a romantic partner. Rereading the issue I found myself sharing those suspicions.
Dan Slott was asked if Max was gay on his Formspring page and had this to say,
Max is gay. This is just the first time we’ve mentioned it in the book.
He later followed up on it in another question,
We’ll meet his partner, Hector, soon enough. Max is openly gay, and (since he’s a celebrity) this is something that’s common knowledge in the Marvel U. It’s just not anything that’s been brought up in the book before.
I personally think this is how it should be done. A big deal wasn’t made to CNN, Fox News or USA Today. This is something that is largely under the radar if you aren’t a Spider-Man fan. The fact that he is gay is secondary to his personality. He is a scientist. He works at Horizon Labs. He is a friend/mentor to Peter Parker. He also happens to be gay. This is a stark contrast to characters like Bunker or Batwoman whose sexualitys were promoted over their actual characters. Modell was a new character and we’re still learning about him. The revelation of his sexuality was subtle and not a full page splash. It’s more real life and “as a matter of fact”.
But I’m just one man. What do the rest of you think?
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As I said, ultimately the overall decision on what path to take belongs solely to the individual. And in doing so, the individual has to accept whatever happens next, be it good or bad.
This goes for Max as well.
I understand that sexual orientation and race are two very different things, but the “keep it hidden” talk is very familiar to me.
As a black man, it reminds me of someone with light-skin trying to pass for white. Or of a black person who, under general circumstances, feels uncomfortable when someone acknowledges his/her race or culture. While it may be understandable for an individual or individuals to feel and act the way they do, it doesn’t mean that it is right for the group that the individual belongs to, be it Blacks or homosexuals.
It may be safer for the individual, but ultimately that is taking the ‘path of least resistance’. In my view this only strengthens the power of the dominant groups in society, be it Whites or heterosexuals, prolonging the status quo. The oppressed would simply be swallowed up into nothingness while the machine grows stronger. Most wouldn’t even realize anything ever happened, because to them everything would be as it ‘should be’, or the ‘norm’.
I think anyone belonging to these underprivileged groups has taken the less risky road at some point in their lives on some level, just to function or survive; I can’t blame them on a personal level.
Chris, are you by any chance a fan of Henry Rollins? He did a lot of spoken word stuff and mentioned his views of the subject, and I tend to agree with his opinion of it. If a gay/lesbian person is harassing you, they’re out of line. Other than that, get the f*** over it. They’re human too.
Then, in my opinion, you would be one who doesn’t like to hide what you are, and I’m not saying you’re wrong to feel that way. Ultimately it’s your choice, and you have to decide if the potential ramifications are worth it, as I believe I stated in my previous comment.
And we’ve come a long way as far as acceptance, but there are still people out there who don’t get it. Those are the ones you have to watch out for. Not everyone wants to be as accepting as we are. But thankfully there ARE people who are as understanding as well.
This has been a rather interesting tangent we’ve found ourselves in.
No, I’m gay, and the whole “don’t talk about it” like it’s something that should be hidden is making me a bit uncomfortable.
I think it should be talked about because it’s the only way that it’ll become more accepted. It’s why homosexuality is more accepted today than it was in the 80s. Keeping it private and hidden isn’t going to change anything.
Well, if you can answer my questions, I can get a better idea of what I need to say to answer yours.
My solution is to not talk about it if you don’t have to. Now if you actually have a good reason to want to tell anyone, like say being in love with someone and wanting to be 100% honest with them, or if they have a good reason to want to know, which, BTW, you STILL haven’t provided one yet, the there are exceptions.
If staying in the closet can keep you from being harassed or assaulted by unruly homophobic people, then that’s always a good choice of action. I understand there are those who don’t like to hide what they are, and I’m not saying they’re wrong to feel that way. Ultimately it’s their choice, and they have to decide if the potential ramifications are worth it. And the fact that the world is STILL populated by hateful people will always make that a risky thing to do. And that’s a REALLY F*****’ DUMB thing to hate someone for.
Now the way I’m seeing it, the only reason anyone would insist on knowing someone sexual orientation would be so they know to ostricize/shun/avoid this person in the future. I can’t think of any other reason anyone would insist on knowing. I keep hoping you can provide an answer to prove the contrary, but so far you’ve only answered my questions with questions. It’s making me think you may fall into this group, and I don’t want to if that’s not the case.
” I’m saying, if you don’t have to talk about it, why talk about it? the only reason I see anyone having to talk about it is because people are ****** nosy.”
What do you mean by talking about it? Simply saying that they’re gay? Mentioning their significant other?
“And why, pray tell, is it so important to know? I’m sure you’re well aware of how they’re treated by a lot of people when they come out.”
And so your solution is to stay in the closet?
@#22
I’m not saying to “sweep it under the rug.” I’m saying, if you don’t have to talk about it, why talk about it? the only reason I see anyone having to talk about it is because people are ****** nosy.
@#23
And why, pray tell, is it so important to know? I’m sure you’re well aware of how they’re treated by a lot of people when they come out.
Agreed again with Chris.
It may not be an issue within the story or characterization, but it’s still an issue within a larger social framework.
To ignore is to be ignorant.
Unfortunately, we don’t live in a society where it’s a nonissue, and I don’t think sweeping it under the rug is the solution.
@#20
Exactly. The “What business is it of yours?” approach…
And I thought I did, but apparently I didn’t, so I’ll do it now. Big ups to Slott for not making a big spectacle of this. It’s not necessary, and I think he handled it well.
“even be brought up.”
Don’t ask, don’t tell?
@#18
Major or minor, unless it’s an integral part of the story or that character’s portrayal in the piece of media or literature, it shouldn’t matter or even be brought up.
I agree with Chris.
I wouldn’t expect Modell’s homosexuality to be mentioned in the media, but if it had been a longtime supporting character like Harry Osborn or Jonah Jameson, or a new major superhero character, then I think major media coverage would be more likely, and rightly so.
In my opinion you can’t just have a major character come out or be introduced as a homosexual and then treat it as no big deal, as if they were being written as a vegan or something.
“This is a stark contrast to characters like Bunker or Batwoman whose sexualitys were promoted over their actual characters. ”
Because the treatment of two gay superheroes is totally the same as a minor supporting character who’s gay.
Mr. Max A. Frankow summed up what I feel in his first comment.
~Lament~
@#14
I was just pointing out that it was said. I didn’t specify who said it…
And for the record, she’s a NICE looking buxom, lipstick lesbian… I even have her 52 action figure.
@ 12
Actually I’m fairly sure Greg Rucka said the news were responsible for the “buxom, lipstick lesbian” part. I remember him saying the media were “misquoting” (aka making shit up) both him and Dan Didio in articles about Batwoman and that Didio had come up to him after the media shistorm had started and asked what a lipstick lesbian.
Huh, I had my money on Miss Lion finally coming out of the closet.
@#8
Actually, they described the character as a “buxom, lipstick lesbian” in the character reveal…
And sexual orientation only really matters if you’re dating or watching porn. Tell ’em not to have a hissy fit over it.
… for the record, I WOULD watch porn with Batwoman in it… Max Modell… maybe on a dare.
@Two Bit,
I was kidding sorry
Slott being subtle. Who would have guessed? Maybe their is hope left
“This is a stark contrast to characters like Bunker or Batwoman whose sexualitys were promoted over their actual characters.”
Archie Bunker was gay??? Well now I don’t know what to believe!
I am extremely offended by this, BD. Batwoman was not promoted by her sexuality, it’s just the news media saw a Bat character with the word “gay” mentioned (which was relevant because of her past relationship Renee Montoya and was a part of the story) and the news media went mental over it. It wasn’t something that was actively promoted and the news attention lead to her barely appearing and not getting her own book for 3 years.
To even mention her in the same sentence as Bunker cuts me deep, good sir. 😉
On a serious note, this is great news and very well handled.
I don’t care. It’s the stories themselves I’m interested in.
@#5
I wouldn’t put it past her. And I have a serious problem with this. You’re all probably going to call me shallow or a hater, but I can’t help the way I feel about this subject.
I mean seriously, Donovan is right on the money. It even has the strap in almost the perfect shade of brown.
… well, what did you THINK I was talking about?
Betty Brant was trying to seduce Max?
Betty Brant’s gold digging plan to seduce Max just got a bit more difficult
I am happy though, that they didn’t over blow it.
I’ve never been so horrified and offended in my life. How could Marvel keep something like this from us?
I mean, that’s a REALLY nice watch!
I have my views on it, but on the whole, I don’t care. It seems like it’s kinda just being thrown in there just for the sake of it, but it’s whatever to me.