A genre where guys in peak physical condition lead double lives and wear skin-tight outfits was destined to grab a super-sized gay fan following.
However, while the realm of comic book superheroes is overflowing with sexy studs in spandex, there are a few who have cranked up the queer side of the genre with their bold fashion choices – and we love them for it.
Here are 13 of the most homoerotic costumes in DC and Marvel Comics history.
1. Black Condor
Richard Grey Jr. gained the ability to fly after being exposed to a radioactive meteor. Under the guise of Black Condor, he donned this little slice of fabulous and joined Uncle Sam as a member of the Freedom Fighters during World War II.
2. Power Boy
One of DC’s fiercest female superheroes, Power Girl, is also one of the fiercest examples of female objectification in comics when she sports her most iconic costume – which includes a convenient window that shows off her ample cleavage. However, the comics publisher flipped the objectification script with the introduction of Power Boy and incorporated the same “chest window” into his skin-tight costume – which he filled out in all the right places.
3. Hawkman
DC’s winged wonder has worn many different costumes since his making his debut in 1940. However, it is his classic skin-baring original that remains a gay fan favorite – for obvious reasons.
RELATED: 37 Unintentionally Gay Moments In Comic Book History
4. Goliath (Clint Barton)
For a time, the Avengers’ ace archer Clint Barton (Hawkeye) gained the superhuman ability to change his size with the help of fellow teammate Hank Pym’s size-altering particles. He took on the codename Goliath and for some reason thought wearing an outfit that looks like it belongs on a float in the middle of a gay pride parade was the perfect choice to fight intergalactic evil.
5. Tyroc
This Legion of Superheroes member is one of the few characters who can wear a costume that screams “disco strippers in space” and make it work. Those shoes though…
6. He-Man
Obviously the spirits of Grayskull are more than a little queer. Why else would they transform Prince Adam into this scantily-clad beefcake who was solely responsible for the sexual awaking of thousands of gay boys throughout the 1980s?
7. Grimbor the Chainsman
The Legion of Superheroes villain is proof leather bars are alive and well in the 31st century.
8. Namor
Marvel’s first mutant was also the first superhero in comics history who made us believe a man who loves to sport sequined bikini briefs could also be a dom top.
9. Cosmic Boy
The future magnetism master and Legion leader has never been one to shy away from his feminine side, often rocking pink and purple costumes throughout his superhero career – as well as this sexy, sassy little number in the 70s.
10. Daken
Wolverine’s bisexual son often favored wearing nothing more than some ink and a black pair of pants – perfect for fighting the forces of evil or dancing until the early morning at a circuit party.
RELATED: 11 Uncanny Gay And Bisexual X-Men
11. Gravity Kid
Legion Academy member Tel Vole’s costume accentuates some of his best assets, and proves superheroes don’t have to sacrifice sex appeal to battle the forces of evil in style.
12. Martian Manhunter
J’onn J’onzz’s classic costume made the standard uniform of a go-go boy look regal with just a few accessories and one fabulous high-collared cape.
Robin
The original colorful costume of Batman’s sidekick seemed innocent enough when it was worn by a boy. But when the creative minds at DC Comics decided to finally allow the Boy Wonder become a young adult without updating his costume, those green shorts and tight red tunic turned Dick Grayson into one of the DC Universe’s biggest male sex symbols. (A status he still firmly holds today as Nightwing.) Artist George Perez purposefully played up Robin’s sexier side throughout the 1980s in the comic New Teen Titans – where Grayson often found his costume getting strategically ripped to shreds on many adventures.
Kieran
Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton clearly collapses on video and needs to be carried into a van and this is your lead story?
Brian
There is no such thing as a homoerotic costume.
gmale
@Brian: Oh yes there is. You can make a guy look masculine, homo-erotic or homo-sexual.
Straight writers and media usually sexualizes women and presents men as social/successful. The reason for this is rooted not just in sex but in gender roles understanding.
Choosing to present a male as sexual in a fairly consistent manner is clearly a homo erotic act and usually has homosexual underpinnings to it.
Thank you Queery for this informative article on homo– comics out there
@Kieran: Hilary is not this gay activist that some of her supporters make her out to be and Trump is this not backwater redneck that some of u are trying to portray him as. He is clearly not bigoted towards gays as he welcomed presumably wealthy gays into his exclusive clubs in Palm springs
Actions speak louder than words and compared to Trump, Hilary has no credible pro gay record except when it is politically expedient for her.
Jack Meoff
Didn’t Queerty already run this story a few months ago?
JessPH
@Kieran: I’ll choose Hillary in a sickbed over healthy Don the Con anytime.
Masc Pride
So this is where guys get their Alegria Party outfit ideas.
JamJewel
Unless they are drawn by Tom of Finland, nah! I don’t think any of these are homoerotic!!
ingyaom
Love Cosmic Boy’s bustier and Gravity Kid’s hairy chest. I’d like to see them get together.