Connor Hawke, the son of Green Arrow, comes out as asexual in DC Comics’ upcoming Pride anthology, due out May 31.
Green Arrow first appeared in DC Comics in 1941. The Robin Hood-style character also appeared in the TV shows Smallville and Arrow (he was noted for the arrows he fired in his bid to fight crime). His son and successor, Connor, first appeared in 1994.
Connor, a dedicated monk and martial arts expert, takes center stage in a new eight-page story, Think Of Me, in DC Pride 22.
Related: Superman and Robin came out as queer and achieved super-strength
Created by Ro Stein, Ted Brandt, and letterer Frank Cvetkovic, the story finds Connor foiling a mind-control plot at an opera by the villain, Music Meister. At the same time, he composes a coming-out letter to his mother, according to Them.
Connor was raised in a monastery, and DC Comics fans have previously speculated about his lack of interest in anything sexual. Brandt told Them Connor’s story was something they could relate to: “It was that extra little bit of help, having the entire team be asexual. It really felt like it was a personal story for all of us on some level.”
Brandt went on to say they wanted to include some explanation of the reality of being asexual in the story.
“I was very aware of the logistics of [the letter]. As well as coming out, it needs to explain what asexuality feels like, because a lot of people can’t imagine it. And that makes perfect sense to me, especially because I’m also autistic. I get not understanding what it’s like for someone who experiences something different to you.”
Related: Being a panromantic asexual: What it means and what you should know
Connor is not the first DC Comics character to come out.
Last October, around the time of National Coming Out Day, Superman’s son, Jon Kent, came out as bisexual in the comic book, Superman: Son of Kal-El.
Earlier in 2021, a former Robin (sidekick to Batman), Tim Drake, was also revealed to be bisexual.
Related: Holy heartthrob Batman! Robin just came out of the closet
Mister P
The smart ass in me wants to say of course anyone who is Interested in this is asexual.
Heywood Jablowme
Asexual is not the same thing as “involuntarily celibate,” lol.
Joshooeerr
But both are very often the same as unf***able.
tallskin4
FVCK ME!
(rolls eyes)
Is anyone seriously going to defend this bvllshlt?
DarkZephyr
Asexuals do exist. What’s wrong with giving them some representation?
WillParkinson
What is there to defend? Asexuality is a thing. I have two friends who are asexual. How does this hurt you?
jt1990
@DarkZephyr of course they do. Depression, amphetamines, and low testosterone are just a few causes of loss in sexual interest. And seeing those memes of Donald trump in a drag outfit. I like the guy as president but modeling isn’t his thing. Many people will experience normal and temporary sexual dysfunction at some point in their life. But hey if you want to feel special, call yourself asexual when it happens.
Mister P
Leave it to JT 1990 to not understand something and comment on it anyway.
jt1990
I do understand it. I took adderall for a short time and it killed my sex drive. I felt great otherwise, motivated and energetic, but little to no sexual desire. I was totally asexual until I got off the medication. But I still claim to be when fat women or cross dressers hit on me. Makes for an excellent excuse sometimes!
Sqwoah
A fictional character that I’ve never heard of has a sexuality that nobody I’ve ever met in real life has. Yay progress!!!!
WillParkinson
Ooh, so since you haven’t met anyone, then it’s not a thing? Whatever, Heather. I have two friends who are asexual. It’s a thing. Grow up.