Mirroring and Mutability Among Trans and Other Queer Comic Characters

This talk sprouted from my observation that there is a trend among LGBTQ comic characters, in which they have powers that connect to, or act as metaphors for, their queer identities. These powers fall into three general groups: mirroring the characteristics of the people and substances around them; some form of mutability, in the sense that they can change their shape or form; or a form of empathy that allows them to understand other people or for others to understand them.

I am conflicted over whether these powers are a good way to communicate these characters’ inner lives or whether they are a form of stereotype that is analogous to the kinds of powers or backgrounds that many characters of color, or disabled characters, had when they were first introduced–for instance Marvel characters such as Luke Cage, Shang-Chi, Red Wolf, or Daredevil.

However, after researching social media posts about the characters, and whether fans have made some form of fan creations about them (fan art, fan fiction, or cosplay), my sense is that many of these characters have been embraced by fans, regardless of their powers.

You can see the presentation here. I am continuing to research the fan posts about these characters and will post a more expanded version of the project here later.