Actual comics fan Annalee Newitz has a fairly thoughtful article up on the homoerotic subtext of superhero comics. Interesting observations on the apparent correlation between rising acceptance of homosexuality and the ongoing destigmatization of comic books. Thoughts?
As the article semi-admits, Wertham said this fifty years ago... then again, he also suggested that a shoulder in a comic panel was a hidden picture of (Alan Partrdige voice) a woman's part, so...
Well, you know, Wertham could see organs anywhere. And Freud thought that men liked women's breasts because they reminded them of bottoms, and we all secretly crave buttsex.
Sometimes I think you've gotta take things with a teeny grain of salt when one person claims to know the Secret Truth About Your Thoughts.
As for correlations, you can see them anywhere if you're looking for them, especially if you're writing an article or essay. As my friend Mr. K once pointed out, "Has anyone noticed the correlation bettween ice cream and sunburn?".
From the link: Rebel Without a Cause, drew its power from a surprisingly Batman-like plot: brooding hero with an excellent car and family trauma engages in heart-stopping acts of courage while his boyish, homoerotic sidekick looks on adoringly.
