Review: Super Fun Sexy Times GN Vol #1
Superheroes comics, for the most part, are idealised versions of characters. Abs are always pronounced, biceps are big, curves are in exactly the right place and there nary a sag or wrinkle anywhere (unless you count Aunt May!). Despite some mixed reviews from readers, the sexuality of heroes, historically straight in nature, has evolved into something that I am sure publishers are hoping represents these sexually free, no shame times. Thing is, apart from the gay or lesbian characters, there is a whole wide world of sexuality, gender and relationships to explore. Can the major publishers truly say there is representation for LGBTQ lifestyles?
Super Fun Sexy Times from Oni Press Inc. imprint Limerence Press goes some way to redress the balance in, as the title suggests a fun way. The book is an anthology of sorts, capturing 5 superhero couples as they try and make sense of their feelings, kinks whilst taking on the pressure of perceptions.
From the outset, we know we are not in Big Two town. The first story centres on a pair of sidekicks on opposite sides of the law. When stuck in a locked room, things get a little spicy. Next up is the super brawny type hero and his super organised tactician discussing his and her needs, perhaps getting a tad excited along the way. Then we have a pair of supervillains, one of which acts out of bravery to bring their desires to the fore, only to find the love and joy reciprocated and built upon. The penultimate tale is of a pair of lesbian heroes who try out some kinky role play and determining how it works for each of them. Finally, a world wearing assassin receives some tender and loving battery charging from his husband.
Throughout all the sigh and moans, writer/artist Meredith McClaren is on hand to capture and explore the feelings and the fetish. McClaren’s writing is subtle and clever. There are key moments throughout the book that resonant pure emotion. In many ways, the desires of the characters are in need of some TLC; consider that those desires may not be as plain as a characters physical scars getting some loving attention. Each story features different elements of sexuality, with gender also being explored. The situations, maybe without the superhero/supervillain elements, though they are recognisable to anyone who has found themselves in similar or even dissimilar situations. Sounds contradictory? Think of it like this, no matter who we decide to bring into our lives, they will have their quirks, fantasies and desires in pretty much the same way we do. In any relationship, gay, bi, straight, trans, lesbian, there will be times when we have to open ourselves up, and with run the risk of not being on the same page. If we are lucky, our relationships then incorporate theses feelings but there is always that risk of non-acceptance and of course the need for patience as respective feet in play are found.
McClaren’s art is unusual, often exaggerated in places, to emphasise key elements. McClaren’s art, as with the writing, is astute. Whilst the words may be discussing sexual freedoms, the art replicates that through a mix of body shapes, ethnicity and ages. The pages are arranged in simple uncluttered ways for the most part; the brawny hero and the tactician panels do kind of become compressed in places, I assume to visually show the rising sexual tension and excitement between the characters. In contrast, the gender story between the supervillains features big open panels to accentuate the openness shown by both of the characters; in the role play story, camera angles and panels are slightly confusing to mirror the struggles the pair are facing in trying to find out what they both want and expect. The colors are a washed out pastel affair which adds to the softness of the intention of McClaren; this isn’t just sex and titillation for the sake of it.
As I never been a prude in shape way or form, I found this book, all in all, a well observed slice of life that is full of charm, wit and humour all of which we all need for our own Super Fun Sexy Times!
Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 5 Stars
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
Written and Art by; Meredith McClaren
Published by; Limerence Press / Oni Press
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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