Controversial “Gay” Green Lantern Comic Fails in Sales but Earns GLAAD Nomination for ‘Outstanding Comic’

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Last year, part of the Green Lantern fandom was shaken by the release of Sheridan’s ‘Alan ‘Scott: Green Lantern.’ The controversy surrounding the comic centers on the drastic reimagining of Alan Scott, a classic Golden Age DC character, as a gay man.

Many fans were upset with this decision, feeling it strayed too far from the character’s original portrayal. The comic faced backlash not only for its reinterpretation but also for its marketing approach and included “pornography.”

Sheridan encouraged readers to buy the book to “own the bigots” rather than focusing on the story itself, which many saw as provocative and dismissive of constructive criticism.

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Critics accused the comic of prioritizing an agenda over telling a compelling Green Lantern story. Specific content, like Alan Scott’s romantic encounters, including scenes with a gay prostitute who calls him “Scotty,” and portrayals of God approving his actions through The Spectre, angered some readers, especially those with strong religious or moral beliefs.

Many felt the series was more about promoting certain themes than staying true to the spirit of the Green Lantern franchise.

The comic’s sales were reportedly very low, reflecting widespread rejection by readers. Additionally, insiders claim Sheridan left DC Comics, blaming the company for not supporting the book enough, though critics argue the poor reception was due to the story’s direction and execution.

Despite the backlash, the comic was nominated for a GLAAD Award for “Outstanding Comic,” further fueling debates about its merit and reception.

The Outstanding Comic Book nominations spotlight a range of diverse and inclusive stories. Highlights include ‘Avengers Academy: Marvel’s Voices’ (Marvel Infinity Comics), and ‘Captain Marvel’ by Alyssa Wong (Marvel Comics), each emphasizing representation and innovative storytelling. Here’s the full list:

  • ‘Alan Scott: The Green Lantern,’ by Tim Sheridan, Cian Tormey, Jordi Tarragona, Raúl Fernandez, John Livesay, Matt Herms, Chris Sotomayor, Lucas Gattoni (DC Comics)
  • ‘Avengers Academy: Marvel’s Voices,’ by Anthony Oliveira, Carola Borelli, Bailie Rosenlund, IG Guara, Alba Glez, Elisabetta D’Amico, Pablo Collar, Karen S. Darboe, Carlos Lopez, KJ Díaz, Ian Herring, Frank William, Ariana Maher, Joe Caramagna (Marvel Infinity Comics)
  • ‘Captain Marvel,’ by Alyssa Wong, Jan Bazaldua, Ruairí Coleman, Roberto Poggi, Bryan Valenza, Carlos Lopez, Ariana Maher (Marvel Comics)
  • ‘I Heart Skull-Crusher,’ by Josie Campbell, Alessio Zonno, Angel De Santiago, Jim Campbell (BOOM! Studios)
  • ‘The Nice House by the Sea,’ by James Tynion IV, Álvaro Martínez Bueno, Jordie Bellaire, Andworld Design (DC Comics)
  • ‘NYX,’ by Jackson Lanzing, Collin Kelly, Francesco Mortarino, Enid Balám, Elisabetta D’Amico, Michael Shelfer, Raúl Angulo, Joe Sabino (Marvel Comics)
  • ‘The Oddly Pedestrian Life of Christopher Chaos,’ by Tate Brombal based on an idea by James Tynion IV, Isaac Goodhart, Soo Lee, Naomi Franq, Miquel Muerto, Patricio Delpeche, Héctor Barros, Aditya Bidikar (Dark Horse Comics)
  • ‘Poison Ivy,’ by G. Willow Wilson, Marcio Takara, Luana Vecchio, Haining, Arif Prianto, Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (DC Comics)
  • ‘Spectregraph,’ by James Tynion IV, Christian Ward, Aditya Bidikar (DSTLRY)
  • ‘Suicide Squad: Dream Team,’ by Nicole Maines, Eddy Barrows, Eber Ferreira, José Luís, Adriano Di Benedetto, Adriano Lucas, Becca Carey (DC Comics)

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