Comic Books

As Comic-Con continues, we're celebrating the growing acceptance of all sexual orientations in the world of comic books. After its first openly gay character — Kevin Keller — came out in 2010, Archie Comics has printed its first gay kiss. The smooch between Kevin and his boyfriend, Devon, angers a Riverdale mom in the comic, which, according to the issue's writer and artist Dan Parent, is a "playful poke" at the real controversy the Kevin storyline has caused with One Million Moms. The conservative group called for Toys"R"Us to take down a magazine that featured Kevin getting married, but Toys"R"Us refused.

This is the latest example of the genre's recent push to make comic strips and comic books more open to LGBT themes after being heavily censored by the Comics Code Authority until 1989 (not that the restrictions prevented everyone from writing about gay characters). The road to a lesbian Batwoman and a gay Green Lantern has been rocky, but let's see how homosexuality has been portrayed both positively and negatively in comics over the years.

What do you get when you mix overdramatic romance novels with Archie comic strips? Romance comics! Before teenage girls and young women could watch an episode of Gossip Girl or go online for all their pressing relationship questions like, "Was I too young for love?" they could pick up one of these juicy love-story-filled comic books for advice and entertainment.

Romance comics had their glory days during the Cold War in the US, from 1947 to 1977, and they tackled everything from marriage, jealousy, betrayal, and heartache. See some of your own love dilemmas — and some thankfully out-of-date ones! — sensationally illustrated on the covers of Sweethearts, My Story, Young Romantics, True Life Romance, My Secret Life, and more. Check out these vintage romance comics!

Holy innuendo, Batman! Back in the day, comic books were a favored form of child's play, but who were we kidding? Judging from some of their — unintentionally? — suggestive situations, it's no wonder adults collected these cartoons too. And don't get me started on the sexist lessons being taught here. In honor of Comic-Con kicking off today, check out these inappropriate and sexist vintage comic book moments!

As creator of the most well-known Marvel Comics superheroes, Stan Lee continues to be an indispensable part of the comic-book scene. So much so that he's unofficially a required cameo in the film adaptations of the Marvel characters he helped bring to life. Like staying until after the movie's credits for a superhero Easter egg, spotting a costumed Stan mingling with the Hollywood stars has become necessary viewing for fans. In the tradition of his Fantastic Four superhero team, read on for our four favorite Stan Lee cameos.

Source: 20th Century Fox

Whether you pledge allegiance to DC or Marvel Comics, both publishers have turned out characters who fight for justice and truth. Most of these heroes were created in the 1940s and were depicted confronting the same battles and enemies as America and its World War II allies. Throughout the decades, many gained broader pop culture appeal in TV shows and movies.

Just in time for the Fourth of July, peep our list of the most patriotic superheroes, and then vote for your favorite in our superhero bracket.

When it comes to fun, playful wedding ideas, a superhero theme is every comic fan's dream come true. Whether you're hoping for simple, subtle touches or all-out comic book mania, we've rounded up creative ideas to help you channel your favorite characters. From real wedding inspiration to affordable Etsy finds, here are 20 festive ways to channel your favorite superheroes on the big day.

Female comic-book characters don't often get the spotlight they deserve — or when they do, it's a spotlight filled with suggestive poses, as we've seen in The Hawkeye Initiative. This week, women take over saving-the-world duties in Marvel's release of X-Men #1, a reboot of Professor Xavier's mutant hero squad, with a cast exclusively of the XX chromosome.

Editor Jeanine Schaefer and writer Brian Wood chose the "best of the best characters" from the X-Men universe to star in the series: Storm, Rogue, Kitty Pryde, Rachel Grey, and Psylocke. The story begins with the team protecting a child Jubilee brought home who could make or break Earth, while contending with an alien invasion. Just another day on the job, right?

Each purchased paper issue of the book also comes with a code for a free digital edition using the Marvel Comics app on iOS and Android. Read on for an excerpt of the first issue of the all-female X-Men team.

For geek chic at its finest, turn to comic-book couture. Inspired by the bright colors and bold patterns of our favorite adventures, superheroes and style have collided. It's a good thing, because we found pieces like tees and bags that our inner Wonder Woman can't live without. To bring the comics into your closet, BAM, POW, and CLICK through to view our favorite finds.