TVZ: The 'Ships that Sailed...

Earlier this year, writers J.H. Williams III and W. Haden Blackman exited from the popular DC Comics title Batwoman, citing frustrations with last minute editorial mandates and an abrupt change to their plans for a long running storyline that would have seen the eponymous character’s alter-ego, Kate Kane, get married to her girlfriend, Maggie Sawyer.  It was the latter reason that sparked an Internet firestorm, seen by many as a condemnation by the Powers That Be of the characters’ impending same-sex marriage, so much so that DC Comics issued a press release reaffirming their support of the character.  Days later, DC Comics Co-Publisher Dan DiDio addressed the issue at Baltimore Comic Con with the following statement:

“Heroes shouldn’t have happy personal lives. They are committed to being that person and committed to defending others at the sacrifice of their own personal interests.  That’s very important and something we reinforced…It’s wonderful that they try to establish personal lives, but it’s equally important that they set them aside. That is our mandate, that is our edict and that is our stand.”

This seemed to be a perplexing statement to some as Buddy Baker is obviously married in the Animal Man title and it has been assumed that Aquaman and Mera, the King and Queen of Atlantis, are married over in Aquaman.  However, DC has been pointing out that Mera has never been stated to be Aquaman’s wife, only his Queen.  DC was quick to jettison the marriage of Clark Kent and Lois Lane, as well as many other long-standing romantic relationships, when they re-launched their entire line with the New 52.  It’s somewhat puzzling that Animal Man’s marriage remains untouchable while all other such unions have been rendered null and void.

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