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Pride Month Recommendations Part 3 Trans*, Asexual, Queer, ect

First of all, let me say that I'm not lumping these groups together because they're all the same. They obviously aren't and it's not any attempt to downplay any of the people or groups represented. It is just sadly there are less characters in this group that get their own stories.

Also don't forget next post will be for ensemble casts, so these are stories that have several queer characters. You'll see more characters there.

Now onto the show..

Jughead vol 1 and 2 by Chip Zdarsky - This series obviously made waves as it was announced that Archie's best pal. Jughead is asexual. It's kind of been a hinted at thing for years as Jughead never really had a major love interest or crush other than burgers and so Chip Zdarsky made it official. This is a great all ages book with typical Archie humor and drama. I mean it's Jughead.. what more do you want me to say?

Astro City Private Lives by Kurt Busiek, Brent Anderson, and Alex Ross - This is an unusual one because the whole series of Astro City is not based around one person or group of heroes. Nope, it's based around Astro City and the world it inhabits. Essentially this entire series is about people living in a world where Martians invade from Dimension-Z, magical guardians patrol the streets at night, and well all of the crazy comic book stuff can happen. It's about heroes, villains and ordinary people. Because of this, the series jumps around to various characters, time periods, and what not to tell the different stories. This particular volume has a single story (the last one in Astro City issue 17). This story focuses on two heroes known as Starbright. The first, an All-American jock who regularly faces off against his arch-nemesis a genius named Simon. The second is a female Starbright, who was once the original Starbright's arch-nemesis until he was killed and Starbright changes her life. She uses his powers to transform herself, both physically and metaphorically, into a new person, though she has yet to decide on her name. Really this is an interesting trans* story especially as it unfolds in a way that isn't typical. That said, there are some people who might have issues with the ease of the new Starbright's transformation since it's obviously not that easy for real people.

Alters vol 1 by Paul Jenkins, Leila Lutz, and Tamra Bonvillain - I sadly haven't read this yet. Paul Jenkins, however, is an amazing writer. The art that I've seen is great and with Tamra Bonvillain on it, I'm sure it's amazing. Basically classic superhero story, but with heroes from marginalized groups. The main focus of the first couple issues seems to be a new superheroine named Chalice, who is a completely different person at home. She can only really be herself when she's out as Chalice. Obviously trans* people work on the series and Jenkins has stated a number of times he's had people read the stories so they don't come across as offensive, so.. yeah check it out.

Last but not least... How Loathsome by Tristane Cane and Ted Neifah - I have no clue how you'll get this as it's been out of print for a while, but I have to mention it. This is one of my favorite comics of all time. Catherine is clearly genderqueer, though Catherine takes no labels in the series. It's really just 4 short issues about the queer/trans* scene in early 00's of San Francisco. It's a really good story and unabashed with what it is. There is definitely sex, drugs, S&M, and all sorts of things going on and it's just beautiful in it's frankness. Obviously this is not for kids, but great for adults.

And that sadly, is all I have at the moment. I know there are probably more. If you're aware of a great comic (like published comic, not a webcomic.. Sorry they're amazing, but they don't help library statistics.) Let me know.
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