Wayne at Illustrated Fiction came across an article in the Bay-Area Reporter on Whatever, touted as “the world’s first gay comics store.” Before anyone gets angry at that particular distinction, do read the clarification page on the Pride Comics website.
While the article tagline was an enthusiastic overstatement, the store did have the honor of debuting a new independent comic book on Sunday, Pride High. It follows the adventures of the gay/straight alliance at a prep school for future superheroes.
The comic features writing by Tommy Roddy and art by Brian Ponce, but the creative process is open for outsider input:
Anyone may visit the website to create and submit a character. Many of these submissions are indeed finding themselves into the innovative pages of Pride High.
The creative team makes no promises about every submission being accepted, but the chance is there.
There’s an 11 page preview, and if that held your interest, it’s available in print and downloadable format.
October 4th, 2006 at 3:15 pm
Hey Lisa,
Re-read the second paragraph and you’ll notice the caveat emptor that Whatever may NOT be the world’s only LGBT-centric comics store in America or the world, but more likely one of very few… Nevertheless, it’s a cool thang!
Wayne
October 4th, 2006 at 3:47 pm
I live near this store. I’ve been in a few times, and I heard the same “who should write Wonder Woman next, Geoff Johns or Gail Simone” argument that you’d probably hear in any other comics store. Except that the people having the discussion were both pretty obviously queer. So far, it’s mostly knick nacks with a back wall full of the most recent comics and one wall of TPBs. Their stock will probably increase with time, tho.
October 4th, 2006 at 4:27 pm
Wayne — I saw it. The second paragraph’s why I linked the clarification page.
October 4th, 2006 at 5:10 pm
Hi Lisa!
Thank you so much for blogging on Pride High! And I’m so grateful that you included a link to the clarifications page. Really, really grateful.
Pride High Issue #2, “Game Over,” is currently in production. It will be released in mid-November.
Here’s a look at the signing event at Whatever this past Sunday.
http://www.pridecomics.com/castro-street-fair/
Best,
Tommy