LGBT Comic Of The Week Month: Frater Mine
There's a moment in issue #5 of Frater Mine where you can see true genius at work. The author, Sean McGrath, and the artist, Juan Romera, work seamlessly together to bring a truly goosebumps-inducing series of panels. I literally felt a chill as one of the main protagonists woke up from a nap and watched a number of black shadows silently marching down her staircase.
Mysticism, angst, and relationships are combined in Mr. McGrath's first two story arcs, which encompass issues 1-6 (issue 6 is forthcoming and should be published soon). The first story arc (issues 1-3) finds main character Matt, an unhappy high school teacher, being called back for an unexpected reunion with his former mystical friends. With a focus on nostalgia and the ties that bind friends together, McGrath takes us on a magical romp through heaven and hell. While this first arc is engaging, albeit confusing at some points (there's a lightsaber, an angel, and a few betrayals involved in the confusion), McGrath shines in his characterizations in the second story arc.
In issues #4-#6, the story takes an unexpected, yet welcome, focus on Matt. The mysticism is still there (in the form of a supernatural force that threatens Matt's family life), but it takes a backseat to McGrath's brilliant multi-faceted portrayal of a frustrated man trying to find his place in the world as he balances his family life. Heavier on the drama and character relationships, the second arc also sees Romera's pencils improve with each issue. By issue 6 both writer and artist have reached remarkable levels of professionalism and storytelling. [Editor's Note: I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy of issue 6]
But wait, you may be thinking, what the hell does all this have to with the LGBT community?
Though it's not the main focus of the series, Matt's homosexuality is often referred to throughout the book and McGrath's subtlety in his portrayal is much appreciated. Frater Mine serves to continue to demonstrates the variety of LGBT portrayals in comic books.
And so, with great pleasure, we induct Frater Mine as our LGBT Comic of The Month. No, you read that correctly. We're changing our format to give each LGBT comic more exposure.
Make sure to order your copies of Frater Mine via IndyPlanet.
jonostarsmore
Posted to Comic of the Month, Comic of the Week, Hot Stuff on 14 April 2008
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