Brian Andersen’s new comic book, ‘So Super Duper,’ features a closeted gay super hero named Psyche. (Photo courtesy of Brian Andersen)
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By DAVID ALEXANDER NAHMOD
Thursday, March 27, 2008
“He loves the gay geek in me,” says Brian Andersen, referring to his partner of five years, Preston.
Andersen, 33, a Utah born San Francisco resident, is joyously nerdy. Next to Preston, comic books are the biggest thing in his life.
"I was the local fag," Andersen recalls of his childhood. "Back then, comics were the most important thing to me. I had no friends outside of school. Comic books were escapism for me — a chance to live outside myself. They were a safe place to live and be happy.”
He was particularly fond of X Men — and still is. "Like the gay community, X Men were ostracized for being different. Like us, they have their own community, their own families, their own safe haven."
He also professes a strong attachment to Fantastic Four, Justice League and Wonder Woman. When asked if he ever saw the gay undertones in Batman and Robin, the answer was quick and to the point.
“I never saw Batman and Robin as a couple,” he says. “I never sexualize comic books. They're fantasy and escape.”
And now, Andersen offers that same escape to others. Meet Psyche, the hero, of sorts, of “So Super Duper,” a new, very gay slanted comic book. The book is Andersen's own creation.
Psyche is a joyously flaming queen who can't see what everyone else can — that he’s gay. "Psyche is pretty much me," Andersen says. "For years, I was oblivious to being gay. I finally came out at 26, because, hey, I was gay! Time to deal with it and accept who I am.”
Psyche has not yet reached that point. As a member of the super hero club Amazing Naughts, he often hangs out at the clubhouse, dishing the dirt with his straight female best friend. His club mates aren't pleased; they're off saving the world from a variety of giant monsters and super-villains.
What's most impressive about “So Super Duper” is that it's a one-man show. Andersen is the writer, artist and publisher.
"It's always been a dream of mine to write for a comic book company,” Andersen says. “One day I just sat down and wrote my own instead. I wrote a story I'd had in the back of my mind, and then I thought I might as well draw it too.”
With no formal art training, Andersen is self taught.
“I figured everything out on my own: coloring, lettering inking,” he says.
So far, reaction has been positive. His print runs have sold out, and he had to print additional copies. The first four issues of the comic book can be purchased at www.PrismComics.com, a website that supports gay comic book publishers, artists and writers.
Andersen joined the Prism Comics table at this past year’s Comic Con in San Francisco. He promises that “So Super Duper” will be around for a while.
"I would love for it to be a cartoon show on Logo, or a movie,” Andersen says.
And will Psyche come out? “I’m working on a story arc now that will determine whether or not he comes to terms with who he is,” Andersen replies.
So what’s the next chapter in Brian Andersen's life?
"An artist I know has agreed to draw another title I’m writing,” he says. “It'll be fun — a gay secret agent story."
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