What do we ask?
We ask DC comics to make a live action series on Midnighter and Apollo, AND to bring back their comic series from 2015-2016 written by Steve Orlando.

Why do we ask for it?

• For the importance of LGBT+ representation in media.

For both LGBT+ teens and adults, we need well written LGBT+ characters in prominent roles.

We'll be looking deeper into it in the next few points, but let's focus on the main reasons.

For us, having proud, confident gay action heroes who protects the innocents, out of the closet, free in every way and unafraid to face the consequences, as protagonists of their own comics and live action series, it's very important: that's why Midnighter and Apollo are the heroes we needed -but didn't have- as insecure, closeted LGBT+ teens, and the ones that nowadays LGBT+ teens deserve, to know that they are not wrong, nor alone.

In general, we desperately need gay characters that shows with pride that we can be and do everything, and that having a sexual life is totally normal, since in the past gay people were not only depicted as stereotypes, but often deprived of their sexuality as well. Infact even if homosexuality isn't the main theme of Midnighter's comics, it has an important role in them: sex and romantic scenes are shown naturally, and well implemented inside the narrative.

Despite the fact that comics have been a safe house for LGBT+ community... even there, we've been almost invisible for the longest time. But now it's time to pay back for all the love and support our community gave to you through the years.

 

• For non LGBT+ people.

 

Media play an important role in shaping our concept of normality. That means that LGBT+ representation helps fight prejudice and discrimination. Stories like those by Orlando, who offers a perfect balance between all elements, can easily captivate also a non LGBT+ audience, helping them to get used to same gender love and sex, to understand that it's perfectly normal, and to deconstruct dangerous stereotypes and prejudices assimilated during their lifetime; all of that, while having fun.

• For the characters.

We, of course, love the characters.
About Midnighter, who's not familiar with him may superficially think, basing only on his costume, that he's just a Batman rip-off, so there's no need to give him more space than he already has; but truth is that they couldn't be more wrong. Even if Warren Ellis took his inspiration from Batman to create him, he was actually already very different from the beginning (moral, abilities, personality, background, etc.), and has evolved even more since then, becoming one of the most charismatic, powerful and well written DC characters. 

 

 

Both him and his partner Apollo definitely deserve more recognition, since they has also had a very important role for us, LGBT+ nerds: back in late 90's-early 00', when LGBT+ themes where rarely seen in media and gay characters were almost only included to be ridiculed or to be supporting characters, Apollo and Midnighter gave us a non stereotypical and dignified representation and, on top of that, they were among the main protagonists in the amazing "The Authority" series too. They are protagonists of an iconic kiss, in "Stormwatch v2" (1998), and of what is considered the first same gender marriage ever appeared in DC comics (despite being first published by Wildstorm), in "The Authority" #29 (2002). Furthermore, they are caring partners, always open about their love for eachother, and they adopted a daughter too. I think you can easily figure out how much all of this meant to us back then, and means nowadays, when still fundamental rights such as being able to marry someone of our same gender, or to adopt a child as a same gender couple, or to simply be ourselves out of the closet and be respected, are not granted everywere. As for nowadays, Midnighter has been the first gay character to have his own comic book series "Midnighter" (2006),  "Grifter and Midnighter" (2007), "Midnighter" (2015), "Midnighter and Apollo" (2016). The latter book includes the first gay sex scene in DC comics, and here Midnighter not only fights against criminals and demons, but against bottom shaming too, showing that being a bottom doesn't mean being less of a man, and that there's nothing to be ashamed of in being so. Those characters also appeared in some of the latest issues of action comics, helping Superman. That really means a lot for us, to see LGBT+ characters being protagonists, or having a crucial role in mainstream comic series.
In conclusion, we think that they are incredibly underrated, despite having all it's needed to become the most important gay heros in comics.

 

• For the story.

All of the stories in which they appeared were undoubtedly amazing; but the 2015 Steve Orlando books are without any doubt the most suitable not only to be continued, but also to become a live action or animated series. They're fast-paced, include a good dose of humor, are well written, wonderfully drawn, and very inclusive (not only because of LGBT+ people, but because of POC, powerful women and disabled people too).
Midnighter loves what he does: he protects the innocents from criminals with a smile on his face, making jokes... and considering his ability to foresee every opponent's move, you can imagine how much unexploited potential for amazing, highly entertaining, unique fights and stories there is;  if you add to all of this that in the Steve Orlando series he explores his humanity, finding out that he actually enjoys some normal things too, such as dating, making friends, hanging out, travel; and that he has a cool costume, a sexy rebel mohawk look and an overall excellent characterization,  you have the perfect formula for well balanced, original and captivating comics and live action series; but we really hope to see a little more about Apollo too, and to see him evolve, just like has been done for Midnighter.

 

 

 

Furthermore, "Midnighter and Apollo" (2016) has a huge potential thanks to the hell location -so dark and fascinating-, the action, the love and overall, the immersive story, fit for being not only a series but even a successful colossal (speaking of unexploited potential...).

What about the reputation and the economy of the publishing house?

Those who support human rights and contribute to bring a finer world just like their heroes do, can only gain in reputation. Marvel is doing a good job in that sense, and I don't think that DC must be less.
As for the economy part, yes: the comics registered underwhelming sales. But why?

"Fans of the character and comic claim that DC Comics itself is to blame for not really caring about the comics run.  While the reviews for Midnighter have been nothing but positive, the company itself was the brunt of quite a bit of homophobic backlash online when they first announced the gay superheroes run last summer and afterwards did nothing to promote the comic. Not even in the LGBT and gay-geek community."

(From Back2Stonewall: http://www.back2stonewall.com/2016/04/dc-comics-cancels-gay-superhero-comic-series-midnighter.html

But now is time that you finally listen to us. The world has changed in 7 years, and most people are past homophobia, so a live action and comics series entirely dedicated to Midnighter and Apollo would be commercially way safer now. 
Since a series like "The Boys" is so incredibly popular, a Midnighter and Apollo series has all the potential to be as successful, also including other fan favourites such as Agent 37 and the Suicide Squad.
As for their roles, we think that is crucial that they'll be portrayed by gay actors to fight discrimination on the workplace and promote inclusion; given the strong resemblance, a talented actor like Kit Williamson would be ideal for Midnighter, but any other good gay actor that resembles him enough would do; same goes for Apollo.

 

 

 

Even if a live action series is what we're asking for, if not possible, we would really enjoy an animated series as well, just like has been done with League of Legends Arcane.

 

A little extra to prove our point:

From comicbook.com (https://comicbook.com/dc/news/why-midnighter-matters/):
"..." he has cultivated a devoted fan following. "..." 
"..." there's nobody quite like Midnighter hitting the streets these days "..."
"..." There are a lot of superpowers on display at DC Comics, but not all lend themselves so naturally to storytelling in comics. Both the violence and cognitive nature of Midnighter's powers enhance the stories he is in and make them more visually compelling. That's not something to be taken lightly."..."
"..." Midnighter is one the biggest successes in the genre and medium in presenting a popular queer character. That success is founded both in his massive popularity specifically among queer readers and within superhero fandom as a whole. No matter who people love, readers of both Midnighter and Grayson have embraced this one particular character as being one of the coolest and toughest guys in the entire DC Universe. "..."
"..." Midnighter is a great example of representation. He understands his sexuality and embraces it. "..."

From Wikipedia:
"Midnighter met with critical acclaim from professional critics, who praised among other things the series' fast-paced events and its portrayal of queer characters"; 

"it’s unfortunate that [Midnighter] is heading to its conclusion when it feels like this creative team still has so much more to offer", adding that "DC hasn’t done much to increase [Midnighter's] profile. [They] could have used this critical acclaim to promote the book.";

"there aren't many books out there that I'd call perfect, but when you can see 10 steps ahead, it's perhaps not surprising that The Midnighter earns that praise. This book looks great, reads great, and is easily one of the best debuts from DC since the soft relaunch of Batgirl. If you've been skeptical about this character - and believe me, I was one of them - get ready for a spectacular change of heart." David Pepos, from Newsarama, that gave it a maximum score;

"not just the gay hero I always wanted, but it’s the comic I’ve always wanted, period. Plus it’s the gay comic I’ve always wanted, with a world I recognize so deeply and naturally in the place I’ve been looking for it all my life." 

"Midnighter was the most acclaimed DC Comics book of 2015, appearing on more than twenty year-end lists of industry publications."