Bunker was a new Teen Titans character introduced 5 years ago as part of DC Comics' New 52. A gay male superhero character, this was relatively rare at the time. And now, as he seems to be erased by the current DC Rebirth, along with lead character Midnighter, we get one last outing for him. And, for this less-than-confident, unsure individual, his first on-panel kiss, while dancing in a club.

It is worth mentioning that it takes time to publish a comic. Especially something Annual sized with one story. Which is why Teen Titans Annual #2 by Scott Lobdell and Cory Smith published today from DC Comics predates the recent attacks in Orlando by far.

It is likely that sensitivities would have prevented its publication or changed its location if there had been a few extra weeks of editorial amends. Which would have been a shame.

Because, as it stands, Teen Titans Annual #2 is a power fantasy, as are all superhero comic books. And when faced with a destructive threat inside a nightclub, threatening the lives of all those within, it is possible for Bunker, DC's leading gay superhero, to do this.



It's also worth noting that Bunker's powers are defensive in this regard. This is not a "good guy with a gun". This is a good guy with psychic generating bricks.

And it's one that, with a little help from his friends, saves the day and takes it to the culprits. It's simplistic, of course, there are easy answers, solved within a double sized comic book.

But for some people, recovering from such a tragedy, it's this kind of power fantasy that can be the most healing.

Teen Titans Annual #2 is published by DC Comics today.