New DC Comics Universe character Featherweight confirmed to be trans
Featherweight is confirmed to be trans. (DC Comics Universe)
Featherweight is confirmed to be trans. (DC Comics Universe)
Fans have been reacting with delight to the news that new DC Comics Universe character Featherweight is bisexual and trans.
The understanding that Featherweight is trans was confirmed in the comic book series Cheetah and Cheshire Rob the Justice League, created by Greg Rucka and Nicola Scott.
In the sixth and final issue published on Wednesday (7 January), Featherweight comes out in a conversation with Klarion, a witch boy and student of the music arts.
The character of Featherweight, also known as Alya Raatko, has a rich history in the DC universe.
Featherweight is the daughter of the previously established character Nyssa Raatko. Nyssa, herself, is the daughter of Ra’s al Ghul.
The character of Nyssa has appeared in the TV shows Arrow (played by Katrina Law) and Gotham (played by Jaime Murray).
The comic portrays Featherweight as an exceptionally strong character, a young woman who can hold her own against villains. Furthermore, she is a character with staunch morals.
In one scene, after she and her team have pulled off their mission, she ponders about what’s next. When asked, she tells her friends she wants to go to Greece to fight the anti-LGBTQ+ persecution going on. “Figure maybe I can help fight back, y’know?” she says.
It’s this conversation that leads to her coming-out scene. “Oh does that mean… I mean, so you’re…” Klarion awkwardly responds.
“B and T, yeah,” Featherweight confirms to Klarion, stating she’s bisexual and trans.
However, Featherweight turns down Klarion’s advances. “I’m a little old for you, Klarion,” she says as she’s leaving. “Look me up in a couple years… we’ll see.”
‘She is by far one of my favourite characters’
“It’s really, really cool,” Instagram user @thecozmikcollector said, analysing Featherweight’s inclusion. “Awesome new character, definitely give it a read.”
The comments agree. “LETS GOOOO GOOD REP FOR THE TRANS GIRLS!” one reply on Instagram reads.
“The dyed hair + hoodie + thigh highs + coloured laced boots combo is so real,” another states.
Others praised the dimensional representation of Featherweight as a trans character. One user writes: “She is by far one of my favourite characters to be introduced in the past few years. This series’ writing and art were top-notch.”
Fans are also hoping that she may return for Rucka’s next DC Comics project, Batwoman. We’ll keep our fingers crossed.
