Northstar’s wedding in Astonishing X-Men finally hits comic stands tomorrow, and comic book retailers around the country are celebrating the big day with a variety of giveaways, parties, and even a few actual weddings.
One of the biggest events will be happening in Manhattan tomorrow morning, where Midtown Comics will host the wedding of comic fans Scott Everhart and Jason Welker, as well as Khris Wilson and Chris Orme. Everhart expressed excitement over the location, saying "We are geeks in love, and what better way to tie the knot than in a comic shop!"
Midtown Comics co-owner Gerry Gladston also saw the ceremony as a chance to send a positive message, saying "We're honored to take part in this event today, and to help promote equality and tolerance, in the spirit of the X-Men themselves." Receptions for the two weddings will take place in the afternoon at Eventi A Kimpton Hotel, who have partnered with Marvel and Midtown to host the events.
Meanwhile on the west coast, LA’s Meltdown Comics will be offering a special giveaway for fans who pick up the wedding issue tomorrow. Every purchaser will receive an American Apparel "Gay-Ok" t-shirt while supplies last. These just happen to be the same shirts you can see GLAAD staffers and transgender model Isis King modeling here.
Over in the great state of Texas, Zeus Comics has already hosted a "bachelor party" LGBT mixer in honor of the occasion, and will follow up tomorrow evening with a “wedding reception” for the happy couple complete with decorations, wedding cake for attendees and a 7pm champagne toast, which owner Richard Neal says includes "a very special surprise." Zeus Comics is also the setting of the online comedy series about LGBT comic fans called The Variants.
Other events tomorrow include receptions at both Maximum Comics shops in Nevada, with cake, gift bags, great raffle items, and proceeds benefitting Aid For AIDS Nevada. Two longtime gay customers will actually renew their vows at Collectors Corner in Baltimore, Maryland, while St. Louis, Missouri residents can stop by Star Clipper for their reception event which they will keep the store open late for. The book’s writer, Marjorie Liu, will actually be on hand to sign copies of the issue at Comicopia in Boston, Massachusetts, while any customers who pick up their copies dressed in wedding attire at All About Books and Comics in Phoenix, AZ will receive a 20% discount on back issues, not to mention a piece of wedding cake. Even London residents can celebrate early with an event at Circa Soho kicking off at 7:15pm today offering cocktails, dancing, and advance copies of the issue.
For many comic fans who saw Northstar come out in 1992, it might have been hard to imagine the day would come when comic book stores across the country would celebrate his marrying a boyfriend in such a joyful and public way, but it certainly a great indicator of the positive change that continues to take place. Be sure to check back here tomorrow for our coverage of the Midtown Comics Events.