This is, um, super:

Perry Moore's young adult novel Hero - which tells the coming-out story of a gay teen superhero - is being developed as a one-hour series for Showtime by comics legend Stan Lee.

We knew that Lee and Moore were working together on something from their appearance together at a gay comics event earlier this year, but this is great news. Showtime of course brought us the groundbreaking Queer as Folk and The L Word, and while something based on a young adult novel might not be as racy as either of these series, it will no doubt continue the trend of out-loud, out-proud television.

We can't wait to hear more! In the meantime, check out our interview with Moore and our interview with Lee.

Right now, the biggest gathering of comic book readers and science fiction fans is happening in San Diego at Comic-Con International where geeks of many stripes binge on their hobbies and various entertainment companies try their damnedest to build the kind of buzz that makes or breaks projects.

At a Prism Comics panel yesterday focusing on "LGBT Portrayals in Comics" comics legend Stan Lee and Perry Moore announced a business partnership. The announcement was made before a standing-room-only audience who "exploded in applause as Lee entered the room, made his way to the dais and embraced Perry Moore."

I haven't been able to find details on the business partnership, but I'm looking forward to seeing what Moore develops with the comics legend. It's great to hear how accepting Lee is, though it's not entirely surprising. After all, back when he was taking superheros in a new direction at Marvel, he was breaking racial barriers in comics, seeing him continue to work for more inclusiveness feels like an apt continuation of his legend.

Meanwhile, at the Torchwood panel yesterday, it sounds like oft-bawdy John Barrowman hilariously tried to keep thing a little more all-ages, with Barrowman, Naoko Mori and Gareth David-Lloyd finding creative ways to talk around the pranks and silliness that happen on the set.

One interesting tidbit that came up at the panel was that Barrowman was considered as a possible Captain America for an upcoming movie. I have to admit, I can mentally cast Barrowman as Wonder Man or Hawkeye more easily, but those characters aren't in any upcoming movies (much to my — and many an Avengers fan's — disappointment). What do you think?

Bryan Singer and Neil Patrick Harris tidbits, after the jump!

• Global Viz:
  As expected, there were a good number of announcements at the New York Comic Con last weekend, but the ones that floored me involved manga publisher Viz working with western creators. First off, Stan Lee will be writing a series for Jump SQ magazine (a Japanese manga magazine published by Viz’ parent company) with Shaman King creator Hiroyuki Takei, Ultimo. With that team, it sounds like a sure bet Ultimo will make a quick hop to our side of the pond.
  However, the bigger news to me is the announcement that Viz is planning on publishing original graphic novels. I’m feeling pretty hopeful about this initiative, when Viz’ competitor Toykopop started publishing their “global manga”, we got some great gay-inclusive titles like OffBeat, Steady Beat and the incredible 12 Days. Then again, Tokyopop was publishing titles like Fake and Gravitation long before they started accepting submissions. (And I’m having trouble of thinking of any Viz titles with gay characters, aside from The Gentlemen’s Alliance Cross.)
  
  
• Hughes Vogues:
  Easily, the most buzzed-about piece of swag from the NYCC was this promotional fashion magazine-inspired poster featuring the Women of the DC Universe by Adam Hughes. I am just in awe of this piece, especially how you can identify most of these characters through the personality they display on paper and with subtle clues to their trademark costumes in the different gowns. Can you identify who’s who without checking the caption?

  
  From left to right: Catwoman, Oracle, Zatanna, Black Canary, Power Girl, Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Batwoman, Vixen, Poison Ivy, and Harley Quinn

  I’m pretty pleased to see Batwoman is a part of the group. Considering how many times her solo series has been put off, I’m happy to see some acknowledgment of Ms. Kane.
  The poster has inspired Johanna Draper Carlson to announce a contest (timing and prizes TBA) for someone to do a version featuring the men of the DCU. Do you have a feel for how Dick Grayson or Kyle Rayner would wear a suit differently?
  
  
• Time for a catnap:
  In other news of lesbians in the DC Universe, DC announced at the NY Comic Con that the GLAAD award-winning title, Catwoman would be ending. Considering how this has been one of DC’s most mainstream queer-inclusive titles since it began, that’s disappointing to hear (though isn’t Holly off being a goddess – literally – these days?). On the other hand, another lesbian-inclusive series, The Secret Six, will be making a return with Gail Simone continuing to handle the concept. Under Simone’s pen, we got a Secret Six that was run by Scandal Savage and a newly hunkified Catman, I hope that continues:

  

  Which brings this bulletpoint full circle.
  
  
• Spending your gay geek dollars:
  You might have noticed a story in the news about GLAAD pulling out of a San Diego Pride event at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in your news reading this week but I thought it would be worth bringing up to gay geeks that the Manchester Grand Hyatt is a popular option for those attending ComicCon. I know a hotel room for ComicCon is harder to get nowadays than a copy of the Star Wars Holiday Special, but would knowing about Manchester’s stances make you pause about getting a room at his hotel?
  
  After the break, find out which classic BBC sci-fi series might be getting a revamp, check out the trailer for Mortal Kombat vs. the DC Universe and more!