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Friday, August 8, 2025
Identity Crisis:
'Why am I so different from them'?
Superman
As you have probably already guessed, today's theme spotlights the last son of Krypton. I've featured Superman themes before, but inspired by the work of TR Pics and BuffPup, not to mention the release of the new feature film, I thought it was time to revisit the world's most well known superhero. 🦸🏻
In order to fully examine the man of steel, it's essential to look at not just the superhero, but his alter ego Clark Kent. My favorite Superman projects always ensure that Clark gets as much coverage as the man in the tights and cape. Most of us met Clark first, and he was our intro to the character and story. As stunning as the man in the blue suit is, I've always found myself more drawn to the spectacle wearing reporter.
I think many members of the LBGTQ community are drawn to the characters of Superman and Clark due the secret identify elements of the story. Clark is in the closet, no, not because he's gay, but he has equally powerful secret he needs to hide. Like so many of us, coming out of that closet requires a huge risk. You need to be cautious, and ensure those you share your secret with can be trusted.
Once others find out, regardless of how they react, thing inevitably change. They look at you differently, they now primarily see the label, the Superman, often overlooking the Clark that you are. Some, if you're lucky, are drawn closer, many begin to drift away. Some turn to enemies, who fear your new powers, your confidence. Some make it their mission to bring you down, happy to destroy you if it gets the job done.
So many relatable themes for not just those in the LGBTQ community, but anyone who holds onto a secret. At the same time, as difficult as sharing your secret can be, it's only when you embrace your inner powers that you're really able to soar. Over the next three pages, I hope you enjoy my tribute to Clark and Superman and the many men who have put on, and then slid out of the tight fitting suit. Check out all of the post on FH HERE: & HERE:
Role Play:
'You can't play Superman if you haven't gotten a little fruity.'
I can't take really take credit for this post, nor the theme that inspired it. There has long been a connection between Sci Fi and fantasy films, superheroes and the LBGTQ community. When the the most recent James Gunn adaptation of Superman opened last month, a thread was started on Pop & Hot Culture, a favorite Twitter page that I follow.
The thread basically connected many of the actors who have played The Big Blue Boy Scout with their roles in gay films and television series. Although countless actors have slid on the blue tights, there are about nine most closely connected to the role including; Kirk Alyn, George Reeves, Christopher Reeve, Dean Cain, Brandon Routh, Tom Welling, Henry Cavill, Tyler Hoechlin and David Corenswet.
Welling in Lucifer
Out of the nine listed above, four have played gay roles, and at least one or two others have been in projects with gay or homoerotic themes. Many, even without a gay role, have become gay icons. Take a deeper dive into the Metropolis Marvels and their queer connections on the Next Two Pages, HERE: & HERE:
Superboy's Backside!
'The adventures of Superman when he was a young man...who, disguised as Clark Kent, mild-mannered journalism student at Shuster University, fights a never-ending battle for truth, justice and the humanitarian way!'
I didn't mention actor Gerard Christopher when I listed the actors who have played Superman in the post above. First off, I'm not sure that many people know about Christopher, and his role in the series Superboy. (1988-1992) I hadn't really heard of the show until recently, but had seen images of Christopher from his days as a model. Christopher actually was the second actor in the role, replacing actor John Newton in the show's second season.
Some fans of retro male models from the 1980's might have seen images of Christopher, then credited by several names, including Christopher DiNome. DiNome worked on many high profile campaigns, and with some iconic photographers including the iconic Ken Haak.
In addition to his role as Superboy, Christopher also had roles in shows including; Melrose Place, Murphy's Law and Silk Stockings. He also appeared on several daytime soaps including: General Hospital, Sunset Beach and Days of our Lives. Although he appears to have retired from acting, Christopher still pops up at sci-fi and celebrity conventions promoting his time as Superboy. From som recent convention shots that I've seen, he's still looking hot as he breezes through his sixties.
Image by Ken Haak
Tomboy (1985)
Although he had quite a few sexy scenes on television, I believe he showed the most skin playing Randy Star in the 1985 comedy Tomboy.
BuffPup by TR Pics: Superman, Work to be Done!
'The Superman theme arose because during our first shoot, with his hair getting into this face, BuffPup reminded me or Clark Kent... and I went, "ah ha'
I'm guessing many of you remember seeing some of Tom's (TR Pics) images of BuffPup, when I featured their work together earlier this year. (HERE:) I can see, and understand fully why Tom had his 'ah ha' moment. BuffPup certainly has the body and the strength of a hero, a guardian, a protector. He also however, has a beautiful face that expresses sweetness, empathy and humanity.
Unfortunately, we don't always see power and humanity hand in hand in one person. So often one trait is encouraged and celebrated at the expense of the other. I think the fact that Superman and Clark Kent embody them both, is what makes him such a durable and iconic character and symbol of hope.
As you can see as you scroll though Tom's work with BuffPup, the goal was to capture all sides of the hero, in and out of his iconic suit and cape. Tom wanted to create a complete chronicle of the man, hard at work as a hero, and also a bit of a 'behind the scenes' look at the hero at home. Unlike Batman, who had an Alfred Pennyworth to help around the house, Clark was raised by loving couple who knew he had to be independent, understanding he couldn't always depend on others for help and support.
Tom and BuffPup had a few differing ideas on how the man of steel would be spending his free time. There was some debate as to whether he'd have support when it came to daily duties beyond leaping tall buildings in a single bound, flying around the globe and saving the world. Ultimately, a vision was established, and both shared with FH how everything came together.
'I think Tom knows what and how to best portray my physical features. I have been called Clark Kent before, mainly cause I have his glasses and the hair curl. But since I been bulking up, I have been fitting that chest image more I imagine. So, I was happy when he suggested it. Plus, it gives me another opportunity to shoot with him, and I’m always looking for more. '
The Costume:
I went straight to Amazon, and found one that worked perfectly. Cheap, but good enough for a photoshoot! Haha! The blue leggings were a separate purchase from Amazon: men's crotchless leggings. I figured this was a way to make Superman VERY sexy...
I did like the costume, but it’s not something I can wear at a cosplay event. So, I would probably invest into a more covered up outfit. Plus, I would seek a one piece outfit, cause I want the whole aura of it. For the outfit in the pictures.
This first series of images features Tom's visuals of BuffPup as Superman the hero, and back at home, at the end of a long day of both saving citizens and kitty's, and battling the big baddies. In order to fully chillout and relax though, Clark really needs to peel off that suit entirely so that he can just be himself in his own skin. Check out more of Tom's work with BuffPup, including Clark jumping into the shower, on the NEXT PAGE HERE:
'My idea or goal was to shoot Superman in a domestic setting, sort of like the old "LIFE Magazine's Celebrities At Home" series. BuffPup rolled his eyes and went along with it, questing why Superman wouldn't have help. When we shot the image in the kitchen, I thought it would be fun if he was just cooking on the stove.... and Buff said, "No... if Superman was going to heat anything, he would use his laser beam eyes..." So we switched gears and made what was probably the most fun shot! '
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