Webcomics have made massive strides in representation all across the board, and asexuality is no exception. Asexuality – being sexually attracted to nobody or no gender in particular – is hard to find in mainstream media. That makes these five comics all the more important for their inclusion of asexual characters and discussion of ace issues! These comics include both romantic and non-romantic aces.
1. Sister Claire
Sister Claire started as a raunchy Powerpuff Girls inspired farce. Since the comic’s start in 2011, however, it’s developed into something much darker, richer and fantastical. In addition to the growth of its plot, it’s taken massive steps in representation. The cast of Sister Claire is filled with queer folks of all stripes, including lesbian women, trans women, non-binary and genderfluid characters. It also includes at least one, if not more asexual characters.
Sister Catharine is one of the main characters, and she’s in a relationship with Sister Oscar. Her asexuality comes up mostly in the ‘Missing Moments’, text stories that give further details on characters and their backstories. Of particular note is when she comes out to her adopted mother.
“…you are not the only way to feel that way, and it surely doesn’t mean that your love is not real love…it only means that you love differently.”
2. Girls With Slingshots
A slice-of-life webcomic with some decidedly weird moments, GWS by Danielle Corsetto ran from 2004 to 2015. Most of its storylines are humorous. However, when it takes the time to delve into real-life issues, it does it beautifully.
Jamie, one of the main characters, starts exploring her sexuality, and in the process, ends up with a girlfriend by the name of Erin. The kicker: Jamie is only an “above-the-waist” lesbian (bisexual, technically). Erin, on the other hand, is asexual. There’s a series of miscommunications while both of them figure out what they want, but it culminates in this:
Jamie: “I guess – we never DID talk about the rules of our relationship…”
Erin: “Pfft. WHAT rules? I just want to love you. And even more than that I want you to be happy. I can still love you while you get your freak on with other people, y’know.”
Jamie: “You mean…”
Erin: “OH! Not in the same room. That would make for a REALLY awkward threesome.”
They settle on being open and polyamorous, and it’s done with a tremendous amount of respect for Erin’s identity.
3. Rock and Riot
Rock and Riot is a webcomic following two gangs in a 1950s highschool, one of them all girls and one of them all boys. Written and drawn by Chelsey Furedi, there are several characters who identify as various types of asexual – some are romantic, some aren’t.
While the word ‘asexual’ hasn’t come up in the comic, the experiences are talked about in a fairly unambiguous way. The cast page for the comic is also explicitly clear about orientations.
4. Heartless
Heartless is a vampire webcomic set in Victorian London. The main character – Clara – is explicitly asexual, although in the comic it’s referred to being ‘Heartless’.
What makes Heartless particularly interesting is that its creator is also asexual. The comic functions as a ‘flipped script’ on the old, Victorian tales of vampiric seduction.
5. Supernormal Step
Supernormal Step by Mike L. Lunsford is a very odd comic. It features Fiona, a woman who trapped in a parallel universe full of superheroes, mutants and magic. It’s one of those comics you just kind of have to take as it goes.
Fiona, however, is also asexual and aromantic. When Akela makes a move on her, Fiona responds by coming out to her, and explaining her identity.
“I’m asexual, ace if you prefer…and aromantic at that. I’m not interested in anyone.” – Fiona
What other comics do you know that talk about asexuality?
