Q&A with a Superhero (well, almost...)

If you watch anything remotely geeky, you've likely seen ads for the second season of Who Wants to Be a Superhero, for which the producers are now holding auditions. I actually watched a few episodes of the first season, and remembered being a bit ticked off at how the lone gay contestant, Levity (Tobias Trost) was rather unceremoniously booted in the very first episode. For those of you who might be thinking of donning your best tights and trying out, I asked Trost a few questions about his experience on the show -- and with the grace of a superhero, he answered... Q: I was thrilled to see a gay contestant on Superhero and was completely bummed at the way that you were unceremoniously booted in the first episode -- it really seemed unfair. Did you think you were treated fairly? A: If you're alluding to the possibility of me being treated differently because of my orientation, the answer is definitely no. There was no preferential treatment or discrimination because of me being gay, at least not outwardly, that I experienced. I was booted off quickly because I kinda stopped playing the game half way through the first day. I realized the direction they were going to go with the show (after the dancing around), and decided it wasn't for me. I'm pretty sure that was the reason I left first. Q: I think the world needs a new gay superhero, as there haven't been too many in the past. Who's your favorite gay superhero? A: Mmmm... that's a tough one. Does Zan count? I'm a mainstream comics man, and DC is my favorite. The only gay characters in that group are 3rd tier supporting roles. (except for the original Green Lantern's son, Obsidian). Most of my favorite titles don't have gay characters. That really actually bums me out. There are a number of female gay/bi characters, and I love them (The New Question-Renee Montoya, Batwoman, Knockout, Grace and Thunder from The Outsiders). I think Apollo and Midnighter are cool, but I'm still not a huge fan. And I've never been into Alpha Flight or Northstar. THOUGH, I do really like that Rictor is presumed Bi in X-force too. WOW, long answer! 3. Do you think your openness helped or harmed you in getting on the show? I definitely think that it helped. It's the whole "reality TV show diversity casting" thing. They need to fill certain roles: hot chick, gay, jock, newbie, bitch, Latina, etc. I just happened to be an interesting gay person. Q: What would be some tips you could offer to gay folks looking to audition? A: Hmmm... Be yourself. But be more entertaining. Isn't that horrible?? They are looking for characters for the show. I mean, if you have cool powers and a great back story, that's fantastic. But really, they want boisterous personalities that make entertaining tv. Don't hide your orientation, but make sure you're more than just gay (as in auditioning as the "GAY Power Princess"). Its kinda one note, and in my opinion won't be very engaging past the first few minutes. Q: You run a toy company, imatoy, that allows people to make action figures of themselves. Is it popular with the gays? What are the most interesting gay heroes you've created? A: Actually, funny you should ask that. I haven't figured out the specific mathematical equations, but I'd say at least 1/3 of the imatoy figures have been of gay folks. I've made some fun ones for the dancers and promoter of a "Aaron Tanner's Hard Comixxx" at XL in New York. Those were a hoot. Especially the drag queen, Poisoned Ivy. :-) Freedom's Ring was an interesting one. He was a 65 year old gay rights activist who's powers involved "speechifying" from his flying Soap Box to convert any evil Conservative into a human rights Liberal. Here are some clips of the auditions from last season, in case you're interested: For details on when the auditions are hitting your area (it looks like the King of Prussia Mall in Philadelphia is the only location left -- hey, I wonder if they have an Orange Julius...) or to download a mail-in application, check out the Sci-Fi Channel's official website. Huge thanks to Trost for sharing!