Sins of the Black Flamingo

Eisner Award winner Wheeler (Another Castle) teams up with DC artist Moore (the Superman: Son of Kal-El series) for a gloriously, unrelentingly queer urban fantasy-erotica. “Gentleman thief” Sebastian Harlow, alias the Black Flamingo, delights in stealing magical artifacts from the rich, a profession at which he excels thanks to touching a cursed “devil’s tooth” that allowed him to see the true rot of humanity. After finding a hottie imprisoned angel during a heist, Harlow experiences peace for the first time gazing at his injured flesh—but even as he finds himself falling in love, the Flamingo and his friends must fend off white supremacists who seek the angel’s power for evil uses. Wheeler’s storytelling is fast-paced, laden with pathos (“Don’t start believing in angels”) and political commentary, underpinning a solid adventure tale script. Meanwhile, Moore and talented colorist Tamra Bonvillain blend their effects perfectly, creating neon-drenched Floridian nightclubs and dramatic heist scenes, with characters who interact with authentic sensuality (drawn with some delightful homage to Tom of Finland). For readers of queer romance, and any reader who digs magic and hates bigotry, it’s escapism that also feels pleasantly right at home. (Feb.)