47. APOLLO AND THE MIDNIGHTER (Stormwatch)

Technically this is clearly two characters, but how could we separate comics' most significant out-and-proud couple? In the often simplistically macho world of superheroes, these two were introduced as an off-kilter Superman and Batman into Warren Ellis' excellent Stormwatch series, but after a series of gradual hints were revealed as a couple in the Authority series which followed, hopefully shaking at least a few fanboy prejudices out of existence. Now married, with an adoptive (super)daughter, the pair have starred in a number of controversial storylines (including an implied rape) as befits the darker tone of the more adult Authority, but have recently been reunited after a mind-wipe took Midnighter away and broke up their home (these things are why the superhero divorce rate is so high). Now reunited, expect them to keep flying the rainbow flag and beating up anyone who gets in their way.

Trademarks: Apollo can absorb solar energy and convert it to superstrength, flight and heat beams from his eyes; The Midnighter has enhanced physical abilities, a spare heart, and the capacity to anticipate his opponent's moves.

On Screen: Think a blonde Superman-type for Apollo - maybe Matthew McConaughey? – and a brooding, darker figure for The Midnighter – say, Josh Brolin.

Did You Know? Marvel's gay pride poster-boy is Alpha Flight's North Star. Only implicitly gay when the series was launched in 1983, Northstar has since come out and even developed a crush on Iceman during a stint with the X-Men in 2002.

Buy Stormwatch Vol 1 now on Amazon