For years, fanboys and fangirls have argued that some of the biggest comic book characters are gay – Batman and Robin? Please – or at least questioning. Prove them right at Bent-Con 2012. Though there’s no shortage of comic book conventions in SoCal, the third annual Bent-Con specifically caters to the LGBT community, inviting gay geeks to come out of the comic book closet. Just imagine a room full of Sheldons, the persnickety and uptight character from The Big Bang Theory — played by real-life out-and-proud actor Jim Parsons — who'd just as soon cut a bitch before letting anyone touch his mint condition Green Lantern action figure. Count on seeing wall-to-wall exhibitors with names like Absolutely True Tales of Lesbian Drama, Burly Press and Flaming Artist Press hawking their graphic novels, games and films. (Butch McLogic's Tug Harder – Episode 3: Modern Ape would make a lovely stocking stuffer). Also expect to see folks like Buffy the Vampire Slayer writer and producer Jane Espenson, author Christopher Rice and Wonder Woman artist Phil Jimenez leading various panels and other programs. And for cosplayers, the nerdy version of drag queens, the weekend's cosplay events include a cosplay catwalk, karaoke and re-enactment of the recent nuptials between Northstar, one of Marvel Comics' first openly gay superheroes, and his partner Kyle. Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel, 2500 Hollywood Way; Fri., Nov. 30, 5 p.m.-mid.; Sat., Dec. 1, 12 p.m.-mid.; Sun., Dec. 2 , noon-7 p.m.; $15-$35; bent-con.org

Fri., Nov. 30, 5 p.m.; Sat., Dec. 1, noon; Sun., Dec. 2, 12-7 p.m., 2012

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