“Dead Boy Detectives” Explores LGBTQIA+ Themes And Relationships
Netflix’s new hit series Dead Boy Detectives brings LGBTQIA+ relationships and themes to the forefront. Based on the DC comics by Neil Gaiman, the show follows two ghosts, Edwin Payne (George Rexstrew) and Charles Rowland (Jayden Revri), who skip the afterlife to investigate the paranormal with the help of a clairvoyant named Crystal (Kassius Nelson) and her friend Niko (Yuyu Kitamura).
At the heart of the series is the relationship between Edwin and Charles. In the finale, Edwin confesses his romantic feelings for his best friend, but they decide to remain just friends.
Showrunner Steve Yockey emphasizes the importance of diverse queer representation in the show, stating, “Some of the characters are queer, and they’re just queer and it’s a part of their life. Some of them are discovering their identity.”
Staying True To The Comics
In the comics, Edwin is a closeted gay man who attended a religious Catholic high school, repressing his true sexuality. The show explores his journey of self-discovery and coming out, with the help of Niko and her Yaoi manga.
Actor George Rexstrew relates to his character’s arc, saying, “Edwin’s fundamental arc, to me, was always a discovery of love. It always felt like something more profound than just a sexual awakening.”
Charles And Edwin’s Relationship
Charles, on the other hand, is bisexual. Yockey reveals that Charles still loves Edwin in a platonic way and wants to stay connected to him even after the confession.
Actor Jayden Revri reflects on the coming out arc, stating, “I think it says a lot for Charles and Edwin’s relationship because he accepts it with open arms, and there’s no weirdness after, and there’s no weirdness before, really. I think that is exactly how it should be.”
The actors have not publicly disclosed their sexualities but relate to their characters’ journeys of self-discovery and the importance of accepting oneself and others.
Dead Boy Detectives offers a refreshing take on LGBTQIA+ representation, exploring themes of love, acceptance, and personal growth within a paranormal detective story.
