Bunker

updated

15 Sep 2020

Bunker

Archetype:

Bunker

Continuity:

New52 Earth-2

Powers:

Forms purple constructs, most commonly walls or bricks, and controls their density

Real Name:

Miguel Jose Barragan

Homeworld:

Earth

(modified canonical emblem)

Group(s):

Teen Titans/Titans

Status:

Active

Variant:

default

First LSH-related Appearance:

Legion Lost 9

Comments

Miguel Jose Barragan was born and raised in the very small Mexican village of El Chilar. He was loved by his family and village and they accepted his powers just as they did his homosexuality. And so, Miguel grew up to have a very positive outlook in life. He later left his home to find Red Robin.

Bunker was introduced during DC's New 52 initiative in 2011. He was introduced as the newest member of the Tim Drake's Teen Titans team. Miguel Barragan aka Bunker is shown as a joyous, optimistic guy from a small town in Mexico who embraces his sexuality. He is often depicted hugging his male teammates either when he first meets them or to celebrate a victory. He also forms a close friendship with Superboy and is the first Titan to actually befirend him.

Queering the Legion

Bunker, (originally named "The Wall") was a new character introduced into the Teen Titans by writer Scott Lobdell and artist Brett Booth after the September 2011 relaunch of the DC Universe following the events of Flashpoint. Even though Miguel was originally named "The Wall" he has never been called by that name in any comic so far. Bunker is a homosexual character, as both Lobdell and Booth wanted their Teen Titans to be a diverse group of characters in multiple aspects. Booth described Bunker's sexuality as such:

We wanted to show an interesting character whose homosexuality is part of him, not something that's hidden. Sure they are gay people who you wouldn't know are gay right off the bat, but there are others who are a more flamboyant, and we thought it would be nice to actually see them portrayed in comics. Did we go over the top, I don't think so. I wanted you to know he might be gay as soon as you see him. Our TT is partly about diversity of ANY kind, its about all kinds of teens getting together to help each other. It is a very difficult line to walk, will he be as I've read in some of the comments 'fruity'? Not that I'm aware of. Will he be more effeminate than what we've seen before, the 'typical' gay male comic character, yes. Does it scare the shit out of me that I might inadvertently piss off the group I want to reflect in a positive way, you're damn straight (pun intended!)

With Bunker's background, Lobdell wanted to make his history "angst-free" thus allowing Bunker to be very open, comfortable, and positive about who he is, and his sexuality.