The contents of Gay Comix were generally about relationships, personal experiences, and humor, rather than sex.

It is generally less sexually explicit than the similarly themed (and male-focused) Meatmen series of graphic novels.

The two had worked together previously; Cruse's comic Barefootz was published through Kitchen Sink Press.

"He [Cruse] had never publicly, in print, declared he was gay ... he thought coming out would only add to his woes".

Cruse apparently even expressed hope that he wouldn't be submitted to comics that focused heavily on genitals.

In drawing this book, we gay cartoonists would like to affirm that we are here, and that we live lives as strewn with India inked pratfalls, flawed heroics, and surreptitious truths as the rest of the human race.The cartoonists and stories featured were: Themes touched on in this issue include coming out and settling down, in "Stick in the Mud".

This issue included a very positive comic about a gay trans man and his journey through transition.

It shows a trans man in a committed, happy relationship living a normal, well-adjusted life.

It included the following comics and artists: Some notable themes in this issue were struggling with being in the closet, in Ode to Phyllis Anne and Walls.

'A Word From Our Sponsor' was a parody commercial for a product a lesbian could use to "de-dyke" her home in a hurry.

[14] Gay Comix #8 was published in summer 1986 by Bob Ross and was edited by Robert Triptow.

This issue was titled Super Gay Comix and all of the comics featured a superhero of some kind.

Comics in this issue included: Comics in this issue included topics like gay bashing, in "JaysonMan and ArenaWoman", and AIDS in "+Persons", where a group of superhero-esque figures go to "cheer up terminal patients" at the hospital, but are forbidden by their leader to think about the grim realities of AIDS.

[16] Gay Comix #9 was a special issue of the collected cartoons of Jerry Mills, titled Poppers.

[17] Gay Comix #10 was published in spring 1987 by Bob Ross and edited by Robert Triptow.

[18] Gay Comix #11 was published in winter 1987 by Bob Ross and edited by Robert Triptow.

[20] Gay Comix #13 was published in summer 1988 by Bob Ross and edited by Robert Triptow.

Mangels changed the title to Gay Comics in part to divest it of the "underground" implications of "comix".

It dealt with AIDS and the horrible anxiety of not knowing your status as positive or negative in 'Peace of Mind.

He finished his review writing that, "Gay Comix Special 1 could well be the feel good comic of the year.

White summed up his review by saying that Cruse "must deal with more obstacles than usual, and for that reason his achievements thus far in Gay Comix deserve to be applauded".

"[3] Also historically significant is that Alison Bechdel, one of the most well-known lesbian comic artists alive, saw Gay Comix as an inspiration for her own work.

It hadn't occurred to me at that point to put together my penchant for silly drawings with my personal life and my political interest in gay and lesbian issues, but there were these people who were doing it: Howard Cruse and Roberta Gregory and all those early Gay Comix artists. ...