The world of graphic novels and comics has a new team of superheroes with a twist, the all-gay Spandex.

Made up of seven homosexual heroes, the Spandex brand was first launched in 2009 by Upper Norwood-based writer and artist Martin Eden.

Such was the success, the team will do battle with 50-foot lesbians and deadly pink ninjas in a first graphic novel.

Transvestite Liberty, powerful Lesbian Diva, French teleporter Indigo, Prowler, who absorbs the abilities of other gay people, Glitter, who can transform himself into light and muscle bound twin Butch and Mr Muscle make up the alternative, Brighton-based team.

Mr Eden, 38, said: "There have been gay superheroes before but never a full team of them. To be honest I don’t think the idea has ever been properly explored. I think they play it too safe."

He admits the characters are based on friends, and identifies himself with Prowler.

He said: "I think most writers put a bit of themselves in their characters. I’d like to think I look a bit like Prowler, though not as good looking."

Obsessed with comics from age five, the 38-year-old, who is openly gay, has put out 30 issues of comic O-men, which he describes as a "soap opera" of a comic, and he hopes Spandex will be similar.

He said: "I love horror films, sci-fi and soaps and so I draw on all those things. Spandex is probably meant for a more adult audience, but kids can get something out of it too. I don’t think it is my responsibility to educate children about homosexuality the adventures are humorous but you have to be careful – I don’t want to offend anybody, and some people are very easily offended."

The novel, Spandex: Fast and Hard, collects the first three editions of the comic into one story, alongside character biographies and commentary from Mr Eden.

Spandex: Fast and Hard is out next month.