How the Cat King in 'Dead Boy Detectives' captures a familiar queer dynamic

When the Dead Boy Detectives Edwin Paine and Charles Rowland are first summoned by the Cat King, the shape-shifting feline just wants retribution after they break his rules.

But after whisking Edwin away to privately discuss his crime and potential punishment, the Cat King is quick to admit that the handsome teen ghost fascinates him. He turns up his seductive charm — while shirtless in a fur robe — and then magically traps Edwin in his small town.

"Because Edwin has his walls up so much, it's suddenly a game to him," said Lukas Gage, the out actor who portrays the Cat King in the supernatural drama. "Edwin is very guarded and well put together so that entices the Cat King. He wants to rough him up a little bit and see him