Comic book characters sure are changing. We’ve got a new Thor, a younger Spider-Man, a Ms Marvel who is a sweetheart and a Captain America who isn’t a World War Two veteran. Characters who are now leading the charge for a more diverse line-up of comic book heroes.
And according to Marvel, this new direction is merely the beginning. Over at the Marvel San Diego Comic Con, Marvel Entertainment chief creative officer Joe Quesada and other editors and writers fielded a few questions from fans. One such question, dealt with Marvel’s more diverse roster.
“Really, and we mean this genuinely, it’s only the beginning,” Marvel executive editor Tom Brevoort said.
We talk about the need for greater diversity in our cast and in our writers all the time. We don’t want to just throw stuff out there, so it takes a certain amount of time to make things happen. But this is only the beginning.
And that’s good! The comic book industry needs as many readers as it can get these days, and having characters that one can relate to, is the right start. So what about creators then? There’s a ton of great talent out there, ready to help create comics with a fresh new spin and energy.
It’s something that DC Comics has experienced, as Babs Tarr’s art on Batgirl has helped make that book a smash hit. “Definitely watch out for some slow and steady and some very fast changes,” Marvel editor-in-chief Axel Alonso said to Polygon. Marvel’s recent attempts at more diverse comic book characters, is working.
Miles Morales is massively popular as the Ultimate Spider-Man, Spider-Gwen has developed a cult of personality and the Kamala Khan version of Ms. Marvel is a great character all around, whether you identify with her Pakistani heritage or general geekiness in her personality.
Great characters, with even better monthly comic books. And that’s what counts.
Last Updated: July 13, 2015
Generic ZA
July 13, 2015 at 21:25
I want to say something like “female superheroes are breaking comics glass ceiling” but I’m guessing that would be to easy for a superhero, probably need something like quartz or diamonds to make it superhero worthy.
RinceThis
July 13, 2015 at 21:27
Still doesn’t display on my phone. Sigh.
konfab
July 13, 2015 at 21:38
/begin rant
Why don’t they just make new heros? Also it is not as if people read batman because they culturally identified with him. They read it because he was batman who had rich gadgets.
If the whole diversity thing leads to better stories I don’t really mind, but I think it is really just a cash in to create controversy.
rant overover
* sulks off to read ethically diverse Star Wars and Mass Effect comics*
Charl van der Merwe
July 14, 2015 at 07:57
people read batman cause he is ruthless and cunning and the worlds greatest detective, not cause of the gadgets.
Matthew Holliday
July 14, 2015 at 10:18
“rich gadgets” should be taken with a pinch of salt.
everyone knows batman is a bamf
Matthew Holliday
July 14, 2015 at 10:17
new heroes dont sell well.
and marvels hero list is so big, they nearly outnumber the regular human population.
Scott Tidwell
July 14, 2015 at 02:02
I honestly don’t know what to say, except for this one sentence. They are going to mess up the comics. UNLESS they make new stories for them and not try to throw them in with the orginials. I wish people would come up with their own ideas instead of trying to do something new with the old ones. I hate that crap.
Anthony Smith
July 14, 2015 at 06:20
Ever since Marvel had been acquired by Walt Disney, that when Marvel’s quality had been declined and crap like this appear, while DC is laughing their way to the bank without having their creativity been compromised. Anyway in this era of stupid where kids watch “The Day My Bum Went Psycho” or “Naruto”, am I surprised if Marvel is adding to the list?
Scott Tidwell
July 14, 2015 at 06:43
Yeah and it’s pretty sad. They can’t make shows/movies as good as they use to be. Not anymore that is. Just like I probably won’t even watch the new star wars. I honestly believe disney is going to have it ruined.
Anthony Smith
July 15, 2015 at 09:57
Don’t worry, Disney’s final day is coming as well
Walter Gray
July 15, 2015 at 05:37
When you mention Naruto, it kinda of remind of of an similar comic character called “Cowboy Henk”, at least he is much more ‘creative’ in being stupid and more entertaining than the hokage wannabe. Really missed the past media idea and works.
Alien Emperor Trevor
July 14, 2015 at 07:38
Let the freak out from the purists begin. WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE. Must kill them to know comics like Ms Marvel & Thor sell very well.
Dutch Matrix
July 14, 2015 at 07:53
With Thor, at least Thor now being female was part of the story line. They did not write the Asgardian out of the book.
What I hate about this is these changes feel almost token. Like: We need a black hero. I know. Let’s make a black kid Spiderman. Because bugger originality.
Anthony Smith
July 14, 2015 at 08:06
Most possible I think it would be Mickey Mouse version Spiderman if you know what I mean!
Dutch Matrix
July 14, 2015 at 08:53
SpiderMouse? Spider-Mickey? And his trusty sidekick Goofpool? And Donald Duckverine?
Alien Emperor Trevor
July 14, 2015 at 08:12
WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
RinceThis
July 14, 2015 at 09:25
Annnnnd, go.
Dutch Matrix
July 14, 2015 at 07:44
How about no.
Dutch Matrix
July 14, 2015 at 07:49
And what’s up with Captain Flabby suit up there? Also, does Ms Marvel’s “witty” banter not sound a lot like… Wait! I’ve got it! Deadpool’s spirit possessed a Pakistani girl who just happens to be the next Ms Marvel!
Pay me a million dollars for that plotline, Marvel!
Captain JJ wants moar
July 14, 2015 at 08:55
So creativity truly is dying
Fuckin’ sad.
RinceThis
July 14, 2015 at 09:26
say that again! Only this time in a Jamaican accent!
Matthew Holliday
July 14, 2015 at 10:08
forced emphasis on diversity will not lead to equality.
Mike Morales spidermons felt like a natural transition, thats why it was successfull.
they keep forgetting their failed experiments with forcing diversity.