GAY HERO In A LEADING ROLE

Astonishing X-Men #50 courtesy Marvel
Astonishing X-Men #50 courtesy Marvel

Marvel’s Hercules is 100% heterosexual.

In an earlier, alternate universe Herc he was in a relationship with James Howlett, aka Wolverine so fans were naturally curious about Herc when he returns.

Marvel’s Editor-In-Chief clarified when the Olympian God makes his comic book comeback this November he will be straight.

But it raises a question: where are the GLBT characters in a leading role in a Marvel book?

If not Herc, then who?

Having a GBLT hero in the lead was one of our top All-New, All-Different Marvel Now wishes.

Gay heroes have big roles as part of team books this Fall:

The recently out Iceman or is it Icemen will star in Extraordinary X-Men (the older Bobby Drake) and All-New X-Men (the younger version outed by Jean Grey).

Miss America Chavez will be in the new Ultimates.

Wiccan and Hulkling are members of the “new” New Avengers.

Where is Northstar and other M.I.A. GLBT heroes in the upcoming relaunch?

Northstar’s wedding to Kyle Jinadu sold a ton of comics, made mainstream headlines and even inspired a X-Men cosplay comic book shop wedding. Writer Marjorie Liu included Karma (a lesbian former New Mutant) part of her X-run that featured the big wedding. Jean-Paul was the first gay Marvel character. Jean Paul was a part of the Amazing X-Men team but Kyle fell off the radar.

Amazing X-Men #13 courtesy Marvel
Amazing X-Men #13 courtesy Marvel

Inclusion and diversity are a definite part of the Marvel Universe but why not give a GLBT hero a shot at leading a series?

Marvel is starting to announce the next round of new titles coming in November (Hercules, Black Knight) so perhaps Northstar will speed into a new X-book or his own book. The groundbreaking character could keep setting Marvel firsts by having his own ongoing (or leading a new Alpha Flight?)

Is there another GLBT hero or villain you’d like to see starring in their own title?

By Editor