Recent events have put a major spotlight on diversity in the comic book industry.The biggest probably was the recent announcement of the new Ultimate Spiderman.After a storyline where Peter Parker sacrificed himself to save Aunt May from the Green Goblin,it was announced that a new character would don the mask in Marvel’s Ultimate Universe.The character will be half African-American and half Latino.The response was quick,but not necessarily pretty.Some were downright hostile calling it political correctness gone amok.
I’ll admit to being to being somewhat conflicted about this.As an African-American I want to see the diversity of our society represented.However as a devoted comic fan I can’t say I’m comfortable using established characters as opposed to introducing new ones.Certainly there are some exceptions like DC’s Green Lantern John Stewart and Mr. Terrific Michael Holt,but the former has the advantage of being part of an intergalactic law enforcement unit with multiple members while the latter took over a identity that had been dormant for two decades or more so he could make it his own.
Writer Brian Michael Bendis ,whose own adopted sons(one African-American,one Nigerian)played a major factors in his decision to make this change,has a major task ahead of him.The critics will be poised to pounce at any problem be it sales drops or even perceived storyline issues.Whatever happens he need to stay the course and stay true to his ideas.He has a unique opportunity with Ultimate Spidey.Here’s hoping it’s a sucesss.
