Marvel Comics has unveiled a new Captain America – and this version of the iconic superhero is gay.
The facts: “The United States of Captain America” will debut in June and coincides with Pride Month, Marvel said in a press release on Monday.
- The limited series will feature past versions of the superhero, including, Aaron Fischer, “the Captain America of the Railways – a fearless teen who stepped up to protect fellow runaways and the unhoused.”
- “Aaron is inspired by heroes of the queer community: activists, leaders, and everyday folks pushing for a better life,” said series writer Joshua Trujillo, who has contributed to award-winning LGBT-themed comics anthologies. “He stands for the oppressed, and the forgotten.”
- Series artist Jan Bazaldua, who is transgender, said he was “happy to be able to present an openly gay person who admires Captain America and fights against evil to help those who are almost invisible to society.”
The reaction: On social media, Marvel’s announcement was cheered by liberals and mocked by conservatives.
- But it wasn’t the first time comic book entertainment giants have nodded toward progressive causes.
- In Jan. 2020, Marvel said it intended to develop a transgender hero, while rival DC Comics featured a lesbian Batwoman played by a lesbian actress in a CW television series.
- Meanwhile, Marvel sparked a minor controversy last March when it introduced a non-binary black superhero named Snowflake.
