The Maple Leaf Forever II

Well, I’m sure you’ve heard all about Marvel revealing the new Spider-Man in the Ultimate Universe continuity, a character set to replace the recently-deceased Peter Parker of that universe, and it’s an entirely new character by the name of Miles Morales, a character of Half-African-American and Half-Hispanic origin. Needless to say, reactions to this new character have been…well, “ugly’, to say the least. The USA Today’s online article that revealed the new Spidey have been filled with rather dumb and downright racist and insensitive comments denigrating this decision. I won’t reprint any of them here, but you can check out a compilation of them here. With that said, there are also legitimate concerns about how this move comes off as “cheap publicity” and a “marketing stunt” on Marvel’s end. However, I’ll just rattle off my two cents about the subject and just go on to say: I don’t mind this change.

I’ll admit, it’s been a really long while since I’ve picked up an Ultimate Spider-Man comic, though bear in mind, I don’t have immediate access to a comic store where I live, and it does take a bus ride or two just to get to an LCS. However, the point I’m trying to make is that yes, there’s a chance that Miles’ story arcs and etc. could end up being a major bust, but, there’s also an equal chance that said stories could be greatly entertaining and true to the Spider-Man character (well, the Ultimate Spider-Man, anyways…).  On that note, I’m taking a wait and see approach with the new Spidey, but I’m optimistic that it’ll all turn out good.

Which brings me to my next issue: The racially insensitive comments that have come out of this. As you probably saw in that Bleeding Cool article I linked above, they’re just, well, they’re just really, really insensitive. And it just goes to show how there are quite a few bad apples in terms of comic fans. Why does a character’s race or sexual orientation have to be a “roadblock” to some, in terms of their enjoyment of said character? With this, along with the recent controversies surrounding DC’s treatment of female characters and creators at the SDCC two weeks ago, (though DC’s released a statement vowing to bring more emphasis to female characters and creators) it’s proving that there is an air of dubiousness surrounding the comics industry right now, fans included. However, we can’t just focus on the bad, we as fans, as well as the writers and artists of comics, have to band together to help make comics accessible for everyone, no matter the race, sexual orientation, nationality, or disability. A comics world that’s for everyone is an attainable goal for all, we all just have to work hard for it.

So, after all that, you’re asking: “What’s your opinion on the new Spider-Man?” Well, I’m just going to flat out admit it now: I’m excited. Like I said before, it could all turn sour, but bear in mind, this is an alternate continuity where these events are taking place. On that note, I wish Brian M. Bendis (the conceiver of Ultimate Spider-Man), Sara Pichelli, and the rest of the Ultimate Spidey crew the best of luck in making Miles Morales’s story a compelling and memorable one.

“Maybe sooner or later a black or gay — or both — hero will be considered something absolutely normal.”

— Sara Pichelli