A new multi-cultural Spider-Man is replacing Peter Parker, the original Spider-Man, after Parker dies in Marvel Comics’ Ultimate Universe. The new Spider-Man is half African American and half Latino. Miles Morales is the new Spider-Man who will be the main character of a new series called Ultimate Comics’ Spider-Man #1. This series will invite the reader to get to know the new Spider-Man better. His family will be introduced, along with how he took over for Peter Parker. It will go into detail on how he inherits Spider-Man's powers.
The editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics says, “When the opportunity arose to create a new Spider-Man, we knew it had to be a character that represents the diversity-- in background and experience-- of the 21st century.” The concrete discussion about having an African American Spider-Man happened months before the presidential elections. After finally figuring out the story of Spider-Man's death, Marvel Comics' decided to go with the idea.
Spider-Man is one of Marvel Comics’ most recognizable heroes around the globe. His first appearance was in 1962. Ever since then, Spider-Man has appeared in cartoons, newspaper comics, action television shows, and movies. Many fans are extremely passionate about Spider-Man. It was hard for some to adjust to the change, but the editor-in-chief said that most of their responses have been positive.
I think that this idea of a "multi cultural Spiderman" is great. Finally, superheroes are breaking away from the white, male typecast. I think about the movie "The Incredibles" and remember the white family... and the side-kick friend of the dad's who was African American, and a sense of comic relief (although arguably ALL the characters in the movie provided comic relief...). Anyway, this new face of Spiderman is finally a definite step in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the actor playing the new Spiderman in the new film also acted in "The Social Network" and I enjoyed him in that - so I am looking forward to this movie!
Morgan! Such a cool post! (AKA interesting and not about The Hungry Games... haha!) Great find.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a strong and intelligent multicultural superhero. My only concern is that writers and movie producers will try to make this character less true to the African American and Latino culture (such as culture and language).
I think it's really important (this might be my Urban Educator self speaking) for diverse students to see diverse people in the media: DOING GREAT THINGS! Like saving the innocent haha!