Marvel Comics has been a dominant force in the comic book industry for decades, creating popular superheroes like Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Captain America. Over the years, they have diversified their lineup, introducing characters from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and sexual orientations. In 1992, Marvel Comics introduced the world to its first major openly gay character, Northstar, a member of the Canadian superhero team Alpha Flight. In this blog post, we’ll dive into who Northstar is, his impact in the comic book industry, and how his character paved the way for LGBTQ+ representation in Marvel Comics.
Who is Northstar?
Northstar, also known as Jean-Paul Beaubier, was first introduced in Alpha Flight #1 in 1983. He is a mutant with the ability to fly at supersonic speeds, create photonic blasts, and move at superhuman speeds. He was a member of Alpha Flight, a Canadian superhero team, where he served as a pivotal member for many years before joining the X-Men.
Northstar was revealed to be gay in the pages of Alpha Flight #106 in 1992. At the time, this was a groundbreaking decision, as there were no major LGBTQ+ characters in mainstream comic books. Northstar’s coming out was a significant moment in comic book history, and it paved the way for other LGBTQ+ characters to be introduced in future comic books.
Impact on the Comic Book Industry
Northstar’s coming out was a significant moment for the comic book industry, as it marked the first major openly gay character in mainstream comic books. It was seen as a bold and groundbreaking decision by Marvel Comics, as it broke down barriers and paved a path for more diversity and representation in the comic book industry.
Northstar’s character was a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation, and it influenced other comic book publishers to introduce their own LGBTQ+ characters. In recent years, Marvel Comics has introduced more LGBTQ+ characters, including Wiccan and Hulkling, two prominent LGBTQ+ superheroes who are members of the Young Avengers.
The Importance of Northstar’s Character
Northstar’s character was significant, not only for his groundbreaking coming out story but also for the representation he brought to the comic book industry. His character represented a section of the population that had not been seen in mainstream comic books before. Northstar’s character was designed to be a role model for young LGBTQ+ readers, showing them that they too can be superheroes and that their sexuality does not define them.
Northstar’s character was embraced by the LGBTQ+ community, and it proved to be a pivotal moment for Marvel Comics. It set the precedent for future comic book publishers to create more diverse and inclusive characters, showing that representation matters.
Conclusion
Northstar’s coming out story was a pivotal moment in comic book history, and his character paved the way for more diversity and representation in the industry. Northstar represented a section of the population that had not been seen in mainstream comic books before, and his character was designed to inspire young LGBTQ+ readers. Marvel Comics’ decision to create Northstar was a bold and groundbreaking decision, and it influenced other comic book publishers to introduce their own LGBTQ+ characters. Northstar’s legacy lives on today, and he remains an iconic and beloved Marvel character.
FAQ
Who is the first gay in MCU?
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has been around since the release of the first Iron Man movie in 2008 and it has grown consistently since then. With its expansive cast of characters and storylines, the MCU has been a groundbreaking success in the world of superhero films. Despite this success, however, the franchise has been criticized for its lack of representation when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community. That being said, things are starting to change in the MCU and the first openly gay hero is set to make his debut in the upcoming movie, Eternals.
The character in question is Phastos, a hero who will be played by actor Brian Tyree Henry. Eternals is directed by Chloé Zhao and is set to be released in November 2021. Created by Jack Kirby, Phastos is an immensely intelligent inventor and engineer and is considered to be one of the leading figures among the Eternals.
Phastos being the first openly gay character in the MCU is a significant moment for the franchise. Fans have been waiting for a long time for more LGBTQ+ representation in superhero films, and this step is a big leap forward. However, it is worth noting that the MCU has had gay characters in the past, such as Valkyrie from Thor: Ragnarok and Avengers: Endgame, who is bisexual according to Tessa Thompson, the actress who portrays her. Despite this, the representation of LGBTQ+ characters in the MCU has been sparse at best, so the introduction of Phastos is a significant step towards a more inclusive and diverse franchise.
Phastos will be the first openly gay hero in the MCU in Eternals. The character’s introduction marks a significant moment of progress for the franchise in terms of representation of the LGBTQ+ community. It is an important step towards creating a more inclusive and diverse MCU, and it is something that many fans have been waiting for.
Who is the first gay Marvel hero in Eternals?
The first gay Marvel hero in the upcoming movie Eternals is Phastos. Phastos first appeared in The Eternals #1 comic in 1985, created by Peter Gillis and Sal Buscema. He is one of the Eternals, a powerful race of beings created by the Celestials, and possesses a number of abilities, including superhuman strength, flight, and energy manipulation. In the comics, Phastos is a heroic member of the Eternals and plays a major role in many of their stories.
It was revealed by the film’s director, Chloe Zhao, that Phastos will be portrayed as gay in the movie. This marks a major milestone for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as it is the first time a gay character will be a main character in a Marvel movie. The decision was praised by LGBTQ+ activists and fans, who have been pushing for more representation in superhero movies and other forms of media.
Phastos being gay in the film does not change his character from the comics, and it is likely that he will still be a crucial member of the Eternals team, and possibly even contribute to the formation of the Avengers. The movie is set to be released in November 2021 and promises to explore the full range of the Eternals’ powers and abilities, as well as their relationships with each other and the rest of the Marvel universe.
Who was the first gay kiss in a Marvel comic?
Over the years, Marvel Comics has become known for its diverse and inclusive range of characters from different backgrounds and walks of life. In 2009, Marvel Comics made history by featuring the first gay kiss between two male characters in one of their comic books. The characters in question were Shatterstar and Rictor, who were part of the popular X-Men franchise.
Shatterstar and Rictor had previously been well-received by fans of the X-Men series, but it was their on-panel kiss in X-Factor #45 that made headlines. The scene was significant because it was a rare example of a mainstream superhero comic featuring a gay romance. The kiss was not sensationalized or used for shock value, but was instead portrayed as a natural and supportive moment between two characters who cared for each other.
The storyline that led up to the kiss involved Shatterstar and Rictor exploring their feelings for each other, and grappling with the societal and cultural expectations placed on them as superheroes. The kiss was a culmination of their emotional journey and was an important moment for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream comics.
Since the groundbreaking kiss, Marvel Comics has continued to feature diverse characters and storylines, with LGBTQ+ characters becoming more prevalent and prominent in their comics. This has helped to normalize and destigmatize queer identities within the comic book world, reflecting broader changes in attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community in society as a whole.
In recent years, Marvel Comics has also made efforts to increase representation behind the scenes, hiring diverse writers and artists to work on their comics. This has helped to bring new perspectives and experiences to the table, and has led to a greater range of voices being heard in the world of comic book storytelling.
Shatterstar and Rictor’s kiss was an important milestone in the history of Marvel Comics and the representation of LGBTQ+ characters in mainstream media. It helped to pave the way for greater visibility and acceptance of queer characters, and continues to inspire new generations of fans and creators.
