Marvel Brings Back Titles Aimed at New Audiences
Marvel has announced the return of two series previously cancelled that star characters that aren’t the traditional straight white males. It’s great to see more diverse titles getting a second chance, since that’s how the company can stay relevant in the future.
The one I’m most excited about is The Unstoppable Wasp. As written by Jeremy Whitley, the adventures of Nadia Van Dyne and her scientific friends, the Agents of G.I.R.L., were a wonderful read, particularly for young women. He balanced the history of the Marvel universe, including Nadia’s heritage, with fresh stories that anyone could jump into. Eight issues weren’t enough, so I’m thrilled to hear the series is relaunching in October.
The artist will be Gurihiru, whose work is shown above, and the series will debut October 3.
Nadia’s new story finds her teaming up with Agents of G.I.R.L. and Janet Van Dyne to uncover mysterious connections between A.I.M. and Nadia’s father, Hank Pym. “I think we’re going to see a lot more of the Nadia we got to know in the last two issues of the first volume, one who doesn’t have all of the answers,” Whitley told Marvel.com. “It wasn’t so long ago that Nadia was a part-time Avenger with very few social obligations. Now she’s a Champion, has responsibilities with G.I.R.L., and has a lot more people in her life than she ever has before. A lot of this first story is going to be about how Nadia reacts to having so many more commitments in her life. We’re also going to deal a lot more with what she’s inherited from Hank, both in her civilian life and as the Wasp. Hank’s had more than his fair share of enemies — and right now, he’s off making more.”
Also returning is Iceman, written by Sina Grace and illustrated by Nathan Stockman. Grace focused on what it was like to be a superhero who had to come out to his parents and live a new, more authentic life. That’s a concept I really support, but unfortunately, he also gave everyone the same voice, which in my opinion made the writing flat and overly expository. Still, it’s good to see a gay hero get his own title.
Iceman #1 cover by Scott Forbes
The new series follows Iceman as he adjusts to super hero life after being a part of the X-Men… which isn’t as easy as he expects. “Iceman got to try his hand being a leader in the pages of X-Men Gold. While he’s fine enough running a team, he knows it’s not where his strengths are best put to use,” Grace told Marvel.com. “He’s still sorting out how he fits in this world when he discovers that morlocks are disappearing in the sewers. What he uncovers in the catacombs is far more terrifying than he could have imagined. From there? Things get really bad.”
The first issue guest-stars Bishop and will be in shops September 12.