Provoked by the recent cancellation of Marvel’s X-23, I have redoubled my commitment to pre-order more comics with well-written female and minority characters. Here are a few for which I have high hopes.
Astonishing X-Men #48 written by Marjorie Liu with art by Mike Perkins
–Astonishing X-Men #48 (Marvel) – As of issue #48 (out last Wednesday), Marjorie Liu (X-23) has taken over writing duty for Astonishing X-Men and the book’s new lineup comprises one of the most diverse superhero teams I’ve seen to date.
In addition to Wolverine, Gambit, and Iceman (white males), the Astonishing X-Men will also include the new Warbird (bad-ass warrior woman from another world), Dr. Cecelia Reyes (Afro-Latin American woman, surgeon, and former X-Man), Karma (Vietnamese lesbian hero), and Northstar (openly gay X-Man). Issue #48 also prominently featured Northstar’s long-time boyfriend Kyle.
Saga #1 written by Brian K. Vaughan with art by Fiona Staples
I have high hopes for this book and I’m excited to see what Lui can do with such a diverse team.
–Saga (Image) – I’m ashamed to say that I didn’t manage to snag a copy of Saga #1 before it sold out. Thankfully, the 2nd printing of Saga #1 and the 1st print of Saga #2 will both hit store shelves on April 11th. This will be followed by a 3rd printing of issue #1 released on April 25th.
So far this book is getting rave reviews, and I’m excited to see Brian K. Vaughan (Y: The Last Man) write an interracial couple raising a child in a space opera setting.
Captain Marvel #1 written by Kelly Sue DeConnick with art by Dexter Soy
–Captain Marvel (Marvel) – Carol Danvers is getting a new uniform, codename, and on-going series!
Following in the tradition of heroines like Batgirl and Supergirl, Ms. Marvel was originally conceived as the female analogue to a popular male superhero (Captain Marvel). However, this July, Danvers will abandon her role as analogue and take up the mantel of Captain Marvel.
Obviously, I have no way of knowing if these books will deliver on their promises. All I know is that if we want more diversity in comics then it’s important to pre-order the comics that celebrate diversity.
Are there any comics out right now that you think are getting it right with their depiction of female and/or minority characters? Give them a plug in the comments!
Journey Into Awesome 
Well, as of the first issue, Saucer Country is at least not getting it wrong! I don’t have any complaints yet about Ms. Alvarado, a divorced Latina running for president.
Sounds promising, I’ll have to check it out. Thanks for the tip!