My Complicated Feelings About Marvel or 'Why It Sucks to be Black, Gay, and Like Comics'

Flashback to October 15, 2015, when Axel Alonso, Editor in Chief of Marvel Comics, decided not to confirm or deny Angela and Sera's relationship or identities. This interview and Axel's non-stance was a slap in the face to many readers, especially those of us who are queer. It basically said Marvel's big Editor was not willing to throw us a bone, even though it's pretty explicit where Angela and Sera stand in the first issue of Angela: Queen of Hel. So, last night when Trump revealed that Marvel CEO Isaac Perlmutter had donated $1 million to "Donald Trump for Veterans," a sour taste was left in my mouth.

What I've noticed is that both Marvel and DC are on about a 2-year cycle with the bullshit. When one is doing better, the other fucks up. Unfortunately, what this has often meant that either PoC or queer people were being thrown under the bus. Essentially, I've found that it is becoming nigh impossible to be satisfied or completely comfortable with the comic industry as a Black gay man. DC has made some wonderful strides with queer representation, as Comicosity Senior Editor Matt Santori-Griffith has pointed out. Marvel, on the other hand, has introduced many leading series with women and PoC, though, as cited above, is shaky about them queers. Yet, after New 52, I found myself dissociating from DC because of the storytelling, though I admit they got better. And Marvel was doing great, until a couple of people opened their mouths.

This has lead many people to boycott Marvel, which makes absolute sense. Throughout these past few months, though, my dilemma has been: if I boycott someone for their stance on race or sexual orientation, what do I have left, besides less Ryan Murphy on my DVR? As someone wisely said on Twitter a couple of years ago, while the idea of moving to indie press and titles is understandable, some of us love superheroes. And I do. I love cape comics and many of the people within them. I've grown fond of many creators. So the thought of severing ties with Marvel, no matter how justified, is painful.

You could argue that I'm not doing much or that it's cowardly. That's kinda to be expected. However, that brings me to the second part of this: I don't think boycotts are effective. I think they help us on an individual level based on how we feel morally, but in our current capitalistic and economic climate, withholding our dollars seems to have much less effect. On the eve of Black History Month, that brings up a few issues. What about Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott? Well, when you consider there was a significant amount of upheaval and that the Montgomery bus system needed Black riders, and that was evident by the economic impact of the boycott. Marvel needs our dollars, too, but it is evident that with its ties to Disney, we may not do much damage. The same can be said for boycotting many other large companies or organizations. This does NOT mean people shouldn't boycott, or even that it isn't worth trying, but more that people's hands are in so many honey pots it's hard to ensure we could do enough to the economic system and structure of Marvel to create the change we seek. That said, I'm not above writing a letter asking for people's resignation.

So, acknowledging that I'm basically going to get screwed over no matter what, but also my view of boycotts, I'm not really sure what to do. I'm not at the point where I'm ready to give up reading comics, especially since Marvel has my attention, though I'll admit DC is gaining ground. I do think creating a voice to this dissent is important, and may have more potential than a boycott, a la Oscars So White. Trying to create an economic dent right now does not seem very likely or very easy, but you definitely have my support if boycott is your way to go. It makes sense and is totally justified. I just don't think it's the right choice for me, or even what I want to do. This also doesn't mean I'm going to stay silent.

What's important, no matter what you do, is to take up some kind of action that fits who you are. I've recognized over the years that my form of activism or advocacy works, but that I could also risk doing 'more.' My friend Ty brought up a great suggestion of talking directly (as much as you can) to Axel Alonso and other Marvel higher ups. You're no less a person for buying, you're no less a person for boycotting, and I have to remind myself of the same. This shit is complicated, especially when you bring in current economics, but my views on modern boycotts aside, that doesn't mean we are entirely helpless.

There are some awesome, intelligent, and rightfully peeved people discussing this issue with Marvel and its various complications. Please check them out. Most of all though? Find something that works for you in this entire debacle, whether it means no more work from the House of Ideas or thinning your pull list, or neither of those options.