Marvel has absolutely no issue with LGBT characters in the Marvel Universe. We are sympathetic to the community that may have viewed Hercules as bisexual based on an implication in “Hercules: Fall of an Avenger.” I thought that Brett White’s op-ed “Why Bisexual Hercules Matters to Me,” was very thoughtful, I took it to heart and I made it recommended reading for my staff.
I’m really enjoying the way Axel Alonso tries to deflect criticism by singling out specific pieces that are easily dealt with; two weeks ago, it was the Noah Bertlasky piece about the publisher’s lack of black creators – something that he could dismiss as inaccurate without actually engaging with, because Bertlasky didn’t know artist Sanford Greene was black – and this week, a piece that foregoes anger at Marvel’s lack of LGBTQ leads in favor of apologizing and just hoping things get better. It’s a canny strategy; he defends himself from accusations that he doesn’t listen to criticism without having to really answer any criticism, or even acknowledge it as valid. Maybe Marvel’s PR is getting back on track after all.