News One is reporting that the new Spider-Man in Marvel Comics' Ultimate universe is a half-black, half-Hispanic teen named Miles Morales. This historic change to the story line was revealed in a new issue that is being released on Wednesday. Morales takes over Peter Parker's job after the hero was killed in Ultimate Spider-Man Issue 160 in June.
USA Today reports that Axel Alonso, Marvel's editor-in-chief, says Morales' journey will be a similar vehicle for today's fans. "What you have is a Spider-Man for the 21st century who's reflective of our culture and diversity. We think that readers will fall in love with Miles Morales the same way they fell in love with Peter Parker," said Alonso.
It's about time. Folks have been mixing for centuries, not to mention that black and brown folks are some of Spider-Man's most die-hard fans. You would think that in the realm of fantasy, these decisions would be made more often. As evidenced by the hate spewed when Idris Elba was cast as a Norse God in the latest Thor movie, making iconic characters racially diverse is more than a notion. Kudos to Alonso for taking Marvel Comics in a direction that speaks to the reality of the future while incorporating the creative past.
Read more at News One.
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