Marvel’s new comic book lineup is looking to increase their readership by appealing to more female and ethnic demographics.
During an interview with Hero Complex, Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso explained Marvel’s vision for the comic franchises in honor of their 75th anniversary.
“Marvel comic books are always at their best when they reflect what’s going on in the world right now,” Alonso said. “That’s been our traditional strength, dating back to Stan Lee – our ability, either through metaphor or through straight-on confrontation, to deal with social issues and the zeitgeist of the day.”
Some of the changes Marvel has made to their franchises include introducing a Pakistani American Muslim girl as the new Ms. Marvel, along with tapping the Falcon, the first black superhero, to don the Captain America costume and shield.
“Young fans inspired by these books will grow up to become the next generation of comics creators,” Rob Salkowitz, author of “Comic-Con and the Business of Pop Culture” and books on digital strategy and the millennial generation, explained to Hero Complex. “As badly as we need more diversity in the pantheon of fictional characters, we really need greater diversity in the ranks of professional creators.”
The diversification of Marvel superheroes has been a slow process. The majority of mainstream superheroes are white men and the publisher is aware it’s time to change up their demographic.
“I don’t think Marvel’s done well diversifying its creators yet, but there are people inside the company who are very committed to doing so,” Tim Hanley, comic book writer and Bleeding Cool columnist, told Hero Complex. “I’m optimistic about Marvel in 2015; I wouldn’t be surprised to see their numbers for women and people of color grow significantly.”
Read more about Marvel’s initiative to diversify their comics here.
