Images via Marvel Comics
I have always been very interested in and invested in superheroes and the world of Marvel. When I was younger, many of the shows that I loved fell under the superhero genre (anyone remember Static Shock and X-Men Evolution?) and the only movies I tend to watch now are superhero movies.
It took me a long time to realize that a large part of the reason why I felt uncomfortable and unmotivated to continue reading the comic books that I picked up was due to the blatant heteropatriarchy and sexualization of female characters.
But then maybe around a year ago I picked up the recent issues of Young Avengers and fell in love with them.
So, if you’re looking for a break from studying or need an escape from the cold, harsh and unrealistic world that swims in heteronormativity and sexism like it’s already a Very Merry Misogynistic Christmas, then you should pick up a copy of the most recent Young Avengers comic books written by Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie.
Spoiler alert: everybody’s queer.
Here are the amazing characters that make up the comic:
America Chavez, an amazing protagonist who doesn’t take shit from anyone and who can literally smash holes into other dimensions.
Billy, otherwise known as Wiccan, who is possibly the most powerful mage of our age.
Teddy (or Hulkling), Billy’s BOYFRIEND who is half Kree and half Skrull.
Kid Loki (You’ll be constantly questioning whether or not we should trust him but you’ll also get to see America Chavez tell him off and throw him through walls.)
Kate Bishop (Hawkeye) whose arms are as strong as her sexual tension with America Chavez.
Prodigy, the bisexual ex-X-man genius.
Tommy (Speed) who can live a week in minutes’ time.
and Noh-Varr, the interstellar traveler.
There are fifteen issues split into three volumes. In these issues, you can read about the Young Avengers as they fight off murderous parents borne from a spell gone horribly wrong. Then later they encounter murderous exes and a mysterious haunting character named Patriot. You can purchase the volumes on Amazon or from a local comic book store such as Meltdown Comics on Sunset Blvd.
Not only does the comic book series have queer representation and representation of people of color, but you can also create your own trans and multiracial headcanons like I have for most characters. The superhero world is my safe place and though I have some criticisms, this comic book series makes that place so much more welcoming with its rounded characters that are not blatant stereotypes of stigmatized identities.