Marvel Comics announced this week they will release a gay Captain America story in time for LGBTQ pride month this year.
Marvel is commemorating the 80th anniversary of Captain America with a limited series that will include Aaron Fischer, a gay teenager who takes up the mantle of Captain America.
According to Marvel, the new series, “The United States of Captain America” will feature “Steve Rogers teaming up with Captain Americas of the past — Bucky Barnes, Sam Wilson, and John Walker — on a road trip across America to find his stolen shield.”
A brand-new hero wields the shield! Marvel Comics has officially introduced the first LGBTQ Captain America, Aaron Fischer. https://t.co/rXLSq768G5 pic.twitter.com/6KbixE6haT
— GameSpot (@GameSpot) March 15, 2021
Marvel has described Fischer as “the Captain America of the Railways — a fearless teen who stepped up to protect fellow runaways and the unhoused.”
The company added, “Marvel Comics is proud to honor Pride Month with the rise of this new LGBTQ+ hero.”
The decision to create a gay Captain America is the latest effort by Marvel in a sustained campaign to add LGBTQ characters to their stories.
“Aaron is inspired by heroes of the queer community: activists, leaders, and everyday folks pushing for a better life,” said Marvel’s Joshua Trujillo. “He stands for the oppressed, and the forgotten. I hope his debut story resonates with readers, and helps inspire the next generation of heroes.”
Marvel has added and rewritten several characters from past to present to include changes to their sexual orientation. Last year, Marvel announced their first transgender superhero.
In June, Marvel Comics will also release “Marvel Voices: Pride,” a comic to include LGBTQ characters from the Marvel world.
But Marvel is not alone in the campaign. DC Comics also plans to release a series of LGBTQ-friendly comics in June featuring characters like Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy and Batwoman.
“I want to thank Editor Alanna Smith and Joshua Trujillo very much for asking me to create Aaron,” said Marvel designer Jan Bazaldua. “I really enjoyed designing him, and as a transgender person, I am happy to be able to present an openly gay person who admires Captain America and fights against evil to help those who are almost invisible to society.”
