Posted in: Comics | Tagged: Comics, entertainment, gay, hercules, marvel

FOOL; Marvel To Let Readers Choose Hercules' Sexual Orientation

Marvel Comics has come under criticism of late from certain groups regarding their portrayal and description of a number of characters. Specifically Hercules being described as straight by EIC Axel Alonso despite having been portrayed in that fashion classically and in Marvel continuity. And Angela not being described as bisexual, choosing not to "label" her despite some full-on scenes in her current title.

Hercules seems to be more a sufferer of "bi-rasure" however, and the criticism has continued with each issue. So, it seems, Marvel are doing something proactive to put the issue to bed.

In July, Marvel will publish a special Hercules issue in two variant editions, one in which it ends with him kissing a man, another that ends with him kissing a woman. Readers are invited to buy the issue that confirms their own opinion of Hercules' sexuality, with those who believe he should be bisexual encouraged to buy both.

The results reported by comic stores will be tallied and a decision made for the subsequent issue of the series.

This is not the first time comic book plotlines have been decided by reader response, the most famous been to kill off Robin in the Batman storyline A Death In The Family. But rather then phone voting or by e-mail, Marvel want Hercules fans to put their money where their mouth is.

The winning orientation will be announced by Marvel on September 23rd after sales figures have been released.

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