Showbiz
Marvel under fire for racist stereotyping in ‘What If...’ with Miles Morales reinterpretation as Thor
Comic book fans have blasted Marvel’s new comic issue for portraying outdated racist stereotypes. — Screencapture via Instagram @supermercadocomics

KUALA LUMPUR, June 21 — A Marvel comic has been blasted by comic fans on social media for portraying racist African American stereotypes.

The new issue of What if... reimagines what would happen if Brookyln’s Miles Morales became Thor instead of Spiderman.

Advertising
Advertising

The story reinterprets the mythical realm of Asgard into the streets of Brooklyn, combining Norse architecture with Black graffiti art.

The comic written by Mexican-Jew illustrator Yehudi Mercado, was criticised for using rap references and ‘hood’ stereotypes.

Fans were disappointed in Marvel’s choice of not choosing a black writer for a suitable interpretation of an iconic character.

Mercado was the only non-black writer in charge of the What If... stories.

Miles Morales fans were not happy to see the poor interpretation of a young black man in a black neighbourhood.

Created in 2011 by Brian Michael Bendis, the character has become popular for his authentic portrayal of African American and Latino mixed culture.

The character gained a larger following upon appearing in the 2018 animated film Spiderman into the Spiderverse and the video game Marvel’s Spiderman: Miles Morales.

Related Articles

 

You May Also Like