Joe Quesada, editor in chief of Marvel Comics, stated that no ongoing solo series starring gay or lesbian characters at Marvel Comics will go out without a "MAX" or "Explicit content" label, reports Gayleague.com.
The comment was made on a panel at this year's Wizard World Chicago. Quesada apologized for the company's practice but said that the policy came about because of the amount of negative media attention Marvel received with their 2003 series featuring the Western character Rawhide Kid and his sexuality. He cited the appearance of Stan Lee on Crossfire, where the legendary comics icon was blasted by Andrea Lafferty of the Traditional Values Coalition for his "irresponsible' use of a children's character.
"The last thing we want to do is have everybody come down on the entire comic book industry," Quesada said, "and I do think it is ridiculous."
Quesada said he hopes for a positive change in the future and looks forward to a time when the political climate creates a less controversial environment for gay and lesbian characters in their own books, adding, "I hope it changes next week." (The Advocate)
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