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)