LGBTQ representation in Marvel has become increasingly important, and characters like Wiccan and Hulkling are making significant contributions in this area. The inclusion of LGBTQ characters allows for greater diversity and helps create a more inclusive and relatable universe for readers. Wiccan, also known as Billy Kaplan, is a member of the Young Avengers and is openly gay. He possesses magical abilities similar to his mother, the Scarlet Witch. Wiccan's storyline explores his journey of self-discovery and acceptance, which resonates with many LGBTQ individuals. Hulkling, whose real name is Teddy Altman, is another member of the Young Avengers and is in a romantic relationship with Wiccan.
This wasn’t a decision that went over readers’ heads.
DEMATTEIS I ve had a lot of people come to me over the years about that story and how much it meant to them and how much it still means to them that that character exists. Once in WandaVision , where Wanda Maximoff Elizabeth Olsen conjures two children for her fake sitcom family, one of whom is named Billy Julian Hilliard.
Hulkling, whose real name is Teddy Altman, is another member of the Young Avengers and is in a romantic relationship with Wiccan. He is a half-Kree, half-Skrull hybrid and has shape-shifting abilities. Hulkling's complex identity adds another layer of representation to the LGBTQ community in Marvel.
Is Gay Superhero Wiccan Finally Going to Be a Part of the MCU?
WandaVision is giving queer fans so much hope for LGBTQ+ representation in the Marvel Cinematic Universe!
byraffy January 25 2021 3:40 PM EST May 31 2023 2:53 PM ESTIs a queer, fan-favorite Marvel comic book hero finally going to be included in Marvel Studio's cinematic universe? Well, after watching the latest episode of Disney+'s latest title WandaVision, many LGBTQ+ fans are excited AF and hopeful about the prospect!
Episode three of the highly-anticipated MCU streaming series premiered recently and introduced viewers to Billy and Tommy, the new-born twin sons of the show's titular heroes Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany).
Longtime Marvel fans know that Billy grows up to become Wiccan, a gay superhero who is in love and marries another beloved Marvel comics hero, Hulkling.
(Hulkling [left] kissing Wiccan [right].)
For those of us who are unfamiliar, Hulkling (or Theodore "Teddy" Altman) is a canonically queer Kree hero who made their first appearance in the Young Avengers comic in 2005. He is in a romantic relationship with his fellow Young Avenger Wiccan (aka William "Billy" Kaplan), and their pairing is a favorite amongst many LGBTQ+ comic fans. Heck, the two even got married in the fourth issue of the Avengers x Fantastic Four crossover Empyre series in 2020!
Rumors have been circulating that Hulkling himself would be joining the MCU in the upcoming sequel to 2019's Captain Marvel (another heroine beloved by the LGBTQ+ geeks the world over), so WandaVision's introduction of Billy could lay the groundwork for Wiccan and Hulkling's relationship to finally be shown in some capacity in the future on-screen!
He's still only a baby right now, but we can't wait to see what the future has in store for Billy as a character! Queer people deserve to see themselves reflected in the media they consume, and superhero flicks and shows are no exception!
WandaVision is now streaming on Disney+, with new episodes dropping on Fridays! Watch the trailer below!
Marvel comics are doing well with LGBTQ+ representation, but the movies are very much not, and it’s hard to tell why.
Both Wiccan and Hulkling's relationship is treated with respect and is portrayed as a normal, loving partnership. They deal with the typical challenges faced by any couple, regardless of sexual orientation. This realistic depiction helps break down stereotypes and shows that LGBTQ relationships can be just as strong and valid. In addition to their individual stories, Wiccan and Hulkling's representation matters because it showcases LGBTQ characters as prominent superheroes. They are not side characters or token representations. The inclusion of Wiccan and Hulkling in Marvel's universe illustrates a commitment to diversity and acceptance. It sends a message that LGBTQ individuals are an integral part of society and deserve to see themselves represented in popular media. The presence of these characters helps LGBTQ readers feel seen and validated, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. Overall, the LGBTQ representation in Marvel with Wiccan and Hulkling represents a significant step forward in the inclusion of diverse characters in mainstream comics. Their presence and meaningful storylines contribute to a more inclusive and relatable Marvel universe for all readers..
Reviews for "Beyond Tokenism: Wiccan and Hulkling's Authentic LGBTQ Characters in the Marvel Universe"
1. Mark - 2/5
I was not impressed with the LGBTQ representation in Marvel with characters like Wiccan and Hulkling. While I believe in equality and inclusivity, it felt forced and superficial in this case. It seemed like Marvel was trying to check off a box without fully developing these characters and their relationships. I would have liked to see more depth and substance to their storylines instead of just focusing on their sexual orientation. It came across as pandering and insincere.
2. Sarah - 3/5
As a long-time Marvel fan, I appreciate the efforts of LGBTQ representation, but I found the portrayal of Wiccan and Hulkling to be lacking authenticity. It felt like Marvel was trying to appease a certain audience without fully understanding the nuances and complexities of LGBTQ characters. Their representation ended up feeling tokenistic and stereotypical, which was disappointing. I hope Marvel takes a more thoughtful approach to LGBTQ representation in future stories to give these characters the depth and respect they deserve.
3. John - 2/5
I understand the importance of LGBTQ representation in media, but I was not a fan of how Marvel handled it with Wiccan and Hulkling. It felt forced, as if the sole purpose of their characters was to check a diversity box. Rather than developing them as fully-fledged individuals, their sexuality seemed to define them entirely. It's a missed opportunity to create well-rounded characters with diverse backgrounds and experiences. I hope Marvel can explore LGBTQ representation in a more organic and genuine way in future storylines.
4. Lisa - 1/5
I strongly disliked the LGBTQ representation in Marvel with Wiccan and Hulkling. It felt like a cheap attempt at pandering to a specific audience. Their characters were reduced to their sexuality, with little depth or development. I believe LGBTQ characters deserve better representation that goes beyond tokenism. Marvel should focus on creating dynamic characters with compelling stories rather than just ticking boxes for inclusivity. This representation did not do justice to the LGBTQ community.