explicitClick to confirm you are 18+

Marvel's New Non-Binary Superhero: Why They Are a Problem

Rowan LobdellMar 23, 2020, 1:50:01 PM
thumb_upthumb_downmore_vert

Marvel has announced its first ever non-binary superhero - but fans aren't too thrilled about their name.

The character, called Snowflake, is set to be introduced in The New Warriors, a new comic book series that will reportedly acknowledge the brand's existing shows and movies. They will appear alongside their "stereotypical jock" brother Safespace in Volume 6.

In battle, the two "complement each other" as Snowflake's power - the ability to generate individual crystallised ninja throwing stars - is more offensive and Safespace's - the ability to conjure up forcefields - is more defensive.

While Snowflake's inclusion is a big win for diversity and genderqueer representation, the siblings' crime-fighting alter-egos haven't gone down well on social media.

The problems with this are the names and the obvious pandering. 

Few people would be against equal representation, Marvel is known for its groundbreaking history concerning race and sexuality. From Black Panther to Northstar, Marvel has always made inclusivity a point. So why is this different?

The naming is a problem. "Snowflake" is a common insult to those on the left used by Conservatives to ignore their points. It has a stark negative connotation and makes the point of these characters obvious. If this was truly about inclusivity and representation, these character's powers would have nothing to do with their sexuality. That is the whole point of sexuality... it doesn't define a person. 

There were so many right ways to go about this, but now, Marvel has just made both the right and the left frustrated.