What Does Inclusivity and Diversity Look Like?

I can consider myself lucky. Compared to other groups I receive far more fair representation in comic books, TV and film than most other groups, particularly those who are not white, heterosexual or male. At the very least, I have Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn, Scarlet Witch and Black Widow to fill up my time. There even are a few female creators too, like the marvels Amanda Conner, Gail Simone, and Kelly Sue DeConnick. 

It could be argued that other groups are now seeing a bit of an influx in diversity on the pages of comic books too. Arguably, the LGBT+ readers have Batwoman and sometimes Harley Quinn and Poison Ivy. There’s also Kamala Khan (Ms. Marvel), America Chavez (Miss America), Miles Morales (Spider-Man), Luke Cage, Black Panther and the newest addition, Riri Williams (Iron Man).

Yet, these are just characters. When it was announced that Riri Williams would be the new Iron Man, the fans were equal parts elated for the new character, and equal parts disappointed that it would not be written, drawn or colored by a Black person. How can a white, heterosexual male adequately write about the colored, LGBT+ or female perspective?

I’m not arguing that Marvel, DC and other respective comic book producers need to do a complete overhaul of their creative staffs. It would just be incredible if they tried to find artists who may be better fit for characters like Riri Williams. It really can’t be that hard. How amazing would it be if Marvel did a competition to find the next Bendis or Amanda Conner? Its not like comic book companies don’t shift, rework, and change creative teams all the time or something. And of course, there aren’t hundreds of super talented fans out there waiting for their chance.

Sometimes the old, tried and true methods doesn’t work. Hell, Gail Simone started out a critical fan who helped develop the “Women in Refrigerators” trope, and now writes comics for a living. The Wonder Woman film is being directed by Patty Jenkins. I believe it is possible that Marvel and DC can change and evolve along with their fans. The difficulty is getting them to change at the same speed as the fans are demanding it.