Color, “Cut!” …Quality

The colorful representation of our beloved Comic Book characters

By Jared Brown

Early last year, there was slight controversy brought upon on Marvel’s VP of Sales David Gabriel and his comments behind the lack of comic sales. He was quoted on record saying, “What we heard was that people didn’t want any more diversity.” Now that was just the opening sentence alone, but allow me to further explain what he was attempting to express. New and fresh ideas (or so Marvel thought at the time) regarding fan favorites like Spider-Man, Thor, Hulk, and Iron-Man we’re all subject to change in origins and diverse backgrounds. With the likes of Miles Morales, Spider-Gwen, Amadeus Cho, and Riri Williams plus more in the fold of things is why Gabriel might’ve “heard” that. Granted, change takes some getting use to but some would argue that’s far from the reason behind declining sales since late 2016 — apparently.

With the times we’re living in now more than ever — where regardless of creed or color, you’re not only able to read and relate to your favorite superhero diversely but also “cosplay”, dress up outside of Halloween, and attend -cons (short for convention) in all of your nerdy glory. So even with Gabriel’s backtrack and apology — he was in fact wrong.

But even if that could be defended as the factual case, this hasn’t stopped Marvel Studios from going against the norm and casting actors/actresses of color to play traditionally white characters. Not to say those choices didn’t/don’t garnish up it’s fair share of backlash either but again; you’d think given the times we’re in DIVERSITY shouldn’t/wouldn’t affect your enjoyment. That didn’t stop people from raising hell when Zoe Saldana was cast initially cast as Gamora — in all her green aura. Yes, can you actually believe that there was uproar when she would be masked behind a boatload of makeup anyway? — It could have been anybody chosen! That’s just one recent example I recall but let’s no longer focus on the negative and move on, shall we?

Since then, as I’ve seen it Marvel Studios along with 20th Century Fox have collectively both done their parts to match our beloved comic book heroes and villains with the black actors/actress they feel best fit. These seasoned and highly experience group of professionals aren’t getting minor parts either, we’re talking lead roles here with the possibility of continuing to portray their characters in sequels to carry on in the future of the always-expanding universe that is Marvel comics cinema.

Film: Spider-Man: Homecoming

Theatric release: July 7th, 2017

DVD/Blu-ray release: October 17th, 2017

Actor/Character: Bokeem Woodbine as ‘Herman Schultz/The Shocker’

In Spider-Man: Homecoming they were two shockers, one of them (spoiler alert) died by the hands of the Vulture when a devious plot goes sour and threatens him — sucks! So anyway we’re left with the spidey-nemesis that fans can most familiarize with and that’s Herman Schultz. In the movie Bookem Woodbine potrays him and not too much is given script-wise as to his identity — in fact, I dont even think his name gets referred to or even dropped. He has lines and a few baddy scenes here, there, as well as his main battle with Spider-Man (which lasts about 1min max) In one of the many renditions of him, Herman Schultz/Shocker is identified as black on ‘Earth 616' so they definitely stayed true to the source material.

Initially Marvel was gonna go all the way accurate with him when early on-set photos leaked of Woodbine fully suited in the OG costume:

As seen in the final cut, they went in a more modern direction and he just ended up with the notorious yellow sleeves/gauntlet combo. For what it’s worth Bokeem is versatile and has acted as a villain before and killed what was probably a total of 20–30mins screen time. I don’t know if we’ll see Shocker in the sequel but personally, it would be nice to get the actor and character (especially that suit) again since they left us with a ‘Sinister Six’ tease.

Film: Thor: Ragnorok

Theatrical release: November 3rd, 2017

DVD/Blu-ray release: February 26th, 2018

Actress/Character: Tessa Thompson as ‘Valkyrie'

Now here’s where things turn the tide a bit because Valkyrie isn’t black in any of her comic book renditions but NEVERMIND THAT! First and foremost Tessa Thompson has talent, so much talent that you don’t even think about that during her performance throughout Thor: Ragnorok. She embodies the Asagardian heroin and all of her badass qualities in every scene. In fact, one characteristic that the Director Taika Waiti and Tessa did vividly manage to keep comic book accurate was the identification of her sexuality — being Bisexual. Of course, certain scenes were cut that signified this before the film’s major release but again, another example of pure accuracy for all the ones who are condemning “diversity” Mr. Gabriel. For this to be her very first superhero role, Tessa was a natural and often showed the exact balance of warrior-like fearlessness and feistiness that Valkyrie exhibits.

Her ‘I am woman, her me roar, feel my wrath’ personality really made this casting work as you see that kind of attitude and battle ready stance displayed below:

Whether she was trading dialogue with Chris Hemsworth’s Thor, kicking Loki’s ass, or trying to dethrone Cate Blanchett’s Hela — she surely stole the show. There even were whispers about her appearing in Infinity War so I hope we as fans and Tessa as Valkyrie can enjoy her for as long as that opportunity is presented.

Film: Deadpool 2

Theatrical release: May 18th, 2018

Actress/Character: Zazie Beetz as ‘Domino’

Oh Zazie!, Zazie! (a name so nice you gotta say it twice) where do we start with you? Now you may have seen Zazie Beetz in a film here or a Netflix series there but she’s most notable for role as ‘Van’ on the hottest/Emmy-award winning tv show ‘Atlanta’. Much like Tessa Thompson, this is her first heroine-like role in a comic book film franchise as well. Given what the first Deadpool did, regarding the precedents it set on how far you can take an R-rated superhero film I imagine the sequel to go way beyond that bar. I say that to say we’ll more than likely get a side of Zazie’s acting range that she’s never exhibited before — which also will apply to the witty character she’s playing. Since her creation in the early 90's, Domino has never really had a specific race attached to her being the “mutant” that she is — -and should there have been one? After all, look at how that divides comic book readers THESE DAYS.

Anyway, with set pics leaking it definitely looks like Zazie is enjoying herself as Domino and going to be pure magic. Opposite Ryan Reynolds, (who embodies Deadpool’s persona even off-set) I can tell we’re in for a boatload comic relief exchanges between these two:

Although no race was attached to Domino, her source material look does slightly differ from the movie version. Understand that she was a woman of many different costumes changes but always stayed true to an all leather bodysuit. So from the toes to her nose, it’s basically another — or new rendition. The obvious change to anybody familiar with her is Zazie/Domino’s hair — WHICH I LOVE BY THE WAY! Domino usually sports a short cut, bob or long length but like the Italians say, “forget about it” Her afro is silently symbolic but screams ‘Black Girl Magic’ at the same time — it’s beautiful! I know I speak for many soon to be (black) viewers when I say, “representation matters” All in all, May 18th couldn’t come any sooner and with the idea of a third Deadpool already an inevitable possibility my fingers are crossed for Zazie and Domino to be returning.

Film: Black Panther

Theatrical release: February 16th, 2018 (SOON!)

Actors/Actress/Characters: THE WHOLE DAMN CAST

Finally, we’re here — literally and figuratively. Saving the best for last with the highly anticipated all-black casted (minus 2 characters), black directed ‘Black Panther’ being released during Black History Month. Soon as Chadwick Boseman was cast as ‘T’Challa/Black Panther’ for ‘Civil War’ the obvious had come, we patiently just had to wait for any and all upcoming details. Now, a year and half later the technological world of Wakanda; Marvel’s richest fictional land in all of its history, is being brought to life through the eyes of critically-acclaimed Director Ryan Coogler. If you know Coogler’s resume, then you know he’s never done a film without his guy Michael B. Jordan. Things got interesting when it was announced that Jordan would be the film’s villain ‘Erik Killmonger’; a role we as viewers and him as an actor have never seen on screen. Much like Jordan, others cast members such as Lupita N’yongo and Forest Whitaker (who ironically each are Oscar winners and have both been in their own Star Wars films) are no strangers to being a part of a big fantasy/comic book driven film franchise. You also have the lovely and legendary Angela Bassett, who’s wide range of ability, films and tv shows speak for themselves. Also, a part of the main cast are a few young faces making their way the more you see them being recognized. Daniel Kaluuyah, riding the momentum/success he’s carried since his debut in ‘Get Out’. Letitia Wright, who captivated viewers with her performance in the latest season of Netflix’s ‘Black Mirror’. Danai Gurira, who’s been tenured on AMC’s hit series ‘The Walking Dead’ since 2010. She was also ‘Afeni Shukar’ in the 2pac biopic ‘All Eyes on Me’. I won’t even begin to go down the rest of names representing the depiction of Wakanda’s population, but just those bulk of names alone give you a sense of Black Panther’s direction. Despite of course the accuracy of Africa’s aesthetic/culture being essential, another thing that makes the surrounding hype so important is the heroine factor and the women that suit that.

Lupita, Letitia, and Danai individually all have roles that yes — serve Chadwick’s ‘T’Challa’ and his kingdom, but without their warrior-like traits/defenses there is no kingdom. Wright plays ‘Shuri’, T’Challa’s baby sister who Marvel Studios confirmed is the same age as the already- existing Spider-Man at 16 years young. Now here’s the kicker, her IQ is higher than that of a Tony Stark/Iron-Man’s. As we’ll come to see in the film she’s nobody to be played with — talk about being the brains and braun of operations! Lupita plays ‘Nakia’ once part of a rival tribe within Wakanda, she now serves at the hand of the kingdom for council but she too has a few tricks and treats up her sleeve. In the image below you can see both Shuri and Nakia in their battle ready armor:

Danai, who’s clearly not in that picture but the one previous is a force of fight herself. (hence the spear) She plays ‘Okoye’ the head of all armed forces and information pertaining to potential threats — called the ‘Dora Milaje'. So you can only imagine where her skills take her within the story. With a Marvel character like this — full of plots, sub-plots, heroes and heroines of course the navigation of stories in one film are somewhat limitless. What we’ll ALL be apart of is something special This same character, T’Challa’ ruler of his own world, his own kingdom will have to rely on his people to elevate and keep peace. A narrative that’s more than relevant in OUR CULTURE today.

“Roll Credits!”

So there you have it! Four different examples of what — to David Gabriel’s knowledge comic fans are condemning; DIVERSITY. Now, personally I’m completely aware and understand the difference between what we’re getting on pages vs. what we’re seeing on screen. Again, change is never easy on anybody, always takes time getting use to but, if on one end something such as diversifying characters are working then why not? Why have something like that distract you from your fandom? To Marvel Comics and Sir Gabriel’s defense, I’m 100% sure they thought things would work at the drawing board, after all last year wasn’t their best by any form or nature so evidently it’s way more than a “diversity problem” All in all, it’s 2018; the year is young and there’s so much more possibilities and avenues to explore so I have faith they’ll get things right and adjust correctly. I know they wanna do right by everybody.

To Marvel Studios and 20th Century Fox, you guys keep doing what you’re doing as far as casting choices go. As a fan — a black fan especially; I can say I’m thoroughly impressed with who/what represents the characters I’ve grown up on. I see both sides of it, because we’ve all come to know these superheroes and villains there’s that defensive/emotional attachment that comes along with favoritism and admiration. Believe it or not, it’s much easier to digest a movie that’s an hour and a half plus than 25–30 pages of illustrations and dialogue. So I’ll continue to leave it in the hands of the professionals, whether it be comics or cinema. I know I’ll be damned if I let something like the color of skin get in the way of my fandom. Closing with the words from the late great Robin Williams in Jumanji, “What year is it!?”