Marvel Dishes Details on X-Men Wedding

This morning on The View, Whoopi Goldberg confirmed what most comic book fans already know: that Northstar, a homosexual member of Marvel’s X-Men, will marry his boyfriend Kyle in next month’s Astonishing X-Men #51. The decision has the comics Internet buzzing, especially amid a week when DC Comics is grappling with the role that gay superheroes will play in its near future.The wedding issue itself ships on June 20th and is written by Marjorie Liu with art by Mike Perkins and  covers by Dustin Weaver, John Cassaday and a variant blank cover that lets fans “make your own wedding.” Apparently there will be other exclusives as well, available through retailers who host “wedding parties” next month on the book’s release date.”The story of Northstar and Kyle is universal, and at the core of everything I write: a powerful love between two people who have to fight for it against all odds,” said Liu in a press release made available by Marvel shortly after the show aired. “This is the quintessential Marvel story, one that blends the modern world with the fantasy of super heroes in order to tell an exciting story that begins with a wedding—and continues in ways you can’t imagine.” Perkins added, “As a long-time fan of the X-Men, it’s not only a true honor to be part of such a historically significant story but also a complete joy.”Marvel hasn’t labeled this as a “gay marriage,” opting instead for just “marriage,” a notable choice in that it reflects some of the discussion happening in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. “It’s not gay marriage, it’s just marriage” is a phrase that’s beginning to find traction on the Internet among those who support the right for same-sex couples to marry.”The Marvel Universe has always reflected the world outside your window, so we strive to make sure our characters, relationships and stories are grounded in that reality,” said Axel Alonso, Marvel Editor in Chief, in the press release. “We’ve been working on this story for over a year to ensure Northstar and Kyle’s wedding reflects Marvel’s ‘world outside your window’ tradition.”Check out the proposal, and the cover to the wedding issue, below.