Marvel and Midtown Comics pulled its “Invincible Iron Man #1” variant cover featuring Riri Williams off comic racks on Thursday after fans criticized the drawing for sexualizing a teenage girl.
Is this how people see 15 year old black girls? I keep seeing these cover variants for Riri Williams and maybe 2 or 3 she has looked 15. pic.twitter.com/zlCGJ1maFt
The decision comes just one day after Marvel revealed the cover, which quickly drew criticism over J Scott Campbell’s artwork due to claims that it appeared to over-sexualize the teen.
The writer of the series, Brian Michael Bendis, agreed with Marvel to pull the cover.
“Specialty covers are not in my purview and it was being produced separately from the work of the people involved in making the comic,” he wrote on Tumblr. “Not to pass the buck but that’s the fact. If I had seen a sketch or something I would have voiced similar concerns. I am certain the next version will be amazing.”
In the comics, Riri Williams has been endorsed by Tony Stark to inherit the Iron Man mantle, after impressing Stark with her genius in reverse-engineering his armor design.
Williams debuted in “Invincible Iron Man” No. 7 in March of this year. She was created by Bendis and artist Stefano Caselli.
The decision to incorporate Williams into the Marvel comic-books follows a trend in the last few years of more diverse characters. Bendis is also the creator of Miles Morales, a comic-book iteration of Spider-Man whose father is African-American and mother is Puerto Rican.
Kamala Khan, a teenage Pakistani American, first appeared in the comic-books as Ms. Marvel in 2013. In July, 2014, Marvel caused controversy over its decision to introduce the first female Thor, Jane Foster.
Williams, as with all the comic characters who have come before her, could potentially enter the Marvel cinematic universe.
The next Marvel films to hit theaters will be “Doctor Strange” on Nov. 4 and “Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2” on May 5, 2017.
12 Marvel Comics to Read After 'Captain America: Civil War' (Photos)
Each new installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has become a can't-miss event for moviegoers. If "Captain America: Civil War" leaves you wanting more superhero tales, here are the best comic book stories for each of the 12 heroes that face off in Marvel's latest film.
Marvel
Captain America: "Captain America: Man Out of Time" Nos. 1-5 (2010)
Written by Mark Waid, this series chronicles Steve Rogers' struggles with adjusting to life in the 21st century after sleeping for 70 years. It's a good companion piece for MCU fans who loved "The Winter Soldier"
Much of Iron Man's story arc in the MCU is inspired by this six-issue series. Tony Stark's origin story in the first film and the main plot for the third both come from this tale that changed the status quo for the character.
Marvel
Falcon: All New Captain America Nos. 1-6 (2014)
Several years ago, the shield was passed from Steve Rogers to Sam Wilson, with Falcon becaming the new Captain America. That's right, Cap is black now. Progressive!
Marvel
Hawkeye: "Hawkeye" (2012)
Shortly after "The Avengers" hit theaters, Matt Fraction and David Aja started a 22-issue run with Hawkeye that's been praised as the sharpshooter's best arc ever. The stylish series follows Clint Barton in those moments when he's not serving with the Avengers -- and manages to get into even bigger trouble.
Marvel
Black Widow: "Black Widow: The Name of the Rose," reprinting "Black Widow" Vol. 4 Nos. 1-5 (2010)
A great alternative to traditional superhero tales. This Black Widow story is a pulpy, beautifully drawn spy thriller that sees Natasha hunting down an assassin who shot her and exposed the files she secretly amassed on her fellow Avengers.
Marvel
Vision -- "Avengers" No. 58 (1968)
One of the most classic Marvel stories of all time. This issue depicts Vision, who in the comics is actually an invention of supervillain Ultron, undergoing a rigorous test to prove himself worthy of joining the Avengers.
Bucky's past as the Winter Soldier comes back to haunt him when he's thrown into a Russian gulag filled with some of his most bitter enemies.
Marvel
Scarlet Witch: "Avengers: The Children's Crusade" (2010)
Scarlet Witch becomes a major factor in the internal conflict that forms "Captain America: Civil War's" central premise. She also takes center stage in this Avengers tale as she searches for redemption for her past crimes.
Marvel
War Machine: "Iron Man: War Machine," reprinting "Iron Man" issue Nos. 281-291 (1992)
Rhodey has subbed in for Tony Stark as Iron Man in the past, but in this run on the series he takes charge in his own black-and-grey suit and becomes CEO of Stark Enterprises and the title's leading man for the next year.
Marvel
Black Panther: "The Client," reprinting "Black Panther" Vol. 3 Nos. 1-5 (1998)
Is "Civil War" your introduction to the King of Wakanda? Check out this story arc that set the standard for Black Panther comics in the 21st century, as T'Challa's homeland becomes the site of a coup during his visit to the U.S.
Marvel
Ant-Man: "Ant-Man" Vol. 2 (2015)
To raise hype for last year's MCU film, Marvel released a new Ant-Man series that captured Paul Rudd's goofy charm. In the series Scott Lang moves to Miami and sets up his own private security company to be closer to his daughter and ex-wife, with misadventure and hilarity ensuing.
Marvel
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Continue your superhero education with milestone moments in each of the movie characters’ comic book histories
Each new installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has become a can't-miss event for moviegoers. If "Captain America: Civil War" leaves you wanting more superhero tales, here are the best comic book stories for each of the 12 heroes that face off in Marvel's latest film.
Marvel
Marvel
