Marvel United: A Pride Special #1 – Preview, Stories, and Stunning Covers Celebrate LGBTQ+ Heroes
Marvel Comics is once again celebrating Pride Month in a big way. This June, they’re releasing Marvel United: A Pride Special #1, a special comic filled with bold stories, diverse characters, and meaningful moments. It’s the fifth year in a row Marvel has done a Pride-themed issue, and this one promises to be one of the most powerful yet.
The one-shot comic will feature four different stories, all starring LGBTQIA+ characters and written by both well-known Marvel names and new voices making their debut. Marvel shared all the details in an official preview and also gave fans a look at the main cover and several stunning variant covers from artists like Jan Bazaldua, Mateus Manhanini, Ernanda Souza, Luciano Vecchio, and Rickie Yagawa.
Each story in this issue shines a light on different heroes from across the Marvel Universe. One story comes from writer Al Ewing and artist Kei Zama and features Aaron Fischer, the Captain America of the Railways. He takes on the villain known as Hate-Monger. It’s a powerful matchup about standing up to hate with courage.
Another story goes back in time with Arnie Roth, one of Marvel’s earliest gay characters. Written by Anthony Oliveira and drawn by Pablo Collar, this story shows Arnie fighting Hydra during World War II alongside Captain America. Oliveira and Collar are the team behind Avengers Academy, which is also getting a print release this June after being an online comic.
Wyatt Kennedy also joins the special with a story about Mystique and Destiny. Last year, their wedding was a major moment in Marvel’s Pride special. This year, their story continues with a focus on their son, Nightcrawler. Bayleigh Underwood, in her first Marvel comic, is doing the art.
There’s also a wild heist story starring Black Cat and the angelic hero Sera. It’s written by Zoe Tunnell and drawn by Federica Mancin, another new artist joining Marvel. Things go off the rails when they face a creepy villain named D’Spayre, who feeds on fear.
The comic also includes interviews and essays from LGBTQIA+ voices in the comic book world. It’s not just about superheroes, it’s about real stories, real creators, and real experiences.
Marvel United: A Pride Special #1 goes on sale June 4. It’s written by Al Ewing, Anthony Oliveira, Wyatt Kennedy, and Zoe Tunnell, with art by Kei Zama, Pablo Collar, Bayleigh Underwood, and Federica Mancin. The main cover is by Lucas Werneck, and the variants come from some of Marvel’s top artists.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments below!