ABOVE: “Empyre: Avengers Aftermath,” photo via Marvel Comics.
Marvel has announced its forthcoming “Empyre: Avengers Aftermath” #1 will feature the nuptials of “Young Avengers” characters Wiccan and Hulkling, the comic company’s first same-sex wedding between two superheroes.
The characters were first introduced in 2005’s GLAAD Award-winning “Young Avengers,” created by openly LGBTQ writer Allan Heinberg and artist Jim Cheung. They were derivative of the Scarlet Witch and Hulk, longtime “Avengers” stars.
The original creative team reunited for Marvel’s “Avengers: The Children’s Crusade” in 2010, which featured Wiccan and Hulkling’s first on-panel kiss and engagement. The two are currently featured in “Empyre,” Marvel’s cosmic event series focusing on its “Avengers” and “Fantastic Four” teams.
“Empyre” #4, released Aug. 5, revealed the two were previously wed off-panel in “the shock ending you never expected!” Its solicit advised “You’ll want to frame it for you wall, True Believer!”
“As the intergalactic conflict known as ‘Empyre’ rages on, love has prevailed for two of Marvel’s most beloved heroes!” Marvel subsequently shared in a press release. “In an exciting surprise for readers everywhere at the conclusion of today’s Empyre #4, Marvel Comics unveiled that Teddy Altman, the Kree/Skrull hybrid Hulkling, and his longtime boyfriend Billy Kaplan, the powerful magic-wielding Wiccan, made a decision to change their lives forever – when they were married prior to the start of this galaxy-spanning epic!”
“I’ve got a lot of love for Hulkling and Wiccan, both individually and as a couple,” series co-writer Al Ewing said. “So it’s a good feeling to be able to deliver this kind of ‘shock ending’ for readers, which hopefully lifts fans’ spirits a little rather than bringing them down.”
Marvel subsequently explored the comic couple’s legacy, detailing seven times “their relationship has stood the test of time” in print. They also discussed the news with Heinberg and Cheung.
“When I was first asked to design Wiccan and Hulkling for the Young Avengers, I had no inkling of the longevity they would have, or even their impact on the hearts and minds of the readers,” Cheung shared.
“Billy and Teddy really became fully fleshed people to me, thanks to Allan’s incredible writing, and it’s been wonderfully rewarding to follow their growth and evolution under the guidance of other creators over the years,” he continued. “Now that they’re taking their relationship to the next level, I can’t wait to watch where their next adventure takes them!”
“I’m eternally grateful to writers Al Ewing and Dan Slott, artists Valerio Schiti and Marte Gracia, editor Tom Brevoort — and of course cover artist Jim Cheung — for telling Teddy’s story so gorgeously — on such an epic scale — and with so much heart,” Heinberg added. “AND for inviting me and Jim to the wedding!”
The full solicit for “Empyre: Avengers Aftermath” #1, which features a cover from Cheung, can be read below via Marvel Comics. It is scheduled for release Sept. 9.
EMPYRE AFTERMATH AVENGERS #1
(W) Al Ewing (A) Valerio Schiti (CA) Jim Cheung
The end of EMPYRE begins a new age for the Marvel Universe!
In the aftermath of the cosmic conflict, the forces gather one last time… but why? And at whose bidding?
New bonds will be forged, new families will be founded, and there’s a new role waiting for Earth… but new destinies bring new dangers – and new enemies!
Welcome to the new Marvel Space Age, true believer – hope you survive the experience!
For more information and to read more about Hulkling, Wiccan, the “Young Avengers” and to find a comic shop near you, visit Marvel’s website.
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