Marvel has once again shown their commitment to providing us with LGBTQ+ content, unveiling a gay iteration of Spider-Man – and he is giving femme realness.
“Web-Weaver” is an alternate universe version of the familiar red-suited superhero, set to make his debut in September in the graphic novel Edge of Spider-Verse #5.
The character dons an unfamiliar look, sporting a sleek and sharp black and gold suit with accented flared sleeves, but an intricate image of a spider emblazoned across the back of the costume nods to the iconography of the Spider-Verse.
Web Weaver was designed by costume and character designer Kris Anka.
Anka explained that the inspiration for this character came from the work of Thierry Mugler and Alexander McQueen, while Marvel describes the character as a “not so mild-mannered fashion designer” whose “spider powers show us a very different kind of Spider-slayer”.
Eisner Award-nominated gay author Steve Foxe will create the story to accompany the character. He noted the importance of ensuring that Web-Weaver is not treated as a representative for the entire gay community.
From his now-private Twitter account, Foxe shared his realisation that Web-Weaver “can’t – and shouldn’t – represent ALL gay men.”
The announcement of Web-Weaver arrives shortly after Marvel revealed “Escapade”, a transgender superhero mutant.
This comes as the Walt Disney Company has become increasingly committed to elevating LGBTQ+ storylines. The latest example of this is Disney Pixar’s Lightyear, which features a kiss between two women and has subsequently been banned in 14 countries.
It is too early to speculate whether Web-Weaver will feature in a future Spider-Man film, however there is hope yet.
At least two actors who have played the superhero have shared that they are open to more queerness in the role. In a 2019 Sunday Times interview, Tom Holland said: “The world isn’t as simple as a straight white guy.
“It doesn’t end there, and these films need to represent more than one type of person.”
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