Sorry fellas, Marvel says Hercules is definitely straight

Growing speculation around the sexuality of Hercules in the new Marvel comic series of the same name has been dispelled, with confirmation the protagonist will be developed as a “straight” character.

When pressed by Albert Ching from Comic Book Resources on prior romantic story arcs with male characters, including an alternate universe storyline where Hercules entered a relationship with Wolverine in the 2012-2013 X-Treme X-Men series, Marvel Editor in Chief Axel Alonso said this would not be revisited.

“Hercules and James Howlett’s relationship in X-Treme X-Men took place in a unique alternate universe, similar to how Colossus was gay in the Ultimate Universe, but is straight in the 616,” he said.

“Same goes for Hercules here.”

Given the comic’s roots can be found in Greek myth, Ching said fans have observed a bisexual Hercules would be very natural progression for the character.

Yet Alonso told Ching Marvel liked to celebrate diversity among the staff who bring its stories to life. “There has never been a more diverse editorial staff at Marvel – and that is willing to have tough internal conversations and course-correct when there’s a problem,” he said.

“We are always looking for the best new talent — male, female, White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, straight, gay.

“We are experiencing a lull in African-American writers at this moment, but it is temporary.

“We will be announcing new series very soon that will prove that. I’m talking about new voices, familiar voices and one writer whose voice is heard round the world.”

Ching noted during his interview that Marvel declined a follow-up question regarding the sexuality of Hercules.

Words by TROY NANKERVIS