With awareness to transgendered individuals on the rise
and these people looking for their voice in media Marvel has done a good job of
giving representation in the form of the Ultimate universes Jessica Drew.
Originally a clone of that universe’s Peter Parker,
Jessica has strived to be her own separate entity from Peter. Jessica strove to
initially not interfere with Peter during the clone saga, until Peter came
across her and attacked her thinking she was responsible for MJ’s kidnapping.
She worked along Pete until the clone saga was finished and decided to go off
and find her own identity.
When she did come back, she ran across the Human Torch
Johnny Storm, who predictably hit on Spider-woman. Jessica, who has all of
Peter’s memories and thoughts, was very nervous about starting a relationship
with someone so close to Peter resisted. The two did share an off panel kiss,
and it was never stated if the two did anything more.
Fast forward to The New Ultimates #4, the girls on the
team are having a nice day off and relaxing, when the topic Jessica’s sexuality
came up. Jessica explains that even though she is a girl on the outside her
brain is still that of a teenage boy. She admits she is confused and not sure
if it is her herself or “Peter’s” brain that is driving her and mentions that
she has an affinity to redheads, brunettes and particularly Jewish girls (note:
Kitty Pryde, Peter’s ex is part of the team). This shows that Jessica is still
struggling with who she is and if she is in control or not. The entire exchange
can be passed off as her making a quip and breaking the deep, emotional tension
the only way she knows how, by joking. Kitty is clearly a little unsettled by
this as she does still hold feelings toward Peter.
In the final issue of The New Ultimates the front page
has handy chart showing the characters relationship. One line shows who has a
crush on who. It clearly shows a one way arrow from Jessica to Kitty. Serving
as a small subtle wink to Jessica’s sexuality, giving people further proof that
Jessica may not have been kidding around at the beach in issue 4. The final
pages also include a small interaction with Jessica and Kitty where Jessica
mentions again wanting to make out with Kitty, it again could be a funny “ha
ha” moment, or it could be Jess deflecting her issues with humour, much like
Peter Parker.
To some this could look like some form of fan service or
OMGZ LEZBIANZ!!@!!, but it could be Marvel handling a unique characters
sexuality. Jessica identifies as a girl, but her brain is that of a boy. She
addresses that it is confusing and she doesn’t understand what she feels. They
have not yet addressed if she is actually straight, gay, or transgendered, but
also have done their best to make sure it is not so cut and dry as she is or isn’t.
it is a journey for Jessica to find her true self and while I am sad to see The
New Ultimates end at issue 12, I do hope that Jessica does continue to be a
presence and we can share in her journey to discover who she is, what she wants
and is ultimately happy being herself.
No comments:
Post a Comment