Many "X-Men" fans were surprised when they found out that one of their beloved superheroes is gay. In the new issue of "All-New X-Men" comic book, Bobby Drake a.k.a. Iceman will reveal to his friends that he is gay. Writer Brian Michael Bendis tried to explain why he chose to reveal the character's real sexuality.
"There are thousands, if not millions, of stories of people who, for many different reasons, felt the need to hide their sexuality," he said as reported by Wall Street Journal. "The X-Men, with the conceit of time travel, give us a fascinating platform in which to examine such personal journeys."
The storyline of the "All-New X-Men" is different from the plotline that was developed for the "X-Men" film series. In the 2000 film, Iceman (Shawn Ashmore) had a relationship with Rogue (Anna Paquin). In the comic book, Jean Grey travels back in time and tried to read the mind of Bobby Drake. She returns to the present and revealed to the older Iceman that he was gay as reported by The Verge.
During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Brian Singer shared his thoughts on Iceman's coming out in the new Marvel comic book. "Well, did he come out or was he outed? This is just being explained to me today," he said. "And someone asked me this morning if Shawn Ashmore was gay and I said, 'No, no, he's married, he has a lovely wife.' I was confused. I said, 'Oh, wait, you mean the character!'
The correspondent explained that Iceman was outed by Jean Grey and he was overcompensating when he talks about girls. "She's a psychic, so she would know," the 49-year-old director said. "So... oops for him. [Laughs] I'm glad, I'm sure it's very good for him."
Brian Singer also explained the difference of comic books and movies. "The important thing to remember with comic books is that you're always dealing with universes," he said. "In one incarnation a character can fly and in another they could be evil and in another they could be gay or straight."
If Marvel plans to make another sequel after "X-Men: Apocalypse", then maybe we will finally see Iceman's coming out as gay.
