The lights are on
Today, Marvel Comics announced that the newest incarnation of Thor is a woman. This has stirred up some discussion in the comic world, but could it have implications in other media?
Whether this is an earnest effort to create a more compelling female hero or just a publicity stunt, it also raises questions related to other forms of entertainment. Is this the kind of move that we might see in the video game world? Women are already under-represented as video game heroes; would it help to swap the gender of already-established icons? Could Kratos be a woman? Could Master Chief?
What characters and franchises do you think could benefit from a similar approach? Are we too resistant to change to accept it? Would it just be a hollow gesture without more significant changes regarding the role of women in the industry? Sound off (in a respectful manner) in the comments section below.
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This is just stilly. Next there will be a female Zelda...
I have a few thoughts on this matter. First, I believe that stories and characters should be driven by the authors vision, not by political correctness. This means that we should allow the author of the character to create that character however they would like-- whether that be a straight white male, or a Hispanic female lesbian. The best stories and characters are not created by people who write in order to appease masses. One of the many reasons why Bioware's games are so great is that they allow EVERY person to create their own character right down to their gender, background, skin tone, hair cut, and sexual preference. We should allow this same courtesy to other writers and creators.
With all that being said, the amount of (read: lack there of) females in video games in a troubling thing. There absolutely must be a greater emphasis on females in gaming. I would, however, rather see this done by writers creating brilliant new stories that call for very unique and diverse (not white-males) characters. I think that will benefit the gaming industry far more than just randomly replacing some key figures with female characters instead.
I think it's admirable that people are at least making some kind of effort. Honestly though, I'd like to see writers coming up with interesting, original female characters, rather than switching the genders of previously male characters.
This would be silly if it wasn't for it being done with a comic character. There are so many different comic universes going at any given time, and so many existing comics, that it really shouldn't be an issue. With any other medium I'd have some understanding, but comic readers have plenty of options if they don't like the decision.
the only thing that's interesting me about this... is who is she going to be? Is it Angela? is it Valkyrie? heck being a practically platinum blond from marvel, she could anyone. Emma Frost as Thor? Magik? (Emma and Illyana are a bit dark to be worthy of Mjolnir i suspect tho) Sue Storm? Carol Danvers (she would actually be kinda awesome)?