Spoilers for an issue on stands tomorrow follow:
Back in March, Marvel sent out the above teaser announcing that wedding bells were in the air for someone in “Astonishing X-Men,” and yesterday, Marvel teased that an announcement would be given on The View that would reveal who. Given that the book only featured only one character in a steady relationship and only one couple, it wasn’t too hard to figure it all out, but now — as revealed by Whoopi Goldberg — it is now official: Northstar will be getting married to Kyle.
It’s a good time for it all things considered, with the “issue” of gay marriage being heavy in the news (with “issue” in quotes because, honestly, it shouldn’t be an issue, and anyone who wants to get married should be allowed to marry whomever — but we’re a comic site, not a politics site), although there was no way Marvel would’ve been able to predict the heavy media coverage after President Obama endorsed gay marriage earlier this month. It will also be Marvel’s first wedding of the kind, although Archie Comics did beat Marvel to the punch a bit.
It is assumed, however, that Whoopi will not be at the wedding to help anyone get their groove back.
The proposal will take place in tomorrow’s “Astonishing” #50, with the marriage to follow in #51. Take a look at a preview:
Oh good! Doop made it! But wait, hasn’t there been a whole “future” storyline mixed in with the present storyline about Kyle coming to kill Northstar? So much for the Honeymoon phase.
For the full press release from Marvel Comics, please see below.
Marvel Press Release
The X-Men, one of the world’s most popular super hero teams, have always been at the forefront of the biggest stories in comic history; and today is no different as Marvel is proud to announce the wedding that has everyone talking! Today, fans worldwide learned on ABC’s The View, that Jean-Paul Beaubier, AKA Northstar and a popular member of the X-Men, proposes to his boyfriend Kyle Jinadu in Astonishing X-Men #50, on-sale tomorrow in comic stores, on the Marvel Comics app and at the Marvel Digital Comics Shop. The creative team of New York Times best-sellers Marjorie Liu (X-23¸ the urban fantasy Hunter Kiss series and the Dirk & Steele paranormal romances) and Mike Perkins (Stephen King’s The Stand) have put Northstar and Kyle’s relationship to the test–and now they’re about to take their biggest step yet. But will their path to wedded matrimony in New York City be smooth or are there hidden dangers around the corner?
“The Marvel Universe has always reflected the world outside your window, so we strive to make sure our characters, relationships and stories are grounded in that reality,” said Axel Alonso, Marvel Editor in Chief. “We’ve been working on this story for over a year to ensure Northstar and Kyle’s wedding reflects Marvel’s “world outside your window” tradition.”
Then, on June 20th, don’t miss the wedding of Northstar and Kyle in the pages ofAstonishing X-Men #51! This unforgettable issue features covers by Dustin Weaver and Marko Djurdjevic, along with a special “Create Your Own Wedding” blank variant cover! Select comic book retailers nationwide will host wedding parties at their stores to celebrate this joyous occasion, with special items exclusively available at participating stores!
“The story of Northstar and Kyle is universal, and at the core of everything I write: a powerful love between two people who have to fight for it against all odds,” said Liu. “This is the quintessential Marvel story, one that blends the modern world with the fantasy of super heroes in order to tell an exciting story that begins with a wedding–and continues in ways you can’t imagine.”
Northstar was first introduced to comic fans in the pages of 1979’s Uncanny X-Men #120, a member of the super hero team Alpha Flight and antagonist to the popular super heroes. A gold medal winning Olympian and successful businessman, the French-Canadian super hero quickly became one of the most popular members of Alpha Flight when its ongoing series launched in 1983. In 1992’s historic Alpha Flight #106, Northstar became the first openly gay super hero when he announced his sexual identity through national media. Since then, Northstar has not only joined the X-Men but become one of their most popular new members. Northstar and Kyle have been a couple since 2009, garnering a large fan following since their first appearance together.
Continued below“As a long-time fan of the X-Men, it’s not only a true honor to be part of such a historically significant story but also a complete joy,” explained Perkins.
Don’t miss the proposal everyone’s talking in Astonishing X-Men #50, available tomorrow in comic stores, on the Marvel Comics app and at the Marvel Digital Comics Shop. And then save the date for June 20, as Northstar and Kyle tie the knot inAstonishing X-Men #51
ASTONISHING X-MEN #50 (MAR120623)
Written by MARJORIE LIU
Art by MIKE PERKINS
Cover by DUSTIN WEAVER
Variant Cover by JOHN CASSADAY
Sketch Variant Cover by JOHN CASSADAY
Rated T+ …$3.99
ON SALE 5/23/12
ASTONISHING X-MEN #51 (APR120665)
Written by MARJORIE LIU
Art by MIKE PERKINS
Cover by DUSTIN WEAVER
Variant Cover by MARKO DJURDJEVIC
Create Your Own Wedding Variant also available
Rated T+ …$3.99
FOC–5/28/12, On-Sale–6/20/12
