Legacy and Diversity within 21st Century Comics

James Cosper will explore how the two largest comics publishers, Marvel and DC, approach legacy and diversity in the 21st Century.

A legacy character is one whose identity is built on the existence of another as either a relative or as an homage. From a graphic design standpoint, there are different aspects to consider such as costume reinterpretation, and expansion of the original character.

For example, there is DC's Superman, his cousin Supergirl, his clone Superboy, hisalien dog Superdog, etc. Batman has Batgirl, Batwoman, Batwing, Bat-dog, and half a dozen kids named Robin. There are half adozen characters named Flash. There have even been a few different characters named Wonder Woman.

Similarly, Marvel has been using the legacy concept to advance female and minority characters to the forefront when they take the names of older blockbuster characters. This has caused some controversy. Even those who want more or fewer female and minority figures argue that new characters should get fresh names rather than taking those of existing ones. Others point out that this naming and renaming has been a practice for half a century.

Far beyond the stuggles between good and evil, the comics reflect the social concerns of our time.

James Cosper is a Visiting Lecturer in Graphic Design in the Department of Art + Design, Art History, Art Education / College of Fine Arts and Communication at Towson University.