Iceman #1
Sina Grace (w), Alessandro Vitti (a)
Marvel Comics

Liz says: In 2015, writer Brian Michael Bendis outed original X-man Bobby Drake (AKA Iceman) as gay. This week, as part of ResurreXion (Marvel’s overhaul of their X-men titles) Bobby is given his own solo series. It’s apt that a member of the X-Men should be the first gay male Marvel character fronting a solo book. X-Men stories have always dealt in themes of bigotry and prejudice; however, with an original team made up of mostly straight white male characters, the updating of Bobby as gay feels timely and necessary.

In the first issue of Iceman, the older Bobby makes for a likable and relatable protagonist. While his confident younger self makes an openly gay lifestyle look effortless, the older Bobby is still hitting bumps in the road as he comes to terms with who he is. In this issue, he takes his first steps toward dating by signing up for a singles website but sidesteps an opportunity, to be honest about himself to certain people in his life. Bobby is still at the beginning of his journey, but based on this funny, engaging first issue, it’s going to be a pleasure following him along the way.