Marvel Comics got into some controversy lately when it was revealed that Amazing Spider-Man #4 had an anti-Mormon reference in it. The comic, which continues the storyline of Peter Parker and Spider-Man being separated into different entities, had an image of Spider-Man with various advertisements in the costume, one of which was the book CES Letter, which questions and criticizes the religion.
Both Marvel and Ryan Ottley, the artist of the comic who put in the book reference, released two statements to The Hollywood Reporter. Marvel said that future reprints of the issue will remove the reference, including collected editions. The publisher also stated that the art was put in without them knowing what it meant, hence the removal in future issues.
(Marvel Comics/Ryan Ottley/Bleeding Cool)
Ottley says that the reference wasn't meant to offend anyone of the religion and claims that his entire family practices as Mormons. The former Invincible artist claims that the book interests him but does not reflect the views of Marvel or the character.
"I've spoken with Marvel about my recent artwork, and I have no animosity toward members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My entire family are members, as are many of my friends, and I would never include anything mean-spirited about them or their beliefs. The reference was in regards to a subject I am interested in and a personal decision I made in my life. It has nothing to do with the character, the story or Marvel."
Fans might remember a similar situation that happened with X-Men Gold #1 when artist Ardian Syaf put anti-Jewish and anti-Christian imagery. Syaf was later fired for what he did and future reprints of X-Men Gold #1 removed all of that imagery. It's safe to assume that Ottley won't be fired for this since the book is more of a criticism of the religion instead of a complete condemnation.
Amazing Spider-Man #4 is available now, so fans may want to get their hands on it since this will likely be a collector's item. The first reprint that removes the anti-Mormon reference comes out on September 12.
Read:Uncanny X-Men Returns This November With Weekly 10-Issue Story
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!
Fandoms