Marvel is here with their Pride Special issue! Check out this action-packed anthology and see what our heroes are up to in Marvel United: A Pride Special by Marvel Comics!

MARVEL UNITED: A PRIDE SPECIAL

Writers: Al Ewing, Wyatt Kennedy, Zoe Tunnell, and Anthony Oliveira
Artists: Kei Zama, Bayleigh Underwood, Federica Mancin, and Pablo Collar
Colorists: Brittany Peer, Irma Kniivila, Tamra Bonvillain, and Michael Wiggam
Letterer: Ariana Maher
Editors: Michelle Marchese and Lindsey Cohick
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Cover Price: $5.99
Release Date: June 11, 2025

Previously in Marvel Voices: Marvel Voices began as a podcast aimed at spotlighting creatives of color in the Marvel Universe and has since evolved into a comic book anthology. These collections highlight both emerging and established talent, showcasing underrepresented voices and celebrating diverse cultures and communities within Marvel.

WHO WE ARE

While I’m hesitant to summarize each story in this anthology, I believe the first entry sets the tone and captures the spirit of the book. It features characters from Avengers Academy, like Escapade and Captain America of the Railways, who team up to take down Hydra and the Hatemonger, a villain described here as the living embodiment of Hitler. They encounter Loki, who convinces Escapade to switch places with the Queen of Nevers, who ultimately destroys Hitler’s ghost.

The remaining stories include a dream of Mystique’s, an unexpected and engaging team-up between Sera and Black Cat, and a poignant story about Steve Rogers’ friend Arnie Roth.

MY BUDDY

Each of the four stories in Marvel United: A Pride Special #1 is well-written and uses simple storytelling techniques to make a substantial emotional impact. That’s part of the book’s strength; it doesn’t rely on a sprawling six-issue arc of heroes versus villains but instead offers snapshots: a dream, a brief team-up, a moment of reflection. And yet, powerful lines resonate throughout. The Hatemonger declares in his opening monologue, “Those who disgust you shall fall,” while Captain America of the Railways later starts, “But we’ve got us. We know what it is to live as ourselves. An open treasure chest inside us instead of a locked cage.” That line, in particular, stands out as a beautiful metaphor for queer self-acceptance.

This book may not be for everyone, but for those open to its message, it will hit home. I found its tone earnest, the messaging clear but not preachy, and I applaud the creative teams for putting this work into the world, even knowing that not everyone will want to hear it. With strong art from the creative team, this is a fantastic read.

BOTTOM LINE: GREAT READ

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. My primary concern with message-driven stories is that they might sacrifice storytelling in favor of the message. Fortunately, that’s not the case here. While the message is clear, it complements rather than overshadows the narrative. With that in mind, Marvel United: A Pride Special #1 earns a strong 4.5 out of 5 from me.

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