The first gay Latina writes for Marvel
GABBY RIVERA never thought superhero comics would become a part of her writing career, but when the call came, she answered with geeky enthusiasm.
Marvel Comics reached out to Rivera, perhaps best-known for her novel Juliet Takes a Breath, and asked whether she’d be interested in being the writing voice behind America Chavez, a Latina, gay, superpowered and super-popular character who made a name for herself in the pages of super-team titles Young Avengers and The Ultimates.
Rivera says the chance to write such a character is like the dream she never knew she had coming true.
“Superhero comics seemed so out of my league that I never even imagined it as something I could do. But the second the opportunity came my way, it felt so right,” Rivera said. “I’ve always dreamt up wild, powerful and carefree superheroes that look like me and my family: thick, brown, goofy, beautiful. And now I get to see them come to life. America is going to be all those things and it’s (going to) be wild.”
Before beginning to write America, the new solo series (illustrated by Joe Quinones) that debuted in print and digitally last week, Rivera dived into stacks of comic books featuring the superstrong heroine who can fly and punch star-shaped dimension-hopping holes into the air, and who comes from another dimension. Rivera called it her “crash course” on all things America.
The biggest difference for Rivera between writing novels and superhero comic books? Time.
“I take my sweet old time writing my stuff. But working on America has been like riding a jet or a Jet Ski, something fast and fun,” Rivera said. “I’m churning out 20-page scripts while working full time at a national LGBTQ non-profit. It’s intense and challenging, I love it.”
Rivera says it is “dope as hell” to be the first gay Latina writing for Marvel Comics. She is aware that her presence at Marvel represents efforts by the publisher to make sure their diverse heroes have diverse creative talent on the production side as well. Especially in the current comic-book-reading era that includes social media, where diversity decisions are praised or critiqued.
“Folks have been wanting intersectional representation in literature and the creative arts since forever,” Rivera said. “Social media just heightens the scrutiny and gives people a space to connect. Online, groups like Black Girl Nerds, Latinx Geeks, and Geeks of Color are doing their thing.” – Washington Post