In the last year Black Panther and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse broke box office records, gained critical acclaim, and won Academy Awards, which was previously considered an impossible feat for comic book films. In addition to the exemplary writing, design, and direction of these two films, the yearning for characters with dynamic personalities and diverse backgrounds has made these films unique and popular. Comics and their associated media are becoming increasingly more inclusive and are making an effort to depict relatively positive images of underrepresented groups. With Captain Marvel and a rumored Black Widow movie on the horizon, it is clear studios are recognizing the desire for diverse content, characters, and perspectives. Further, many comics and television shows based on comics, such as Black Lightning and Cloak and Dagger, are incorporating more social justice-oriented material. This panel will discuss the importance of inclusivity and representation in the media and social justice themes emerging from current content. Also, we will present potential next steps in terms of creating more inclusive media. Lastly, we will pay homage to Stan Lee for his role in creating a more inclusive universe in his material.
