In a continuing effort to promote diversity, Axel Alonso said that Hercules will not be bisexual in his new series.

Source: CBR

When Marvel announced that they were making a new Hercules comic, we knew that major changes were in store. For instance, Hercules will wear pants, which goes completely against his character. However, many fans were excited to see if Marvel would further explore Hercules' bisexuality. However, in an interview full of stuff that's likely to supply us with angry articles all weekend long, Marvel Editor in Chief Axel Alonso shot down the idea.

Also, a lot of fans have been curious if the character's sexuality -- it's been strongly suggested Hercules is bisexual, and in "X-Treme X-Men" an alternate Hercules was in a relationship with Wolverine -- will play a part in the series. Is there any insight you can provide at this point? Alonso: Hercules and James Howlett's relationship in "X-Treme X-Men" took place in a unique alternate universe, similar to how Colossus was gay in the Ultimate Universe, but is straight in the 616. Same goes for Hercules here. [Editor's note: Marvel declined a follow-up question on this subject.]

Of course, Alonso didn't address the "hints" about Hercules sexuality that took place in the mainstream Marvel Universe, most memorably during Hercules' funeral, when this happened:

That scene clearly took place in the regular Marvel Universe, not an alternate reality, but I guess Marvel is taking advantage of the "not-a-reboot" of All-New All-Different Marvel NOW! to get rid of that aspect of Herc's character, which frequently happens during "not-a-reboots."

It's too bad, because comics isn't exactly overrun with bisexual characters, and Herc is well suited for the role. He's is a popular, established hero, but his bisexuality fits in a real world historical context, so should face little opposition. Greek historian Plutarch said that Hercules had male lovers "beyond counting." When you take into account that Hercules was basically already out of the closet in Marvel's Universe, it would seem like a no brainer to explore it further, or to at least leave things as they are.

I guess Marvel feels there's a big market out there for Hercules comics featuring a definitively heterosexual Herc, and Axel had to put the kibosh on all this bisexuality talk.

Then again, maybe Marvel is just making room for all that "diversity" Axel claims we'll see by next February. We'll keep you updated.