Wiccan & Hulkling: Raid of Ultron #1 (MARVEL COMICS)
The LGBTQ community finds itself under increasing pressure with rights, visibility, and basic existence once again political talking points. Every June corporations flood social media with rainbow logos and carefully crafted messaging. It often leaves many within the community questioning whether that support is genuine or simply another marketing strategy designed to generate positive PR and make a quick buck. That question naturally extends to Marvel as well.
In Marvel’s case, The House of Ideas have been running their “Marvel Voices” special since 2021. It has always been a celebration of individual LGBTQIA+ characters & creators. For this years’ special, the focus is on one of the most famous couples in the MCU.
Wiccan & Hulkling: Raid of Ultron #1 by Wyatt Kennedy, Stephen Byrne, Zoe Tunnell, Rachael Stott, Tegan Quin, Luciano Vecchio, Brittany Peer, Josh Trujillo, Bradley Clayton, Fabi Marques & Ariana Maher unveil an exciting tale of love conquering all.
Wiccan & Hulkling: Raid of Ultron #1 by Wyatt Kennedy, Stephen Byrne, Zoe Tunnell, Rachael Stott, Tegan Quin, Luciano Vecchio, Brittany Peer, Josh Trujillo, Bradley Clayton, Fabi Marques & Ariana Maher (MARVEL COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Marvel’s 2026 Pride issue centers around Wiccan and Hulkling as they host a family gathering only for the event to spiral into chaos. In true Marvel fashion, Ultron crashes the party as an uninvited member of the family tree. The party guests are split into smaller groups confronting different versions of Ultron, with the larger theme shining through as one of family, relationships, and interpersonal dynamics.
What makes the issue effective is that it does not treat its LGBTQ+ characters as fundamentally different from anyone else. Rather than building the story entirely around one's identity, the comic focuses on the same struggles every type of relationship faces: insecurity, communication breakdowns, expectations, and the complications that come with families. The conflicts presented here are not uniquely queer conflicts; they are universal ones. The creators' approach gives the book a strong sense of authenticity. The heroes are not written as symbols first and characters second. They are simply people navigating the same emotional challenges that exist in any family or relationship while also dealing with the added chaos of the Marvel Universe. In many ways, that normalcy is what makes the representation feel more meaningful and a great approach for anyone to relate to.
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One of the weaknesses of the issue is that while the story feels complete and satisfying in the moment, it does not necessarily feel essential or particularly memorable long-term. Although the comic does build upon elements of Wiccan's and Hulkling’s existing character arcs, it functions more as a self-contained story, rather than a major progression of their (and others') broader narratives within the Marvel Universe.
As a result, the issue does feel like a one-off. It lacks a story with lasting consequences or world-building. Readers looking for major status quo shifts or a defining chapter in these characters’ journeys may walk away feeling that the "superhero" narrative plays things relatively safe. That said, the emotional sincerity within the story makes the experience worthwhile even if it is not a story that demands repeated revisits.
The artwork does not reinvent the wheel stylistically. It succeeds through strong details and a rich/expressive color palette. Each section of the story has its own energy and identity. The visual presentation feels comfortably familiar in the best possible ways. It helps the overall grounding of the stories' emotional themes while also allowing the more chaotic superhero moments to be impactful.
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Color plays an especially important role throughout the comic. Nearly every page embraces vibrant tones that subtly reinforce the spirit of Pride without overwhelming the reader. The full spectrum of the rainbow is represented across the issue, helping create an atmosphere that feels warm and immersive.
Representation matters and continues to be an important fight for the LGBTQ community. Finding ways to show normalization and inclusion helps shape how this community is understood and accepted. What makes this issue stand out is that it avoids reducing its LGBTQ characters to tokenized traits or shallow moments. Instead, the creators present as people first. Heroes with strengths, but also with flaws, insecurities, struggles, and complicated family dynamics. That approach is far more powerful than overt pandering.
The comic does not pause to constantly remind the reader why representation matters. It simply allows these characters to exist naturally within the Marvel Universe while telling a complete and emotionally grounded story around them. However, that does lead to a story that feels a bit safe. It leaves me wondering if they should've included at least one defining moment. They didn’t need to aim for the cultural highs of “Northstar Comes Out” or “The Night Gwen Stacy Died” but without a standout superhero or representation moment, the story feels somewhat lacking.
FINAL GRADE: 8/10
With beautiful styling, vibrant artwork, and an engaging narrative, Marvel’s Pride issue ultimately succeeds with an emotionally genuine chapter. It is heartfelt, a bit chaotic, colorful, and above all fun.
Let me know your thoughts on Wiccan & Hulkling: Raid of Ultron #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!