Marvel comic X-Men will feature its first same-sex wedding after gay character Northstar popped the question to his lover. Gay marriage advocates have hailed the move and hope it will increase acceptance of same-sex marriage.
A worldwide invitation has been issued for a legal gay marriage in New York State. And it's not just a low profile tying of the knot-- this one will be in front of millions and millions of comic book fans.
The super hero comic X Men will break new ground in its next edition when one of its mutant crime fighters marries his long time partner.
It's a move that's been welcomed by same-sex marriage advocates, who hope that increased visibility will lead to increased acceptance.
Xmen superhero Northstar first came out in 1992. It took him a few years but in the latest issue of Astonishing X Men he popped the question to his long-time partner and non-mutant Kyle Jinadu.
It's generated so much publicity that rival comic book publisher DC Comics has revealed it's going to change the sexual orientation of one of it's existing characters.
"DC have announced that they're going to be introducing a well known character from the previous universe into this new one who just has changed sexual preference that's all," says Jim Papagrigoriou of Kings Comics.
There has been speculation that it's Batman. But fans will just have to wait and see.
Superheros are traditionally tough, macho men, often with glamorous girlfriends.
"Male superhero characters, in particular, exist in worlds that are male-dominated and rely on strong homo-erotic bonds with other superhero characters," says Joseph Brennan from the University of Sydney.
There's little doubt that Marvel's latest twist in the tale is a response to US President Barack Obama's support of gay marriage.
"I think it's bringing in a level of acceptance to the comic book world and showing the rest of the world that we're just as open minded as everyone else," says Thor Parker.
The release of the gay-marriage comic coincides with a historic debate in the New South Wales legislative council.
A motion put forward by a state Greens MP would call on the federal government to legalise same sex marriage, which will be voted on next week.
There is little doubt that the tide is turning on Gay marriage. In Australia more than half of voters would support laws allowing same sex couples to get married, while about a third oppose it.
Experts say comic books and other forms of pop culture have the power to influence public opinion.
While the same-sex marriage in X-Men is welcomed by gay marriage advocates, the audience that reads comic books isn't necessarily the one they need to reach.
The readers tend to be younger and the younger demographics are generally more accepting of same-sex marriage.
"When you read about characters from outer space, who are from Krypton or characters who can do fantastical things does sexual preference really matter in the end?" asks Papagrigoriou.
But activists say it's the exposure that counts. And with the latest edition of Astonishing Xmen selling like hot cakes, increased exposure is exactly what it's getting.
