Comic book enthusiasts are in for a surprise this September with the release of AfterShock Comics' new series Alters, which stars one of the world's first transgender superheroes.
The series will feature Charlie Young, a.k.a. Chalice, a young man with the ability to fly who is transitioning into a woman. The official synopsis for "Alters" says:
From a diverse team of creators composed of differing genders, gender identities, ethnic backgrounds and sexual orientations comes a groundbreaking new series featuring the world's first transgender superhero!
As the world struggles to accept the emergence of a new kind of mutant species known as alterations, or “Alters,” a young woman begins her transition from male to female only to find herself also transitioning into a powerful Alter. Faced with persecution by the multi-powered fascist known only as Matter Man, she will face the world as Chalice–a hero for a new age. But as Chalice navigates the path to becoming her true self, she must juggle the complications of her civilian life and the responsibilities of her newfound power.
This groundbreaking series–years in the making–begins the saga of a young woman who can only really be herself…whenever she is not herself.
In an interview with The New York Times, "Alters" creator Paul Jenkins cited his mother, who is apparently gay, as an inspiration for writing the series. Jenkins explained, "If we ever get to a point where issues such as race, sexuality and gender identity are a nonissue, we will have arrived. That's my Mum talking right there."
He went on to call the comic book industry "a boys' club."
"Alters" joins a growing list of progressive comic books featuring transgender characters, including TransCat and Kim & Kim, which is set to be released in July. "Alters" will hit shelves on Sept. 7 and is being advertised for readers 15 and older.