ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at Marvel’s approach to incorporating commentary on real-world issues into their comics in the twenty-first century. It begins with a look at a series of crossovers published during the presidency of George W. Bush, focusing on the post-9/11 fear of terrorism, the international “War on Terror,” and the debate over civil liberties brought about by both. After a cursory look at the way in which Marvel retreated from such blatant social commentary during the Obama administration, the chapter then looks at a resurgence of crossovers with direct political metaphors during the campaign and presidency of Donald Trump, as well as the increased diversity amongst the Marvel heroes that arose at the same time.
