Marvel set to inspire new generation of visionaries through STEAM-related comic book covers

Many of our favorite comic book heroes come from the ranks of scientists or those who dabble in it, such as Peter Parker, Bruce Banner and Reed Richards.

So why not use them to instil a love of science among the up-and-coming generation of youths?

That was precisely what Marvel had in mind with its latest range of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) variant covers.

The covers, each one focusing on one of the STEAM fields, are scheduled to hit the comic book stands in November.

In a statement, Marvel’s senior vice president of sales & marketing, David Gabriel, said that for decades, the comic book publisher’s characters have spurred many fans to pursue their own careers in similar fields.

“With our new STEAM variants, we plan to continue to motivate our fans to explore their passions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art and math, and present these disciplines through some of our favorite young heroes who are doing just that – following their dreams and preparing for the challenges that await them ahead,” said Gabriel, as reported by Popular Science.

Besides the emphasis on STEAM subjects, it’s interesting to note the diversity among Marvel’s current generation of characters, which includes females, as well as those of African-American or Hispanic and African-American descent – minorities which are presently underrepresented in the fields they hope to promote. 

Speaking to NPR, Virginia Booth Womack, president of the National Association of Multicultural Engineering Program Advocates, said: “The media literally shapes what people aspire to be.”

“The power that the media has to give students the opportunity to emulate is huge,” she added.

The five covers will feature the latest Marvel superheroes, such as Miles Morales (Spider-Man); Lunella Lafayette (Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur); Riri Williams (Invincible Iron Man); Spider-Man, Ms. Marvel, Nova, Incredible Hulk, Viv, and teenage Cyclops (Champions); and Gwen Poole (The Unbelievable Gwenpool).

Here’s a sneak peek of the covers:

Images via Marvel 

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