Wiccan comics: Encyclopedia - Wiccan comics

Wiccan (comics)

Wiccan, whose real name is Billy Kaplan, is a fictional character and member of the Young Avengers, a team of superheroes in the Marvel Universe. His appearance is patterned on that of Thor.

He first appeared in Young Avengers #1 (April, 2005). The issue was scripted by Allan Heinberg and drawn by Jim Cheung.

Wiccan comics - Biography

Billy Kaplan is the eldest of three sons born to cardiologist Jeff Kaplan and psychologist Rebecca Kaplan. He was one of the Young Avengers chosen as a result of the Vision's plan for the reformation of the Avengers, in the event the team ever disbanded. He chose the name Asgardian, possibly in honour of the Avenger Thor.

The full extent of his powers are unknown, though they include flight and lightning generation. In Young Avengers #5, it is revealed that he can cast spells using a technique learned from "self-help books" owned by fellow Young Avenger Hulking's mother. Whether this was a play on words or an exaggeration remains to be seen.

In Young Avengers #6 (August 2005), the team is told to disband by Captain America. The Young Avengers decide to ignore the superhero. Kate Bishop tells Billy that he should change his code-name to avoid the obvious puns when the press discovers that he's in a relationship with Hulkling. After several suggestions from his teammates, he chooses the name Wiccan.

Allan Heinberg has remarked that when Billy discovers the origin of his powers, he will be looking for a new codename. Though it has not been explicitly stated, his powers seem to be linked to Wanda Maximoff, the Scarlet Witch, who Billy said was his favorite Avenger. Regularly beaten up in school, Billy found solace outside the gates of the Avengers mansion. One day, Billy encountered Wanda, who told him to stand his ground the next time it happens. She then touched his head, creating a red light. The next day, Billy follows her advice and ends up demonstrating his powers for the first time, surprising himself despite being born with them.

Wiccan comics - Relationships

Exchanges between Asgardian and Hulkling (and the latter's character design) have led some readers to speculate that the two young men have a much more intimate bond than mere friendship. Allan Heinberg confirmed this speculation, stating that his intent was to reveal the relationship in issue #12, and he was surprised that his subtle clues were picked up on so quickly.

Categories: Young Avengers members | LGBT comic book characters

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Wiccan comics", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki