The Hypocrisy Around Diversity – And Why It’s Essential to Great Comic Storytelling

From The Theme of Thieves issue #1

Here's something that's been on my mind for awhile. As a comic creator I bump up against any restrictions in the ability to tell a story. In recent years, there’s been a wave of backlash from certain circles whenever a TV show, film, or comic introduces diverse characters. You hear phrases like “Why does everything have to be about identity now?” or “Just tell a good story.” But let’s be honest—this sudden outrage around diversity isn’t about story quality. It’s about discomfort with change.

And the hypocrisy is hard to miss.

For decades, mainstream stories were dominated by the same kinds of characters—usually white, male, straight, and able-bodied. No one called that “political.” It was just considered “normal.” But the moment stories begin including people outside that mold—Black heroes, queer love interests, Muslim protagonists, neurodivergent characters—it’s labeled as an agenda.

Let’s be clear: diversity is not racism. Including marginalized voices is not exclusion. It’s storytelling evolution.

Why Creators Add Diverse Characters

I, as a writer and creator of comics, and creators of film, and television aren’t adding diversity to check a box—they’re doing it to tell richer, more layered stories. Diverse characters bring new perspectives, histories, conflicts, and cultural nuances that deepen the narrative. A Black, Hispanic, or Asian superhero doesn’t just punch differently—they navigate a world that sees them differently. Especially here in the U.S. A queer character doesn’t just love differently—they bring a story of identity, courage, and complexity that broadens the emotional reach of a plot.

Good creators know this. They use these elements TO create that "good story." They understand that stories are about people—and people are diverse.

“Just Tell a Good Story” Isn’t Enough

The phrase “just tell a good story” sounds reasonable, but it's often used to shut down necessary conversations. What even is a “good” story? It’s subjective. What resonates deeply with one person may feel distant to another. What some label as “pandering,” others see as finally being represented.

Part of telling a truly good story, especially in the world of comics where metaphor, mythology, and heroism are key, is exploring the many different kinds of human experiences. A great story is one that connects—whether it’s through thrilling action, emotional depth, or powerful themes. Including different identities doesn’t distract from that—it enhances it.

Would “X-Men” have meant as much without its parallels to civil rights struggles? Would “Black Panther” have hit so hard if it hadn’t celebrated African heritage in a genre where that had never been done at that scale? Would “Into the Spider-Verse” have shattered expectations without Miles Morales—a biracial teen from Brooklyn—at the center of it?

These stories weren’t weakened by diversity. They were made legendary because of it.

The Real Problem

When people say diversity “ruins” stories, what they often mean is that stories are no longer centering just them. But the world is bigger than one viewpoint. And creators have every right—and, increasingly, a responsibility—to reflect that. Not for quotas or points, but because representation is part of the fabric of real, honest, compelling storytelling.

We’re not losing the ability to tell “good stories.” We’re finally expanding what those stories can be—and who they’re for.

If storytelling is about truth, imagination, and the human experience, then diversity isn’t a distraction—it’s the future. Especially if the world as you look outside your window is diverse. It would be a lie to not tell that story. And anyone who claims to love stories should want them to be as full, complex, and inclusive as the world we live in. I'm not telling you to read my stuff or anyone's that you don't agree with just realize that true creators will ALWAYS have a diverse perspective.

That's my take at least. I'll be back with more.

Excelsior!

-DP

The Theme of Thieves is on sale in comics stores nationwide and available at Comicsburgh.com!