With the release of Marvel’s “The Avengers” in 2012, members Thor and Captain America rose to superstardom. These beloved characters, each with their own successful comic book franchises, will soon become unrecognizable to even their biggest fans.

Fans who watched “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” will remember Sam Wilson, an ex-pararescueman who uses his skills as the superhero Falcon to aid Black Widow and Captain America. Robbed of his super strength and youth due to an issue with his super-soldier serum injection, Captain America will be passing the red, white, and blue shield to Wilson. Coming this fall, leaving his Falcon wings behind, Wilson will assume his responsibilities as this nation’s newest African American hero in the new Marvel comic series, “All-New Captain America” #1 by Rick Remender and Stuart Immonen.

Thor will also be passing on his title and beloved hammer, Mjölnir. To be released in the fall along with the All-New Captain America, Thor, written by Jason Aaron complimented with art from Russell Dauterman will feature a very different Thor than the one we know now. The famous hammer, which has the words “Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor,” inscribed on its side will now be wielded by a new mystery woman. Thor will be the eight Marvel title to feature a leading female protagonist, proving that comic books aren’t just for boys.

Although Marvel is already known for its strong female characters such as Black Widow, Mystique, and Storm, it is refreshing to see a female in a role that had previously been given to a male. With all the recent debate over gender equality, the new female Thor is a huge step toward equal treatment in the world of comic books.

While these drastic changes to such famous characters are taking place, it is more than obvious that Marvel is striving to add heroes that all members of society can relate and look up to. A more diverse range of heroes opens up many opportunities and doors, and it is pleasant to see a major company rise up and make the necessary changes to accommodate America’s diverse society.