Will ‘New Mutants’ Sunspot Ever Get His Tan Back?
It’s hard to think the superhero would have chosen to go full Sammy Sosa
With the long-delayed release of Fox’s X-Men film The New Mutants, claims of whitewashing have been lobbed at the film for its casting of the historically Afro Brazilian mutant Robert da Costa, otherwise known as Sunspot. However, this latest incident is not without precedent. For years, comic artists have made Bobby lighter and lighter, subtly erasing his African traits.
But no one has seemed to consider what Bobby feels about the ever-changing status of his skin. In light of this, I’ve penned this open letter to speak directly to Bobby about the issue.
Dear Bobby,
You’re not as dark as I remember you these days.
It seems to be something of a trend: Sammy Sosa, Eva Longoria, Lil Kim, and Jennifer Lopez all seem to be aging into paler complexions. I wonder if the seduction of fairer beauty was too tempting to pass up. After all, it’s easier for you than many: Your crack team of artists and inkers, with the stroke of a brush, can perform the sacar de gracia, that oldest of colonial traditions, the buying of whiteness.
I’ve watched over the years as the rich, black wool of your hair straightened itself into a sea of…
