Following this week's announcement of a new "Hercules" series, observers wondered if the news meant Marvel now had a new ongoing starring a bisexual character, given previous suggestions regarding Hercules' sexual orientation. According to Marvel Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso in the latest edition of CBR's weekly Q&A column AXEL-IN-CHARGE, that's not the case.

When asked about previous hints of bisexuality and an alternate Hercules' romantic relationship with an alternate Wolverine in the 2012-2013 "X-Treme X-Men," series, Alonso responded, "Hercules and James Howlett's relationship in 'X-Treme X-Men' took place in a unique alternate universe, similar to how Colossus was gay in the Ultimate Universe, but is straight in the 616. Same goes for Hercules here."

2010's "Hercules: Fall of an Avenger" #1, co-written by Greg Pak (who also wrote the "X-Treme X-Men" series) & Fred Van Lente and illustrated by Ariel Olivetti, contained perhaps the biggest hint towards Hercules' bisexuality. The issue, which takes place in the continuity of the classic, mainstream Marvel Universe, sees the character of Snowbird suggesting that the male Northstar (long established as openly gay), should be counted among an assembly of Hercules' past sexual partners, otherwise all female.

Additionally, many interpretations of Greek mythology, which Marvel's Hercules is inspired by, characterize Hercules as bisexual. Marvel's new "Hercules" series, written by Dan Abnett and illustrated by Luke Ross, is scheduled to debut in November.