[update]

Palmer: “Right. Well, thanks. And speaking of better moods, how does it feel to be an out gay character and star of Marvel Team-Up?”

Freedom Ring: “What do you mean ‘star of Marvel Team-Up’? The comic is canceled after October. Is this some twisted way for you to get on my good side?”

Palmer: “No, no. You don’t know? Joe Quesada said it himself over at Newsarama’s New Joe Fridays. He said it twice. It’s just there hasn’t been much, you know, fanfare about it.”

Freedom Ring: “What?! Quesada said I’m a star? Woo hoo! That rawks! I’m a star! A star! I told Jeffrey! Maybe now he’ll believe me!”

From Joe Fridays on Newsarama

NRAMA: Well, all projects are made up at one point…

Okay, so we’re going to have to put you on the spot again about an issue that arose during your Chicago Cup ‘O Joe panel, which was picked up by the gay press and sparked some debate.

Though you made it fairly clear the policy isn’t of your making and that you’re not happy about it yourself (correct us if we’re wrong about that interpretation?), it’s regarding the Marvel Comics policy about any solo series starring a gay or lesbian character would be published as a MAX title.

First of all, we have to ask, is it a true policy in the sense would your higher ups even truly consider publishing a solo series starring a homosexual character {and where his or her sexuality played a significant role), considering the negative publicity you cited Marvel as a company is apparently wary of?

It’s one thing to cite a policy saying “this would happen if”, but what is the true likelihood given the circumstances of any project actually being approved if this sensibility exists?

JQ: I’m glad you asked me this, fortunately this question has been raised again and it’s given us the opportunity to spark some internal discussions and revisit this issue especially in light of the fact that we have characters like Freedom Ring (who is the current star of Marvel Team Up without much fanfare mind you) and that we’ve had more gay and lesbian characters appearing in Marvel comics than ever before. In many ways, the old policy over the last few years has just sort of faded away, so let me just say that there is no longer any policy.

NRAMA: Okay, just so we’re clear about this – a character’s sexual orientation is no longer a factor in determining the rating of a potential title starring that character? So Freedom Ring – to use your example – could star in a non-MAX/Marvel Universe title – even if the character’s sexual orientation was a factor in the story?

JQ: Yes and Freedom Ring is already the star of Marvel Team Up.

NRAMA: And this is a new policy, or more accurately, the policy that may have prevented that the last few years is newly no longer in effect?

JQ: Correct.

RQ: “fazeforce" - Are we ever going to see the Noh-Varr Marvel Boy from the Morrison series, and if so, will it be in the 616 Universe? This is a great character that isn't being used. You guys could be sitting on another Sentry here! Hope we see him pop up.

JQ: Oh, we're very aware of that, fazeforce, we are very aware. Make sure to check out Civil War: Young Avengers/Runaways, there may be a small guest appearance. Can you say. "snap!"

And confirmed in WW: CHICAGO '06 - MARVEL CIVIL WAR PANEL