Marvel's anti-bullying covers are beautiful and heartbreaking

The last time Marvel's choice in variant covers became a topic of conversation, we were talking about a Spider-Woman pose that would be fit for Nicki Minaj's "Anaconda" video and the overt sexualization of female superheroes. This time, things are a bit different (and better).

Marvel has released images of upcoming variant covers — covers that are special commissions and rarer than an issue's regular cover — that address bullying in honor of National Bullying Prevention Month, celebrated in October. It's a partnership with STOMP Out Bullying, a national bullying and cyberbullying prevention organization.

"The center of Marvel's storytelling history is the eternal struggle between good and evil, with many of its greatest superheroes having to contend with — and rise above — bullying, in all its forms," Axel Alonso, Editor in Chief of Marvel Comics, said in a statement.

The comics feature some of Marvel's iconic heroes talking about being bullied or comforting bullied kids. This Star-Lord one hits the perfect tone:

Star-Lord, a Guardian of the Galaxy, comforts a young alien boy (Marvel)

As does this cover featuring the Hulk:

The Hulk variant cover (Marvel)

And this cover featuring Gamora, of the Guardians of the Galaxy, is stunning:

Gamora variant cover(Marvel)

There will be eight variant covers in all, and they will go on sale in October.

For a full list of the comics included in the anti-bullying campaign, head on over to Marvel.

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