Wiccan (comics)

Wiccan
Wiccan. Artwork from the cover to Avengers: The Children's Crusade #1 by Jim Cheung.
Publication information
Publisher	Marvel Comics
First appearance	Young Avengers #1 (April 2005)
Created by	Allan Heinberg (writer) Jim Cheung (artist)
In-story information
Alter ego	William "Billy" Kaplan
Species	Human Mutant
Team affiliations	Young Avengers Avengers Idea Mechanics
Partnerships	Hulkling
Notable aliases	Asgardian Demiurge
Abilities	Vast magical abilities

Wiccan (real name William "Billy" Kaplan) is a comic book fictional, comic book superhero, and a member of the Young Avengers, a team of teenage superheroes appearing in books published by the Marvel Comics. Created by writer Allan Heinberg and artist Jim Cheung, the character first appeared in Young Avengers #1 (April 2005). The character's appearance is patterned on that of two prominent Marvel superheroes, Thor and Scarlet Witch, both of whom are members of the Avengers. Like the Scarlet Witch, Wiccan possesses very powerful magical abilities which make him a key member of his superhero team.

His story sees him discover that he and the super fast teen hero Speed are in fact long lost twin brothers, and that the pair are the sons of the Scarlet Witch and her husband Vision. Significant storylines for the character include him and his brother's search for their missing mother, learning to master his powers, and his ongoing relationship with his alien teammate Hulkling. Iron Lad recruited him to the Young Avengers, the team on which Hulkling also serves.

Wiccan first appeared in Young Avengers #1 (April 2005). The issue was scripted by Allan Heinberg and drawn by Jim Cheung. One of the original four members of the Young Avengers, the team was founded after the Avengers disbanded in the story line Avengers Disassembled.

Initially, Heinberg assumed that Marvel would not allow him to write two leading homosexual characters. Because of this, he originally planned to write Billy's love interest, Hulkling, as a female shapeshifter named Chimera. Chimera would discover that her true form was male, which would force Billy to decide if he was still in love with him. However, due to the complexity of this proposed story line, editor Tom Brevoort suggested simply making both characters gay.