In the latest issue of The Unstoppable Wasp, Nadia Van Dyne learns to deal with bipolar disorder. Marvel comics has often been lauded for their ability to make their heroes be relatable. Tony Stark’s Demon in a Bottle storyline is one such scenario that comes to mind when thinking of Marvel heroes at their most vulnerable and human. Today, with the increasing conversation about mental health, it makes sense for Marvel to continue that conversation through the comic book medium.
For those that are unaware, Nadia Van Dyne is the daughter of Hank Pym and his first wife, Maria Trovaya. She creates her own Wasp costume using tech from her father and is later mentored by Janet Van Dyne and later adopts the last name Van Dyne for herself. In issue 5 of The Unstoppable Wasp, we see young Nadia Van Dyne struggling with solving a problem from the previous issue which has gotten worse and she is becoming increasingly more disorganized. This is cause for concern for Janet Van Dyne as she is well aware of her husband’s own case of bipolar disorder and how the condition is hereditary. Janet also remarks how Nadia’s behavior is indicative of a manic episode and explains to Nadia’s friends, “If it’s not treated, a person can have episodes – intense changes in mood – especially in times of stress.”
It is also important to note that this story arc was planned with the utmost accuracy and sensitivity to the subject. Writer, Jeremy Whitley consulted with family members of those who suffer from bipolar disorder and psychologists as part of his research to give an honest portrait of the mental disorder.
The Unstoppable Wasp No. 5 is now available for purchase.