Northstar is set to get married (Courtesy Marvel Comics)

In a moment some 73 years in the making, Marvel Comics announced Tuesday on the set of “The View” that for the first time ever its universe would hold a gay marriage featuring one of its superheroes.

Comic fans can look forward to the June 20 release of “The Astonishing X-Men #51" where long-time X-Man, Northstar, will wed his boyfriend of three years, Kyle, in New York City.

Marvel is no stranger to LGBT characters with dozens of such heroes in its stables. But Northstar, who’s real name is Jean-Paul Beaubier, became Marvel’s first openly gay character in 1992.

The comic’s writers decided the timing for a wedding was just right given New York state’s real life decision to legalize gay marriage last June.

"The Marvel Universe has always reflected the world outside your window, so we strive to make sure our characters, relationships and stories are grounded in that reality," said Axel Alonso, Marvel's editor-in-chief, in a statement.

Not to be outdone, rival DC Comics announced that a major character would soon be coming out of the closet leading to speculation over who it might be. Incidentally, DC Comics held its first gay marriage in 2002 under the Wildstorm brand.

None of this has gone unnoticed by LGBT groups, who see the announcement as recognition that comics have a significant gay following.

“DC and Marvel are recognizing that there is an LGBT audience that has been reading their comics for years,” said Matt Kane, an official for GLAAD.

The announcement also comes just two weeks after President Obama voiced his support for same-sex marriage.

President Obama, who is a fan of Marvel Comics, also happened to be the first president to team up with Marvel hero Spiderman after just eking out a victory over comedian Stephen Colbert in the Marvel Universe.

You can reach reporter Salomon here or follow him on Twitter.