Marvel Comics drops Princess Diana story

NEW YORK, July 13 (UPI) -- Marvel Comics has dropped the late Princess Diana from an upcoming issue of "X-Statix," the "X-Men" offshoot that satirizes celebrity culture.

"While Lady Diana was portrayed in a positive light in the comic book, upon reflection, the company has decided to remove Princess Diana and all references to the royal family," Marvel Comics said in a statement.

In a story entitled "Di Another Day," the X-Statix mutants, heroes who are preoccupied with fame and money, would have helped protect the newly revived royal from a marauding band of mutants, Entertainment Weekly reported.

When Marvel announced the storyline of couple weeks ago, "X-Statix," Peter Milligan said that, not only was she a valid character for a media satire, but also she "looks great in Spandex."

However, Buckingham Palace said it found the idea "utterly appalling" and a "cheap attempt to cash in on Diana's fame and the tragic circumstances surrounding her death."