Disney has announced a new series starring a hero with Borderline Personality Disorder

Disney has announced a hero for its upcoming Marvel series described as “Batman with multiple personality disorder” in an effort to reduce the stigma around mental health conditions.

Marc Spector, the protagonist in ‘Moon Knight’, plays a former CIA agent who becomes an international mercenary after becoming disillusioned with the organisation.

He dies while bleeding out during a disastrous mission to an archaeological dig site in Egypt, but is visited by the Egyptian god Khonshu and granted super strength in a second life.

However, he soon displays the symptoms of Dissociative Identity Disorder- including erratic behaviour and social impairment- when he begins to hear the voices of Khonshu in his head.

He goes on to develop several other alter egos, ranging from millionaire playboy Steven Grant, to cab driver Jake Lockley, as he takes on an array of street-level villains while grappling with his affliction.

Although other well known Marvel characters, such as DareDevil, have battled with their inner demons in the past, Moon Knight is among the first to have been defined through them so explicitly.

In the description of his character, Disney said: “Beyond boxing, he knows several martial arts, is a talented athlete and gymnast, and can speak several languages. Unfortunately, these abilities are balanced by an uneven mental state that manifests itself in bouts of depression and multiple identity disorder.

“Over his years as Moon Knight, Spector has also exhibited periodic demonstrations of supernatural powers such as enhanced strength during nights with full moons, prophetic visions and dreams, and the ability to drain another person’s life energies through physical contact.”

It comes as the entertainment giant attempts to modernise its image by including a more diverse range of lead characters for its new streaming service, Disney Plus.

Animators were forced to re-draw Disney's first black princess after anti-racism campaigners claimed she had been 'whitewashed' with lighter skin for ‘Wreck It Ralph 2’ in September 2018.

But the mass media company last night showcased a string of new series, including Marvel’s first ever Muslim super heroine, Ms.Marvel, at its D23 Expo in California.

Ms.Marvel is the story of Kamala Khan, a 16-year-old daughter of Pakistani immigrants living in Jersey City, who is able to shape-shift into other forms.

It cast the service as an inclusive family friendly channel, which will largely focus on airing mid-budget films.

Disney Plus will debut in the United States on the 12th November after Disney’s current online distribution deal with Netflix finishes.

The Australian and New Zealand launches will follow a week later, with the UK service coming online early next year.

Moon Knight is set to air on Disney Plus in 2022.