This is a fascinating story, perfectly told in the cartoon medium. (See comments to taco elsewhere in this thread.) This incident likely caught his attention because he had never been asked to change a character's shade. If she had said, "The villains are too white. Could you make them darker?" I imagine he would have noticed that too, and yes, it would be equally racist.is this racist? and I know that if I'm asking that question, the answer is probably "yes."
it certainly deserves asking. I think, also, the editor may be identifying perhaps unconsciously with Melita, Wolverine's X-girlfriend. It would be easier for her to project herself into the character if Melita were lighter. As a male artist, Ronald Wimberly might not be aware of that possibility.