Asian Superheroes in Comics

The celebration of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Heritage Month are days away. In the world of comics, Marvel is taking part in this upcoming celebration with the second issue of the Marvel Voices anthology. The writers of the said story are part of the AAPI community. It features Asian superheroes on different adventures with twists and turns.

Marvel's Voices: Identity # 1 Cover

Photo Courtesy of Marvel

Taking place in the Marvel Universe, the issue will feature four different stories. The first one is entitled “Secrets” written by Thai-American Pornsak Pichetshote, artist Creees Lee and colorist Bryan Valenza. The story follows former S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Jimmy Woo and superhero Shang-Chi on an important mission with twists along the journey. Quoting Pichetshote, “It was a complete honor being asked to contribute to Marvel’s Voices: Identity #1 2022, and I was surprised by how immediately I knew the story I wanted to tell.”

"Secrets"

Photo Courtesy of Marvel

“Fool Me Twice” is the second story that features Ms. Marvel and Shang-Chi which is written by Sabir Pirzada along with artist Eric Koda and colorist Brian Reber. Quoting Pirzada, “I could not be more excited to be back on a Marvel’s Voices issue, this time pairing Ms. Marvel with Shang-Chi, two of the most iconic heroes among Asian Americans who have very different life experiences, especially when it comes to relationships with their families. How that might inform their value systems at this specific point in their lives was a question I had to explore.”

"Fool Me Twice"

Photo Courtesy of Marvel

The third story entitled “The Primeval Paradox” features Mantis from Guardians of the Galaxy bringing readers to her past life and getting ready for her bright future ahead. It is written by Jeremy Holt with art by Kei Zama and colors by Irma Kniivila. Quoting Holt, “Forget what you know of her from the films, Kei Zama and I are going to show you exactly how extraordinary this Guardian of the Galaxy truly is.”

"Primeval Paradox"

Photo Courtesy of Marvel

Last but not the least is the story “While You Were Out” featuring Wong from Dr. Strange which is written by Emily Kim with art by Rickie Yagawa and colors by Sebastian Cheng. It follows Wong showcasing the power and expertise of being master of the mystic arts in a solo adventure. Quoting Kim, “Wong is a fan favorite character, but we don’t actually know much about him. He hasn’t had a lot of stories devoted to just him.”

"While You Were Out"

Photo Courtesy of Marvel

It’s so great to be empowered knowing that Asians are also represented in comics. They can become a source of inspiration for young people and for those who need someone to look up to. Marvel’s Voices: Identity #1 2022 will be available on May 25.

References:

AsAmNews

CBR

Marvel

Written by Jan Marbella

Jan Marbella is a Digital Marketing Intern of PS Media Enterprise and a 4th year Bachelor of Arts in Communication student of De La Salle University Dasmariñas.