Marvel Artist Inserts Anti-Jewish and Anti-Christian Messages in 'X-Men' Comic Book
The story of the long-running "X-Men" comic book series revolves around the evolution of the human race as manifested by the rise of genetically advanced beings called mutants and their quest to gain acceptance in a closed-minded society that fears their extraordinary abilities.
Part of its popularity lies on this theme of acceptance and inclusion which resonated in the real world that is divided by prejudice, hate and discrimination. This week, however, controversy hounded the hit comic franchise when one of its comic books contained anti-Semitic and anti-Christian messages.
The coded messages appeared in "X-Men Gold #1" which is marketed by publisher Marvel Comics as a collector's item. The illustrator behind the issue is Indonesian artist Ardian Syaf who injected references pertaining to religious and political conflict in his native country.
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In one panel, the number 212 was innocently shown emblazoned on a storefront that was perceived to be New York's phone area code. It turned out to be the date of a rally against Jakarta's first Christian governor who is under fire for allegedly making anti-Muslim remarks.
Another panel featured Colossus playing baseball and wearing a jersey bearing the mark "QS 5:51" which actually meant Quran Surah (chapter) 5 verse 51, which reads, "Oh you who believe, take not the Jews and the Christians as leaders/advisors. They are [in fact] allies of one another. And whoever is an ally to them among you — then indeed, he is [one] of them. Indeed, Allah guides not the wrongdoing people."
Another panel showed Kitty Pryde standing with her back turned to the reader and angled in a way that a jewelry store signage on the background is blocked by the Jewish superhero's head to emphasize the letters J, E and W. In the same panel, a man can be seen wearing a shirt bearing the controversial number 51.
The references were pointed out by an Indonesian fan in a Facebook post. Marvel subsequently terminated the artist and released a statement saying it had no knowledge of the messages behind the inserted artwork. It assured that the references did not reflect the views of the company.
