Bleeding Cool has been covering the Ardian Syaf situation with Marvel Comics in depth since the weekend. The artist hid a number of secret messages in the artwork of X-Men: Gold #1, published a week ago.
Referencing Indonesian political issues, particularly the “212” protest against Jakarta’s Christian governor Ahok, the messages included references to a Qu’ran verse unfavorable toward Jews and Christians as leaders in the Indonesian translations. The messages were reported on by Bleeding Cool this weekend,, prompting a response from Marvel promising disciplinary action as well as the removal of the messages from future printings and digital copies. Ardian Syaf was then dismissed from the X-Men: Gold comic, though the completed subsequent issues will be printed. Because of the controversy, the comic has shot up in value on the collector’s market. Syaf stated that he no longer had a career in comics, and has reiterated that he believed his messages were peaceful, and that he has no hate to Christians or Jews.
However, in an interview with local Jakarta newspaper Jawa Pos published today and translated by Coconuts, Ardian stated that he had tried to explain his side to Marvel. “But Marvel is owned by Disney. When Jews are offended, there is no mercy.”
However, he then reiterated that he wasn’t anti-Semitic or anti-Christian because, if he was, he wouldn’t have worked for a foreign publisher. You know, the one owned by Jewish people.
He also dismissed worries that other Indonesian creators had had regarding their own work from Marvel, saying that if they don;t make mistakes like he did, they won’t be fired.
Syaf also posted a photo to Facebook, deleted but preserved on Reddit by redditor heliumlight showing a meeting with the leader of the hardline Islamic Defenders Front FPI, Rizieq Shihab. The FPI is a hard-line Indonesian Islamist organisation in Indonesia, known for hate crimes and religious-related violence and are one of the groups behind the 212 marches. Syaf says that after the controversy blew up, he received an invitation to meet, which he accepted.
When contacted, Ardian Syaf told Bleeding Cool “no comment”.
Further Reading
- No, The X-Men Don't Torture The Head Of The Heritage Think Tank
- Marvel Didn't Do It, Fake Defenders Image Implies Jessica Jones As Evil Jew
- Well That Was Quick. X-Men Gold #2 Brings Back The Politics... (SPOILERS)
- Ardian Syaf Considering $3000 For Each Offending Page Of X-Men Gold #1 - And New Work From USA Publishers
- Mindless Speculation: Did Marvel Comics Pulp X-Men Gold #2?
- Marvel Comics Amend Ardian Syaf's Artwork On X-Men: Gold #1 By Adding A Grocery
- Retailers Up Their Orders For Ardian Syaf's Final Issue Of X-Men: Gold #3
- Gail Simone On Her Batgirl Artistic Collaborator, Ardian Syaf
- Marvel Fires Ardian Syaf For Controversial Hidden Messages In X-Men Gold, Completed Issues #2 and #3 Will Still Ship
- Ardian Syaf On X-Men Gold Controversy: "My Career Is Over Now," "Good Bye, May God Bless You All"
- How Will The Ardian Syaf Controversy Affect Other Indonesian Freelancers At Marvel Comics?
- Marvel Artist Ardian Syaf Hid Antisemitic And Anti-Christian Messages In This Week's X-Men Comic
Further Reading
- No, The X-Men Don't Torture The Head Of The Heritage Think Tank
- Marvel Didn't Do It, Fake Defenders Image Implies Jessica Jones As Evil Jew
- Well That Was Quick. X-Men Gold #2 Brings Back The Politics... (SPOILERS)
- Ardian Syaf Considering $3000 For Each Offending Page Of X-Men Gold #1 - And New Work From USA Publishers
- Mindless Speculation: Did Marvel Comics Pulp X-Men Gold #2?
- Marvel Comics Amend Ardian Syaf's Artwork On X-Men: Gold #1 By Adding A Grocery
- Retailers Up Their Orders For Ardian Syaf's Final Issue Of X-Men: Gold #3
- Gail Simone On Her Batgirl Artistic Collaborator, Ardian Syaf
- Marvel Fires Ardian Syaf For Controversial Hidden Messages In X-Men Gold, Completed Issues #2 and #3 Will Still Ship
- Ardian Syaf On X-Men Gold Controversy: "My Career Is Over Now," "Good Bye, May God Bless You All"
- How Will The Ardian Syaf Controversy Affect Other Indonesian Freelancers At Marvel Comics?
- Marvel Artist Ardian Syaf Hid Antisemitic And Anti-Christian Messages In This Week's X-Men Comic
- Selling in a Showrooming World at Diamond Retailer Summit 2018 (VIDEO) - April 21, 2018
- ComiXology Bestseller List, 21st April 2018 – When My Little Pony Beats Up Weapon H - April 21, 2018
- How Much Are Those Retailer Exclusive Action Comics #1000 Covers Selling For? - April 21, 2018
- Main Street Marketing on a Shoestring Budget at Diamond Summit 2018 (VIDEO) - April 21, 2018
- Sergio Aragonés Joins Bill Morrison in Pasadena Tonight for MAD Magazine #1 Relaunch - April 21, 2018