Meet Marvel’s First Official Chinese Superheroes

Marvel's Chinese Superheroes
Marvel's Chinese Superheroes (photo: Google)
By Faith MagbanuaMay 13th, 2018

Just when things are getting super hyped in the Marvel universe, the launch of China's first Marvel Superheroes brings joy to its Asian fans.

Meet Aero and Lin Lie, two from a batch of Chinese characters making their debut in Marvel's graphic novels this week.

Co-authored by Marvel and NetEase, one of China's biggest online comic platforms, they are indeed a clear push by Marvel to attract more fans across the lucrative Chinese market.

Lin Lie and Aero

The name 'Lin Lie', who is also known as the main protagonist in one of the new comics, loosely translates as Warriors of Three Sovereigns.

The story revolves around the 18-year-old boy who picks up an ancient sword to fight against Chiyou - a reincarnated villain intent on destroying mankind.

The second comic, which translates to another character named Cyclone, features Aero - also known as Lei Ling outside her identity - she's an architect by day, who happens to be able to control air currents. By night, she uses her superpowers to save her city from various villains.

Although there is still no official confirmation, but if you look closely there's an Easter egg in the first issue of the Warriors of Three Sovereigns - a picture of Iron Man's mask can be seen in Lin Lie's room.

Maybe a sign that Tony Stark and his Avenger colleagues could show up some time in the future? Who knows.

Marvel first announced last year that it would be working with NetEase - one of China's biggest gaming and tech companies - to create its first ever Chinese superheroes.

According to Marvel Comics Editor-in-Chief CB Cebulski, the superheroes would be "heavily based on Chinese culture and mythology, but set in the modern world".

However, it isn't just the superheroes that are Chinese. Artists and story writers from China were also heavily involved in bringing the creation to life.

Basically, the collaboration makes a lot of sense - Marvel has a huge fan base in China.

"It's a way to help Marvel reach more of the China market," Robert Koepp, director of the Economist Corporate Network told news sources. "Disney [who owns Marvel] must think there is a lot of untapped market potential [in China]."

 

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