Marvel Comic’s
has fired one of their X-Men artist after discovering controversial images
hidden in plain sight.
Indonesian illustrator Ardian Syaf is accused of placing
religious references inside the X-Men Gold #1.
The images were aimed at Jakarta’s christian Governor Basuki
Purnama, who has sparked several large scale protests.
The number 212 references a large December 2nd protest, known as
the 212 protest.
An image of X-Men Colossus wearing a shirt reading Q-S 5:51 was
also placed in the comic. This image refers to a Quran passage, which warns
against taking Jews and Christians as allies.
The controversy has drawn the attention of comic collectors and
the issue is already listed on eBay for
four times the retail price.
Marvel confirmed on Tuesday, that they have given the artist the
ax, but that issues #2 and #3 have already been printed and will still be
shipped out.
Syaf’s responded to the comics announcement in a Facebook post,
stating “My career is now over.”
