TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The renowned American comic book publisher, Marvel, commented on one of their freshly released X-Men comic series called X-Men Gold #1 on Wednesday, April 5, 2017. Marvel voiced their concerns regarding some pages in the series which contained a number of controversial Indonesian political references.

The Indonesian freelance artist responsible for this specific series, Ardian Syaf, featured references which read “QS 5:51” and “212”. They refer to the political situation currently taking place in Jakarta which involves non-active Governor of Jakarta Basuki Tjahaja Purnama or better known as Ahok.

On Saturday, April 8, 2017, Marvel issued their official statement regarding this controversy as quoted from comicbook.com, “the mentioned artwork in X-Men Gold #1 was inserted without knowledge behind its reported meanings. These implied references do not reflect the views of the writer, editors or anyone else at Marvel.”

Marvel added, “[the references] are in direct opposition of the inclusiveness of Marvel Comics and what the X-Men have stood for since their creation. This artwork will be removed from subsequent printings, digital versions, and trade paperbacks and disciplinary action are being taken.”

It is yet to be known what type of disciplinary action will Marvel hand out to the freelance artist from Tulungagung, East Java, Indonesia.

The controversial issue included references regarding the protests against Ahok. One of them is the QS 5:51 reference written on the t-shirt worn by the character Colossus that refers to the verse of Al Maidah 51 in the Quran.

Meanwhile “212”, in the scene with Kitty Pryde, refers to the protest taking place in Jakarta on December 2, 2016, that was mobilized by conservative Muslims who urged the government to arrest Ahok for blasphemy.

This controversy sparked a public outcry, especially in social media.

EGI ADYATAMA