Credit: Marvel Comics

Comics publisher Marvel has removed an issue of X-Men Gold from circulation – after readers complained about hidden ‘anti-Christian and anti-Jewish messages’.

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Indonesian artist Ardian Syaf is said to have added hidden references to the Koran – and the number ‘212’, referring to Muslim protests against the Christian governor of Jakarta.

Syaf said, ‘This is a special memory for me. The number is a peace act, when a governor did blasphemy to our holy book.’

In another frame, Jewish character Kitty Pryde is seen in front of the word ‘Jew’, and next to a man wearing a T-shirt saying ‘51’ – believed to refer to a verse of the Koran which says, ‘O you who have believed, do not take the Jews and the Christians as allies.


Credit: Marvel Comics

Marvel issued a statement saying that the company had no knowledge of the hidden messages, and saying, ‘disciplinary action is being taken’.

A panel from X-Men Gold #1 (Marvel Comics)Available in stores now :) Geplaatst door Art of Ardian Syaf op Woensdag 5 april 2017

Marvel said, ‘The implied references do not reflect the views of the writer, editors or anyone else at Marvel and 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 is being taken.’

Syaf defended himself on Facebook saying, ‘I don’t hate Jews or Christians, I worked with them for 10 years. A lot of good friends too. For all that happened I apologise sincerely.’