Marvel pulls X-Men comic over 'hidden' Koranic messages

Marvel has removed a new volume in the X-Men series from circulation, after it was discovered that it contained hidden messages from the Koran inserted into the volume by an Indonesian artist.

Ardian Syaf secreted references to protests over the Jakarta’s first Christian governor in ‘X-Men Gold #1’, before they were spotted by readers.

They then complained to the veteran comic book publisher, suggesting that the messages were ‘anti-Christian’ and ‘anti-Jewish’.

In a statement to Sky News, Marvel said that ‘disciplinary action is being taken’ over the artwork.

“The mentioned artwork in X-Men Gold #1 was inserted without knowledge behind its reported meanings,” it 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.”

One of the references comes in a cell featuring Jewish character Kitty Pryde, in which ‘Jew’ appears to have been purposely highlighted in a shop sign for ‘jewellery’ by her head.

Also seen are the numbers 212 and 51 in the background – 212 being a code reference often used in the protesting of Jakarta’s governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, who was accused of insulting the Koran last year.

The 51 reference refers to Koranic passage 5: 51, which warns against the taking of Christians and Jews as allies.

Syaf apologised for the references in a post on his Facebook page, which now appears to have been deleted.

Of the 212 reference, he said: “The number is a peace act, when a governor did blasphemy to our holy book.

“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.”

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