Image by Twitter/@io9

By Talya Zax April 13, 2017

Ardian Syaf, the Indonesian artist recently fired by Marvel over his inclusion of allegedly anti-Semitic and anti-Christian symbols in the newly-released “X-Men Gold #1,” told an Indonesian newspaper that Jews were to blame for his firing.

Syaf made the comment in an April 12 interview with Jawa Pos. Heat Street, translating that conversation, wrote that Syaf brushed off his termination by saying “But, Marvel is owned by Disney. When Jews are offended, there is no forgiveness.”

Heat Street reported that Syaf continued to explain that he was neither anti-Semitic nor anti-Christian, because if he were, he would not have worked for Marvel. (The comics conglomerate has recently drawn attention for beginning to feature more diverse superheroes, a move that a Marvel executive recently, controversially mused might explain a downturn in sales.)

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

“X-Men Gold #1” featured a number of details that Indonesian readers suggested expressed opposition to non-Muslims holding leadership positions in government. That issue is currently prominent in Indonesia, where the Chinese Christian Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, currently Governor of Jakarta, is running for a bitterly-contested re-election and facing the prospect of a blasphemy trial.

For full details on the controversial imagery in “X-Men Gold #1,” see Matthew Gindin’s explanation for the Forward.

A message from our Publisher & CEO Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount