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Posted May 11, 2019 by Drew Bagay in Comics
 
 

Mico Suayan on Wave: “I had a feeling that Wave would be a huge hit.”

Marvel Comics’ latest Filipina superhero is taking the country by storm. Wave has made a successful debut in Greg Pak and Leinil Francis Yu’s newest title The War of the Realms: New Agents of Atlas #1.

In this interview, we had a chance to talk with artist Mico Suayan about the character and his Philippine exclusive variant cover.

Comic Odyssey exclusive cover. Art by Mico Suayan.

Comic Odyssey exclusive cover. Art by Mico Suayan.

FlipGeeks: How did you get the gig of doing an exclusive variant cover for War of the Realms: New Agents of Atlas #1?

Mico Suayan: I was part of the shortlist of artists that’s been considered by Sandy Sansolis of Comic Odyssey to do their very first Marvel Retailer exclusive cover for War of the Realms: New Agents of Atlas #1. I was very fortunate to get the gig when Marvel asked me to do it. I immediately accepted the gig.

Leinil Francis Yu used Angel Locsin as his reference for Wave. In your version, why did you based it on Nadine Lustre?

Nadine has a Filipino beauty that Marvel wanted for the character. Her skin color is what attracted me to use her as basis.

The debut of Wave has been big hit here in the Philippines. When you shared your take, have you any idea then that it would be a big deal for the country? Was there any pressure when you were drawing the cover?

I had the feeling that Wave would be a huge hit especially amongst our Filipino comic book fans. We are people with great pride so I wasn’t surprised at all, though I didn’t imagine it would be this big. Especially with Nadine Lustre fans hahaha!

In terms of pressure, nothing at all. I actually did the cover when I was in the US attending WonderCon. I was more pressured in finishing the commissions that time than doing this cover.

So far, what’s the best feedback you’ve received from all of this?

A lot to mention, but the unique ones I had was women sending their pictures (not nude) to me hoping I could use them as reference for any of my future artwork. My wife knows about this, I had to… hahaha!

When do you think is the best time to see a Filipino superhero/superheroine in the MCU? 

Anytime is good time. With diversity being accepted more widely, having a Filipino hero in the MCU wouldn’t hurt.

Speaking of the MCU, what do you think of Avengers: Endgame?

Endgame was AWESOME! First time I cried on a movie since Titanic.

If Wave will ever have a monthly solo comic book series – who do you want the creative team to be?

Greg Pak and MEEEEEE!

What do you expect in your signing event at Comic Odyssey?

I expect my hand will hurt from signing.

War of the Realms: New Agents of Atlas #1 is out in stores now! Mico Suayan’s variant is available through Comic Odyssey exclusively.


Drew Bagay

 
Drew is a lover of comic books, movies, and all things pop culture. He enjoys crime/thriller/noir fiction, playing the guitar, and taking long walks. He also doesn't like talking in third person.