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Posted May 8, 2019 by Drew Bagay in Comics
 
 

Leinil Francis Yu on Wave: “I realize we needed this inspiring icon today.”

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

We had a chance to have a short chat with co-creator Leinil Francis Yu about the character, and the importance of a modern Filipino superhero in Marvel.

Wave-early-sketch

EXCLUSIVE: Leinil Yu’s early sketch of Wave.

FlipGeeks: So far, you’ve had a quite of an amazing career as an artist in the comic book industry. You’ve drawn probably almost everyone in the Marvel Universe, and had some time to collaborate with Mark Millar in Supercrooks and Superior. In designing a character, especially Filipino representation in Marvel, how important was it that you hit a home run?

Leinil Yu: Honestly, while I was doing it, I didn’t realize how important it is to my countryman. I thought it would be very cool and be inspiring but not at this scale. Filipinos all over the world were messaging me and telling me how happy they were. I have a very small female audience but most feedback came from Pinays who were very excited about the representation and inspiration.

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

Just the sheer amount of inspiring messages, collectively. I realize we needed this inspiring icon today. Our country is going through so much the past few years so this ray of bright light is much needed.

Wave-Leinil-Francis-YuWhat is the best time to see a Filipino super hero/super heroine in the MCU? And what do you think of the Avengers: Endgame?

TODAY! I have to thank my editors and Greg Pak for making this possible. We were planning to pitch a Pinoy sometime soon but I think it’s hard to top WAVE at this time. So glad she was the one we came up with. I LOVED Endgame.

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

It has to be Greg, me and Gerry (Alanguilan). I can serve as consultant and translator as I speak Bisaya, Tagalog and English.

The War of the Realms: New Agents of Atlas #1 is out in stores now!


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.