Marvel Comic Artist Says 212 Message is Not Hatred

New York, 22 Rajab 1438/19 April 2017 (MINA) – An Indonesian comic artist who sparked controversy for inserting hidden political and religious references into his work has defended his moves, in an interview with Al Jazeera.

Ardian Syaf drew attention when one of his paintings had the number 212 in the background, a reference to a large protest held last December against Jakarta’s first Christian governor, Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, who was accused of blasphemy against Islam, the media reported.

The politically charged comic strips led Marvel Comics to terminate the freelance contributor’s contract, saying Syaf’s drawings went against the brand’s message of inclusiveness.

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“For us Muslims, it is not a hate message,” Syaf told Al Jazeera.

In another drawing, Syaf sneaked in the number 5:51, which refers to a verse in the Quran which some interpret to mean Muslims should only appoint other Muslims as leaders.

This became popular since Ahok said in one of his speeches at Seribu Islands that this verse is used to fool people to not choose non Muslim leader. The statement condemned by most Muslim parties in the country. This also led into several protest by million people accross Jakarta in months.

Syaf says he has no regrets, even if the move puts his career is in jeopardy.(T/RE1)
Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)