Wave, Marvel's Filipina superhero, debuts at SXSW

Here she is: Marvel's newest Filipino superhero, Wave.

She was introduced at SXSW, happening in Austin, texas this week. Coincidentally (or perhaps on purpose) it was International Womens Day.

Greg Pak, a film director and a writer for Marvel tweeted out her image Friday (March 8).

We're not sure what her super powers are except, based on the drawing by Gang-Hyuk Lim, she can breathe underwater, perhaps has control over some of the ocean's creatures and fights with two swords with the techniques used by Filipino martial arts, kali and arnis.

Asked by fans for more details, Pak responded, "you'll find out" in "War of the Realms: New Agents of Atlas" that will come out in May. Agents of Atlas is a team of superheros from Asia who are asked to join the better known Marvel heros -- Ironman, Thor, Hulk, Black Panther etc  to fight a new villain who are trying to -- what else? -- take over the world.

From the Marvel website:

"Earth becomes a battlefield as Malekith's forces lay siege upon our planet in WAR OF THE REALMS—the most all-encompassing, Universe-shaking event to hit the mighty Marvel Multiverse in years! 

"After a shock-and-awe invasion, the Accursed splits the globe into provinces set to be ruled by his dark and damned collaborators. As Sindr, Immortal Queen of Muspelheim, and her legions of Fire Demons march on Asia, a new band of heroes must unite to protect the Pacific Rim. 

"Introducing the NEW AGENTS OF ATLAS!"

"Written by Greg Pak with art by Gang-Hyuk Lim and a cover by Billy Tan, WAR OF THE REALMS: NEW AGENTS OF ATLAS #1 unites new and classic heroes to kick off the four-issue WAR OF THE REALMS tie-in series this May!"

There was general excitement in the Philippines with the revival of Marvel's connection to the Philippines through this new Marvel hero. 

In the past, Marvel has introduced other Asian characters to its universe: Amadeus Cho (the Chinese Hulk), Ms Marvel, Silk, Sunfire, Itsu, Surge, Silver Samurai, Opal Tanaka, Jubilee, and more. (If you're interested, Google their names along with "Marvel.")

There was even a league of Filipino superheroes called the Triumph Division which got wiped out by treachery. Iron Man attended their funeral.

However, the rest of the world -- or at least unfamiliar with Marvel's historic ties to the PHilippines, is asking about Wave:  "Why Filipino?" 

To which, I say, "Why not?" 

UPDATED March 10 1 p.m. to incude Marvel context.

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