Marvel introduces first Chinese superheroes

Global Business

Marvel introduces first Chinese superheroes

It’s a comic book powerhouse and a license to print cash. Marvel have delighted kids (and adults) for decades and now that audience is set to grow even more.

Already a massive brand in China, now the country has been given its very own superheroes.

Aero and Lin Lie are two brand new characters, introduced to Chinese audiences in a tie in with internet giant, NetEase.

CGTN’s Phil Lavelle reports from Hollywood.

According to comic book expert and journalist, Ray Carsillo, it’s a plan that’s been in the works for a long time.

“They’ve (Marvel) been looking to get there for years, and haven’t really had anybody that could appeal to the Chinese market and also carry their own solo comic book,” Carsillo said. “So this is an effort for them to not only appeal to the Chinese, but also find a way to have characters that could carry their own books…hopefully for years to come.”

It raises the question: where could these characters go in the future? Marvel is not only prevalent in the comic book space, it’s also one of Hollywood’s dominant players, after Disney purchased it nearly a decade ago for $4 billion.

Avengers: Infinity War recently became the most-profitable superhero movie of all time with $1.6 billion token globally in its first few weeks. $200 million of that came from China alone.

Black Panther also did well in China, taking $100 million in its first fortnight.

Kathryn Arnold, a Hollywood entertainment expert agrees that it’s likely these characters will make it in front of western audiences at some point.

“These characters could definitely make it onto the big screen, especially with so many Chinese movies in the past,” said Kathryn Arnold. “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Jet Li movies, Bruce Lee.. Jackie Chan.. these are characters and movies that have done exceptionally well both in China and the American market and the world around.”

 


Dominique Musorrafiti discusses Marvel’s introduction of Chinese superheroes

CGTN’s Rachelle Akuffo spoke to Dominique Musorrafiti about Marvel’s introduction of Chinese superheroes.