10 Asian Superheroes You Didn’t Know About

It’s no surprise that Asian superheroes have really caught on in the last decade. After all, given how the skills of Bruce Lee and the tropes of Japanese & Hong Kong films have permeated pop culture, coupled with Asia’s sense of mysticism, it’s almost like Asia’s always been a continent of superheroes.

Even with the likes of the Pakistani Ms. Marvel and the Chinese-American Shang-Chi getting the Disney/Marvel treatment, many other Asian superhero characters lay forgotten. But thanks to today’s active efforts in correcting the homogenized approach of the past with active diversification, Asian superheroes are finally getting the limelight they deserve—and with them, Asian creators!

And with the superpowers of Netflix and other emerging streaming platforms, more alternative and independent superhero content are making their way to the global audience.

10 Super-Man Of China

It’s only appropriate that this list, like all lists on iconic comic book superheroes, begins with Superman! Or, at least, a Super-Man.

Kong Kenan is the Super-Man of China! The far east’s response to the west’s greatest hero, Kenan finds himself imbued with the essence of the New 52 Superman following the Kryptonian’s death. Activating a unique set of Kryptonian Qi powers (yes, you read that right), Kenan leads the Justice League of China!

While the character’s future remains to be seen, his presence has had a lasting impact on fans of the series, with hopefully more to come in this post-Rebirth universe.

9 Green Lantern Kai-ro

The very nature of Green Lanterns makes them ripe for extensive diversity and a variety of personalities as power wielders. And while Sector 2814 (wherein Earth is located) has no shortage of Green Lanterns, the DC Animated Universe introduced yet another candidate from the time of Batman Beyond, in the decades after Justice League Unlimited.

Despite his understated presence, Green Lantern Kai-ro left an impression on the audience, with both his calm demeanor and young age lending him a persona of intrigue.

Kai-ro’s popularity may have inadvertently also led to the creation of Jong Li, a modern creation of DC visiting Earth’s very first Green Lantern, a mystic from the times of Feudal China also known as Green Lantern Dragon Lord.

8 Doctor Mirage

Not too long ago, a new era of bold superhero titles threatened to eclipse the established worlds of DC and Marvel. Alongside the likes of Image’s still renowned characters, this new era included the offering of Valiant Comics.

Of the fair bit of heroes that Valiant has contributed over the last 31 years, Doctor Mirage stands out as one of the more memorable entries for being both an Asian superhero, and for selling over two million copies in the two year run of his original series, The Second Life of Doctor Mirage. Also known as Hwen Dong Fong, Doctor Mirage’s origin lies in his days as a parapsychologist along with his wife and partner, Carmen Ruiz.

The character has since been reimagined for the modern run as Shan Fong, also a paranormal investigator and scientist, who is able to communicate with the deceased, including the ghost of her husband.

7 Big Hero 6

You’d think being a Marvel property with both a Disney animated film and TV series based on you would guarantee absolute fame. But, alas, things haven’t been as easy for Big Hero 6.

While both (film and TV show), have been great successes the substantial difference between the source comics and kid-friendly adaptations has made the original iteration virtually unrecognizable.

Not only does the comic book depiction delve into far darker themes and storylines, but the characters of Big Hero 6 are also somewhat linked to Marvel’s mainstays, featuring the likes of frequent Wolverine enemy, Silver Samurai, and X-Men member Sunfire himself.

Furthermore, the comics’ Big Hero 6 is recognized as Japan’s premiere superhero team as opposed to being residents of the fictional amalgamated city of San Fransokyo as seen in the movie and series.

6 Gundala

It clearly wasn’t going to be long after the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that other comic book properties would attempt the same. And while just about the whole world expected DC to take a stab at the formula, little did we expect the re-emergence of an Indonesian property.

A master of electrical manipulation, Gundala’s significance as a character has taken a greater metafictional significance over time, now tackling social issues head-on.

Having debuted in 1969, Gundala is now the pioneer of the Bumilangit Cinematic Universe, the first in a planned series of films based on more than a thousand comic book characters that the company has managed in the last few decades.

5 Green Turtle

Often touted as the first Asian superhero, the Green Turtle was molded in the shape of classic Golden Age heroes: a caped crusader defending the oppressed against the evils of World War 2!

Created by Chinese-American cartoonist, Chu F. Hing, Green Turtle battled Japanese invaders alongside the Chinese, clad in a green cowl and cape with a turtle shell print. Forged in the vein of Batman, complete with a manservant, a young sidekick, an air of mystery, and a high-tech plane, the Green Turtle was also an especially skilled mortal crimefighter.

Over seven decades since his debut, the Green Turtle was given a revival in the six-issue series, The Shadow Hero by Super-Man of China creator Gene Luen Yang, and southeast Asian artist Sonny Liew!

4 Darna

Where the Golden Age is concerned, it’s not very often that we think of independent superheroes. But much like the Green Turtle, superheroes were well and alive in the hearts of Asian readers… and creators.

The mythically-empowered Darna is a Filipino creation who has transcended pop culture to become somewhat of a national icon. Having debuted in 1950, the character’s popularity caught on rapidly with the character jumping onto film within a year of her debut! Powered by the White Stone, Darna possessed the allure of Venus, the glory of Apollo, and strength of Samson!

Between her cultural roots but modernized take on story-telling, Darna has proven to be a multi-generational success, with yet another film slated for release in the near future.

3 Devi

India has proven to be fertile for the creation of superheroes, and with no surprise. While the forebears of the genre have since been replaced with newer entries, the publications of Liquid Comics (previously known as Virgin Comics) still linger in the minds of readers. Among these titles is the Hinduism-rooted title Devi.

Created by Indian filmmaker Shekar Kapur, Devi followed the journey of Tara Mehta, a mortal woman yet to be made aware of another destiny as the modern incarnation of the eponymous divine force created by the gods to battle one of their own.

2 Cicak Man

Years before the Marvel Cinematic Universe had pretty much become synonymous with superhero flicks, non-shared universes taking on Marvel properties were already creating a new era of fans. From 1998’s Blade to 2000’s X-Men, and 2002’s Spider-Man, it was clear that the superhero genre was primed for a big-screen renaissance. And the impact was global.

As much comedy as it was a superhero movie, Malaysia’s Cicak Man was not only a bold attempt at an original hero but also a modern pioneer for its kind on the big screens. “Cicak” in the Malay language translates to “Lizard”, and features the cheeky origin story of a man who accidentally swallows a lizard.

Where Japan, Hong Kong, India, and other Asian nations with thriving film industries had all taken a stab at similar genres, Malaysia’s Cicak Man was relatively groundbreaking in its region, even spawning two sequels!

1 Crimson Star

Superhero stories are about the difference people can make regardless of whether they’re big or small. Hailing from the tiny island-nation of Singapore, Crimson Star bears the makings of a classic superhero adventure and is unashamed to wear its influences on its sleeves, with a series of Superman-inspired covers.

Despite the character’s appearances being confined to Kickstart-ed short stories, the Green Lantern-esque superhero seems to tout itself as a throwback to ‘80s-type sci-fi superhero stories, promising to avoid the trappings of larger superhero universes such as incessant crossovers or events.

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