As a young child growing up in the western world, the use of comic strips in magazines was a vivid, illustrated medium to encourage children to read and engage with creative writing. Many are familiar with the works of the Marvel series, and since the 1980’s, the oriental countries have taken the next stage in the evolution of comics by creating Manga, which is the predecessor of anime cartoons.
However, in the South Asian community, there has been a lack of artistic development and representation in comic books, often depicted as villains in leagues with terroristic and gang organisations.
But it seems comic book creators Surpreet Singh Manchanda and Eileen Alden want to rectify the lack of diversity in comic fiction. The answer? Super Sikh AKA Deep Singh – the Elvis Presley loving, Anti- Taliban super hero. The creators originate from Oakland, USA, and describe the protagonist of the comic as “Jason Bourne meets Batman”.
The reception to the format has been exceptionally positive amongst school children and adult comic fans alike. When the comic was revealed at the San Francisco Comic Con event, it was met with high approvals and appreciation for its originality and take on ethnic representation. It also received $22,000 in its first month through the Super Sikh start up fund campaign, mirroring the wave of support the comic has generated.
The comic covers culturally sensitive issues with an element of swagger, and humour which will appeal to both sexes of all ages. Topics such as Super Sikh fighting Taliban oppressors outside an all-girls school – an issue which has plagued the headlines of International newspapers, shows the creators unique approach to combating real life issues and promoting ethics and morals to children.
When Manchanda was asked for his reasoning of creating an Asian superhero, he responded:
“Would you believe all these Marvel comic characters that are being made into movies?”
“They’re more than 50 years old, they’re very two dimensional, there’s very little cultural nuance to them, they’re all white.”
Although Super Sikh has been acclaimed for being a superhero, the creators of the character had a very different slant on the idea of a super human persona, in order for audiences to identify with him.
“[Superheroes] have to have this mutation or something of the sort that makes them abnormal and therefore they get some powers.”
The character Deep Singh does not possess supernatural powers.
“He’s trained, he’s educated, and he’s multicultural. This can be you and that’s a very powerful message. Deep Singh represents strength, and he doesn’t tolerate bullies.”
The birth of a new age of comic series has begun as ethnic minorities are being shown in a positive light. Another series similar to Super Sikh is ‘Burka Avenger’, a multi-award winning animation about a school teacher named Jiya who turns into a crime fighting hero – her disguise? A Burka. Her weapons? Books and pens.
The show aims to heighten female empowerment and self-worth in young Asian women across the globe, and as in Super Sikh; promoting education as the greatest weapon of all.
