More than a month after Marvel revealed the name of their newest heroine, a Filipina named Wave, artists Mico Suayan and Rain Beredo unveil the comic book cover, revealing that the superhero’s physical features were based on Kapamilya actress Nadine Lustre.
In a photo posted last Thursday, April 4 by book shop Comic Odyssey, Wave, is seen wearing black and neon green, carrying two swords, with the Philippine flag behind her. She has “morena” features like black hair and brown skin. On his personal social media, Mico shares “a little trivia” that the cartoon is based on the Ulan star.
A limited edition of the cover will be available for preorder soon. Besides Marvel, the artist has previously produced comics for DC and Valiant as well.
Wave will make her first appearance in “War of the Realms: New Agents of Atlas #1 in May” which is reportedly set in the Asia Pacific with Chinese heroes Aero and Sword Master, Korean-Americans Silk and Amadeus Cho, and SHIELD agent Jimmy Woo. Her alter-ego’s name is Pearl Pangan, being first introduced on social media by writer Greg Pak last February. Like actual Philippine hero Lapu-Lapu, Wave’s mission is to defend her land against those who want to conquer it and want to terrorize the Earth, like the villain in Thor named Malekith.
Looking forward, as numerous people are anticipating the possibility of Wave making the big screen as well, Filipino artist Leinil Yu who co-created the character believes Angel Locsin would be a good fit to portray the role along with Nadine and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.
When it comes to local superheroes, the Philippine entertainment industry was shocked to hear that 21- year-old Liza Soberano will no longer reprise the role due to a finger injury. Being highly talked about to be a contender in fulfilling the iconic character, Nadine responds, “I’m really happy that they’re very supportive, but I know that the role is going to be given to someone who’s deserving and someone who can do it. I mean, it doesn’t have to be me. It just has to be someone who can give justice to the role.”