Chinese superheroes Sword Master and Aero join the fight against evil in Marvel universe
Comic franchise teams up with internet technology giant NetEase in bid to build brand in East Asia
The first ever Chinese superheroes created by the Marvel franchise made their online debuts this week on the website of NetEase, one of China’s leading internet technology companies.
Sword Master and Aero are the central characters in two new online comics designed to attract more fans in China and across East Asia. The former made his debut on Wednesday, while the latter made hers the following day, both on 163.com.
While the pair exist in the modern world and their storylines are heavily influenced by Chinese culture, they will also interact with other characters from the Marvel universe, NetEase said in a statement.
That fantasy world is home to such globally recognised names as Spider-Man, Iron Man and the Hulk, to name but three.
NetEase and Marvel signed a deal to create the characters last year, and worked together closely on their development.