Controversial X-Men Gold Artist Says His Career Is Now Over

Over the weekend, the comic book community was sent into a tizzy when news broke that one of Marvel's X-Men series had unknowingly gone to press with some controversial art. X-Men Gold #1 appeared normal by all accounts, but the outward appearance of the comic was soon scrutinized by aghast fans. After reading the comic, careful fans discovered the issue held inflammatory religious and political artwork hidden in its background. Now, the artist behind the ordeal has broken his social media hiatus to address the controversy, and Ardian Syaf admits his career is now over.

Over on Facebook, the artist posted a short message where he tried to clarify what his hidden messages actually meant. Syaf said he added the artwork as a gesture of "justice" and "love," but the specific Qur'an passages noted in the comic are more exclusionary in context.

You can read Syaf's full message below:

"Hello, Worlds…

My career is over now. It's the consequence what I did, and I take it. Please no more mockery, debat, no more hate. I hope all in peace.

In this last chance, I want to tell you the true meaning of the numbers, 212 and QS 5:51.

It is number of JUSTICE. It is number of LOVE. My love to Holy Qur'an...my love to the last prophet, the Messenger...my love to ALLAH, The One God.

My apologize for all the noise. Good bye, May God bless you all. I love all of you."

If you are not familiar with the controversy, then you have a bit to catch up on. In X-Men Gold #1, a set of background images were noted by fans for their subtle dig at religions such as Judaism. The comic's art even references several political protests in Indonesia about a Christian governor who is being accused of blaspheming the Qur'an.

In a previous message, Syaf admitted the art did have an intentional meaning behind it. "I told all Marvel the truth [sic] meaning of the number," he said, "let's see how Marvel will act.

After the artwork was brought to light, Marvel was quick to distance itself from Syaf and his content. The company released a statement to ComicBook which condemned the work, promising that any controversial artwork would be taken out in further issues. You can read the publisher's full statement below:

"The mentioned artwork in X-Men Gold #1 was inserted without knowledge behind its reported meanings. These implied references do not reflect the views of the writer, editors or anyone else at Marvel and are in direct opposition of the inclusiveness of Marvel Comics and what the X-Men have stood for since their creation. This artwork will be removed from subsequent printings, digital versions, and trade paperbacks and disciplinary action is being taken."

More X-Men Gold: Review / Marc Guggenheim Interview / X-Men Gold Introduces New Brotherhood Of Evil Mutants / Ms. Marvel Creator Comments On Controversy