X-Men artist apologizes for reportedly anti-Christian, anti-Semitic imagery

Comic book artist Ardian Syaf has issued an apology for including hidden messages in an issue of X-Men: Gold that have been interpreted by many readers as being anti-Semitic and anti-Christian.

The panels in question appear to allude to religious and political tensions in Syaf's native Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country.

"My career is over now," Syaf said in a statement posted to Facebook on Monday. "It's the consequence what I did, and I take it. Please no more mockery, [debate], no more hate. I hope all in peace."

Syaf went on to address his inclusion of the number 212 and the phrase "QS 5:51" in the comic, writing that they were meant to represent "justice" and "love." He also apologized "for all the noise."

As reported by Bleeding Cool on Saturday, Syaf's artwork in the first issue of X-Men Gold appeared to reference hardline opposition to Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, the Christian governor of Jakarta, as well as anti-Semitic sentiments.

Representatives for Marvel did not immediately respond to request for comment, but the company said in a statement to ComicBook.com, "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."

Read Syaf's Facebook post above.