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Japan :D

The Avengers, Redesigned as a Part of Japanese Folklore

by Zoe Chevat | 3:27 pm, August 31st, 2012



  1. 1.The Sengoku Avengers The Sengoku Avengers

    We here at The Mary Sue are all in favor of great tastes that taste great together. Who doesn't like a crossover you can really sink your teeth into, especially when it comes to the well-worn territory of The Avengers? Fear not, comrades at arms. For those wishing this summer's box-office bunker-buster had a little more samurai spirit amidst its sound and noise, the Internet has got you covered!

    Artist Alex Mitchell, who has previously applied his knowledge of traditional Japanese yōkai, oni, arms, and armor to DC's Justice League, here takes a more historical, but no less fantastical, approach to the current Avengers ensemble. Beyond the obvious appeal, there's a carefully considered wealth of detail in these re-imaginings that compliments each character, allying them dutifully with Japanese cultural archetypes and real historical figures. Mitchell has even put thought into name translation, and a bit of alternative backstory for each. Now tell us this isn't one anime-ification you would be thrilled to see.

  2. 2.Tetsu-jin (Iron Man) Tetsu-jin (Iron Man)

    The man of iron is faithfully translated to part-samurai lord, part Western arms-holder. But the sly grin that remains is all Stark, no translation required.

  3. 3.Furukawa (Nick Fury) Furukawa (Nick Fury)

    Mitchell's take on Director Fury as a beleaguered master assassin is not only credible as a character, he has a lot of thoughtful touches, like the two messenger birds representing agents Coulson and Hill.

  4. 4.Kumo and Takajyo (Black Widow and Hawkeye) Kumo and Takajyo (Black Widow and Hawkeye)

    Not content to go for the tired-and-simple "ninja" angle, the Avenger's two thoroughly badass normals, Mitchell gives each of these killers of the 'Shield School' a distinct, but recognizable, flavor.

  5. 5.Kagami (Loki) Kagami (Loki) What're legendary times without a little magic, or a little mischief? Loki fits unsurprisingly neatly into a more Eastern guise, as a troublemaking fire god aided by the lords of the underworld.

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  • Anonymous

    Words cannot describe how much I love this.

  • http://www.facebook.com/bzyglowi Beth Zyglowicz

    Ha! Loki’s name translates both as ‘mirror’ and as ‘fire god’, depending on the kanji used. Very nicely done.

  • http://wrongsirwrong.blogspot.com/ Magic Xylophone

    AWESOME idea, beautiful execution. But Agent Coulson is a bird? Weak.

  • Anonymous

    Where is Black Widow?

  • Jake

    apparently, you can’t read…odd how you can type though.

  • http://www.facebook.com/8enja Benjamín Macedo

    This is awesome!

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