UPSIZE PH | Marvel's New Superhero Is A Fil-Am Named Ari Agbayani

The new Marvel Captain America-inspired superhero is Ari Agbayani, a Filipino-American attending a small private university on a scholarship.

“When editor Alanna Smith approached me about creating a new, local Captain America for this series, I immediately knew I wanted to write a Filipino-American girl. There just aren’t very many of us in comics!” said Alyssa Wong, one of Ari's creators.

According to Wong, the Captain America she's inspired by isn't Steve Rogers but Bucky Barnes.

"Someone who hates bullies as much as Steve does, but is willing to use sneakier, shadier tactics to deal with them. Ari's a vigilante, and she knows that you can't always win by playing by the rules. Bucky's influence is reflected in Ari’s costume, designed by the incredible Jodi Nishijima," said Wong, whose works include "Star Wars: Doctor Aphra."

Photo credit: ALYSSA WONG ANDJODI NISHIJIMA/MARVEL

Ari learns that her best friend is being victimized by a wealthy legacy student and she wants to make things right. But half the buildings on campus are named after the abuser and the school wants to make its donors happy.

“I'm honored that my debut at Marvel could coincide with such an important and unique project. To be able to lend my thoughts and experiences to a property and concept I greatly admire, as well as work alongside such talented and diverse creators, brings me an excitement that cannot be understated," said Nijishima.

Nijishima said Ari's style is "very much what I and my friends would feel comfortable and confident in wearing as well.

"I hope that her youthful design is well communicated and relatable, but no matter what I'm so glad that I could help bring her to life!”

Don’t miss Ari's debut on September 22 in UNITED STATES OF CAPTAIN AMERICA #4.