This article contains spoilers for Marvel's Voices: Identity #1 on sale by Marvel Comics
The month of May is known for many things, including, increasingly, Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. To celebrate, Marvel's Voices: Identity #1 tells four stories centered around beloved characters of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage, such as Shang-Chi, Ms. Marvel, Mantis, Wong, Jimmy Woo, and more.
"Secrets" by Pornsak Pichetshote and Creees Lee with Bryan Valenza is a story about Shang-Chi and Jimmy Woo. William Cross, aka Crossfire, kidnapped and forced them to fight each other to the death. Outside their cell, billionaires in animal masks make bets. Most people recognize Shang-Chi from his MCU debut in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Two Rings but has been a character in Marvel Comics since 1973. Jimmy Woo has not only been a supporting character in comics since 1956 but also made his MCU debut as an FBI agent in Ant-Man and the Wasp and the Disney Plus series, WandaVision. They are joined alongside other heroes such as Brawn, Sister Dagger, Ms. Marvel, Giant Man, Leiko Wu, and Luna Snow, to combat the racists behind this scandal.
Racism isn't the only topic to be discussed in this story. Throughout the interactions between Shang-Chi and Woo, the two attack each other's characters. While Shang-Chi is Chinese and Jimmy Woo is Chinese American, they both realize that they let each other down in a way. Shang was trying to transform himself into a "version an American would feel comfortable with". His Chinese heritage is rooted in who he is, from his values to even adapting an American version of his name. He had allowed himself to put those things aside to fit into an "American" box, instead of staying true to himself.
Woo wanted to live up to the greatness that surrounds Shang. Shang-Chi has been a prominent figure in the Avengers, so he felt that he needed to show him that he could be on the same level as him. This comic is a reminder to embrace your heritage and be the best version of yourself, despite what others may want you to be.
"Fool Me Twice" by Sabir Pirzada and Eric Koda with Brian Reber is a story about Kamala Khan, aka Ms. Marvel and her old flame, another inhuman named Kamran. In Ms. Marvel Vol 3 #14 (by G. Willow Wilson and Jake Wyatt), Kamran kidnapped her and tried to take her to his boss, Lineage, but she was able to defeat him. Now, the two meet again on a rooftop. Kamala has her guard up as Kamran gives a heartfelt apology for his actions. He also wants to get back together with her, but before Kamala can respond, Shang-Chi along with a small group of other heroes confront Kamran about a set of stones called "The Eyes of the Dragon".
Turns out, Kamran didn't want to make amends with Kamala after all. A fight ensues, but the heroes are victorious. Despite this, Kamala is hurt and angry, not just at Kamran, but with herself for believing that he would change. Pirzada, the writer of this comic, excitedly explored the interaction between Kamala and Shang-Chi. The heroes come from two very different cultures, which means they each have an entirely different viewpoint when it comes to family and relationships. In the end, Shang-Chi comforts her with words, reminding everyone that compassion is the greatest strength.
"The Primeval Paradox" by Jeremy Holt and Kei Zama with Irma Kniivila features one of the most famous members of the Guardians of the Galaxy, Mantis. She and Groot check out an energy signature from the planet Foresteria. After getting separated, Mantis finds a creature made from vines and twigs. It looks sentient, but she picks up no emotion from it. The creature creates constructs of people from her past: a father she never knew, her uncle Monsieur Khruul, Swordsman, and even Thanos. She fights all of these constructs in a cathartic way, reminding herself how she overcame all these obstacles. Her father, also known as Libra, a member of the Zodiac drug cartel who left her at a temple when she was young. Her uncle was the reason for her mother's death.
Then, the creature shifts into her son, Quoi. She embraces the construct, and the creature reverts to its original form. It turns out that this is no creature. At one point in her story, her identity was split into five pieces after sacrificing herself to save Silver Surfer's lover. Thanos tried to destroy these essences of her under the belief that she and her son would pose a threat to his plan to find the Infinity Stones. Each piece was an aspect of her personality: mother, lover, freak, mystic, and Avenger. This was one of the missing pieces that represented her inner child, and now, she's whole again.
The final story, "While You Were Out" is a light-hearted and humorous comic by Emily Kim and Rickie Yagawa with Sebastian Cheng. This story opens up with Doctor Strange and Wong enjoying breakfast while Stephen talks about how some people enjoy the spotlight and the press while other heroes don't. This sparks a response from Wong, but when the Sorcerer Supreme asks if he's being accused of taking all the credit, Wong replies "not at all… forget it. It's an Asian thing."
While Stephen heads out for the day, Wong cleans the Sanctum and enjoys sweets. Later, a young girl scout comes by to sell him some cookies and he buys a couple. The little girl is persistent about entering the building, but Wong dismisses her. She later comes back claiming to be hurt and Wong lets her in. The girl turns into a hideous creature called Egor of the Momenstross Clan. It has come to feast on the magic within the Sanctum.
Despite this interaction catching readers off guard, Wong was aware of the situation the whole time. Wong knew that the beast was weak in its natural form, despite only hearing of them many years ago at a tea house. His extensive knowledge of the mystical arts as well as the creatures involved allows him to use the discarded Quill of Genoe, which harnesses the fury of anyone who uses it, to destroy the beast. The comic ends with Wong and Stephen discussing their days. While Stephen's was packed with excitement, Wong simply says he bought cookies. Much is revealed about Wong's personality in this comic. Despite his long-time stance as a supporting character, Wong is a calm and patient man skilled in strategy and the mystic arts. He may not enjoy the spotlight like his friend, but he doesn't mind it. He finds joy in the little things.
Characters aside, these stories feature AAPI creators as well as a special intro from Isabel Hsu, a Taiwanese American senior manager of Creative Development, Video Games at Marvel, along with an interview with letterer Janice Chiang. The final pages at the end highlight other characters of AAPI heritage such as Jubilee, Sunfire and Lin Lie (aka Iron Fist).
