Gundala: Indonesia's Own Superhero

Are you a DC fan or a Marvel fan? While most superheroes are American in origin. You’d be surprised by the fact that Indonesia has its own superhero. Shocking right?

Allow me to introduce you to Indonesia’s very own, Gundala Putra Petir, who was extremely popular in his era. Perhaps his name might not sound familiar to millennials, but in the ’80s, he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Superman and Batman.

This lighting wielding superhero’s story was first told in a famous fantasy comic created by Hasmi Suraminata in 1969. Because of its enduring popularity, this comic has been adapted into a serial-movie in 1981. And now, three decades later, the movie is being remade by director Joko Anwar. “Gundar” is said to play in cinemas mid-2019 starring Abimana Aryasatya.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with his mightiness, here are two shocking facts about Gundar:

1. His Superpower

Despite what people might think, Gundala Putri Petir was not inspired by The Flash, but instead, it draws from one of Indonesia’s original legend, Ki Ageng Selo, a spiritual figure who is believed to be the ancestor of Mataram. Ki Ageng Selo is known to have several powers, one of the most famous is capturing lightning. Which then inspired Gundala’s main strength, lightning. 

2. Has Published Up To 23 Volumes

As one of the first comic figures that successfully captures the hearts of people, Gundala Putra Petir easily became Indonesia’s Comic Icon. The popularity of the Gundala comics has been eagerly awaited by its fans, even as many as 23 volumes were released in 1982 titled “Surat dari Akherat”. The first Gundala comic was republished in 2005 by publisher Bumilangit, and was warmly welcomed by comic fans which indicate that many still look forward to the returning of The Gundala comic.

Let's look forward for Gundala in the big screen this August 2019! Check out their latest trailer below:

- Sekar Jasmine Noegroho