To commemorate National Heroes’ Day in the Philippines, just for fun and to see them in a different way, here are famous historical figures resurrected as popular foreign fictional comics superheroes.
Apolinario Mabini as Professor X
Why: Mabini was the “intellectual” of the revolution. Professor X is the literal brains behind the X-Men.
Gregorio Del Pilar as Leonidas (as fictionalized in 300)
Why: Del Pilar became a hero for his last stand at the Battle of the Tirad Pass. Leonidas led the heroic defense against the innumerable Persian army at the Battle of Thermophylae.
Juan Luna as Dazzler
Why: Aside from being part of the revolutionary movement Juan Luna was known for his paintings. Dazzler is a superhero that uses bright colors to her advantage.
Melchora Aquno as Angel
Why: Melchora Aquino provided a place for revolutionaries to rest and heal up. The latest version of Angel can heal others.
Lapu-Lapu as Namor
Why: Lapu-Lapu fiercely defended his land from foreign aggression (and defeated Magellan in the water), just like how anti-hero Namor protects his realm.
Gabriela and Diego Silang as Invisible Woman and Mister Fantastic
Why: Just like Gabriela and Diego, Invisible Woman and Mister Fantastic are a husband-wife tandem (working within the Fantastic Four, of course). In both cases, the wife is much stronger than the husband.
Andres Bonifacio as Captain America
Why: More than any other hero, Bonifacio represents an undying relentlessness driven by love of nation (or at least, the concept of it)—much like Captain America.
Jose Rizal as Batman
Why: We’re taught in school that Jose Rizal is a super-genius who can do anything. The only difference between this idealized version of him and Batman is that the latter is driven by a relentless desire to avenge the death of his parents.
