Local heroes

Published between 2009 and 2010, the series revolves around a boy who can possess super powers after eating the eponymous food. As one of China's first superhero-themed comics, Paomian Chaoren won a Golden Dragon Award, the top honor at the China Animation & Comic Competition, in 2012.

Gunji is a fan of Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Doctor Strange and Captain America. Her knowledge of Marvel superheroes comes mainly from the company's cinematic universe.

Over the past 10 years, 19 Marvel films were imported to Chinese-mainland theaters and raked in nearly 13 billion yuan ($1.9 billion).

"I'm really looking forward to the day when I might see the characters that come from my pen appear on the big screen to fight shoulder-to-shoulder with other Marvel superheroes," says Gunji.

The second of the two series, Aero, recounts the story of an architect, who possesses the ability to control air currents. Along with Sword Master, an English language version of the comic series will be published in the US next spring.

Contact the writer at xufan@chinadaily.com.cn