Aero (Simplified Chinese: 气旋)[1] is a Chinese action-superhero manhua series written by Zhou Liefen and drawn by artist Keng since 2019.[2] It is published by NetEase in collaboration with Marvel Comics.[3][4] The series is a precursor to and spinoff of Marvel's Agents of Atlas comic book, and introduces the character of Lei Ling (aka Aero), a young architect based in Shanghai who possesses the ability to control and feel air currents, read chi, and fly.[5][6] The series is translated into English by Greg Pak, who also writes backup stories in the English language comic-book reprints, which are drawn by Pop Mhan and coloured by Frederico Blee.[7] These backup stories are not included in the trade paperback collected editions of the series.[5]
Publication history
Lei Ling debuted in Aero #1 (2018), created by writer Zhou Liefen and artist Keng.[8] The first issue of Aero was released in English on July 3, 2019.[9][10][11] Lei Ling later appeared in the 2019 Agent of Atlas series.[12][13][14] The second issue of Aero was released in English on August 7, 2019.[15][16]
Plot
In her civilian life, Lei Ling is an architect who helped build the city of Shanghai’s modern cityscape.[17] However, she is also the superheroine Aero,[18] and uses her powers of wind manipulation, flight, and the ability to detect and see the chi of others to battle supernatural threats to the city. The story follows Ling's attempts to balance life with her doting boyfriend Zou (who disapproves of her superhero life) with her life as a superheroine, while the city around her is attacked by her former mentor, the mysterious Madame Huang, who utilises crystalline warriors and the ability to control buildings to wreak untold destruction for an as-yet-unknown purpose.[5]
Reception
Critical response
Comic Book Resources ranked Lei Ling 6th in their "10 Heroes The Avengers Should Recruit" list,[21] and 15th their "Marvel: The 15 Strongest New Heroes" list.[22]
Literary reception
Volumes
Aero (2019)
According to Previews World, Lei Ling "garnered millions of readers when her series initially launched in China."[23] According to Diamond Comic Distributors, Aero Vol. 1 Before The Storm (TPB) was the 138th best selling graphic novel in February 2020.[24][25]
Issue 1
According to Diamond Comic Distributors, Aero #1 was the 12th best selling comic book in July 2019.[26][27] Aero #1 was the 120th best selling comic book in 2019.[28][29]
Joe Grunenwald of Comics Beat asserted, "Overall Aero #1 does a nice job introducing English-reading audiences to two new international heroes they may not have met before. Pak presents a pair of entertaining stories, and the art on both tales fits the flavor of each piece well. If you’re in the market for some superheroes who don’t look like most other superhero out there, this book should leave you satisfied."[30]
Issue 2
According to Diamond Comic Distributors, Aero #2 was the 122nd-124th best selling comic book in August 2019.[31][32]
Matthew Aguilar of ComicBook.com gave Aero #2 a grade of 4 out of 5 stars, saying, "Aero showed promise with its first issue, but the second issue delivers far more than just promise. The book kicks off with absolutely stunning visuals from Keng and a story by Zhou Liefen and Greg Pak that starts to pull back the layers to both Aero's personality and her impressive power set. Her nemesis is quite compelling too, and their battle hints at even bigger things to come. After that Pak, artist Pop Mhan, and colorist Federico Blee are up to bat, and while the visuals aren't quite as strong here, they do fit the type of story Pak is trying to tell. This story's much more focused on Wave, but in just a few pages you end up with a much more well rounded picture of who she is, what she's been through, and the heart of gold underneath all the pain. It might have started out a little slow, but here Aero is truly starting to hit its stride, and we're quickly becoming big fans of the hero and her amazing world."[33]
