The Marvel Universe recently introduced an all-new Juggernaut who will soon prove himself to be one of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes following his official Avengers recruitment. This character will not only carry on the legacy made famous by Cain Marko, but he’ll also reclaim the title for a new generation, as well as for those who have been historically underrepresented in comic book fiction. His name is Jin Joon-Sung/Justin Jin, and he is Kid Juggernaut.
In an article published by Marvel, readers get the chance to hear from the writers/artists responsible for shaping Kid Juggernaut’s story. As they express themselves, these creatives are determined to not only give fans a new iteration of the iconic ‘Juggernaut’ character in a way that stays true to why fans fell in love with the Juggernaut to begin with, but also create a legacy for this all-new character in his own right, both as a relatable teenager and as a character who offers proud and authentic representation of Asian heritage.
After being introduced in Marvel’s Voices Infinity Comic #100 by Anthony Oliveira and Minkyu Jung, Kid Juggernaut’s story continued in the pages of Kid Juggernaut: Marvel’s Voices Infinity Comic (2024) by Emily Kim and Peter Nguyen. Each member of the creative team responsible for bringing Kid Juggernaut to life spoke on why this character is so important in the article published by Marvel.
Emily Kim: It’s been such a joy to put a twist on a classic Marvel character and instead see a young Asian Canadian kid thrown into the role.
Anthony Oliveira: Justin’s heritage is important, and not just something to be co-opted by foreign colonial enterprises, but his to negotiate, understand, and make his own.
Minkyu Jung: As an Asian reader, it’s always great to see Asian super heroes in the Marvel Universe, so being a part of the team to create this young Asian Canadian kid truly means a lot to me.
Peter Nguyen: I really hope more characters like Justin get made, because I really believe that representation matters.
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Who Is Kid Juggernaut? Justin Jin’s Powers and Origin, Explained
Justin Jin aka Kid Juggernaut is a queer teenager with South Korean heritage born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, who works in his family’s bakery. Growing up, Justin was just a regular kid, until he hit puberty, which is when the otherworldly elements of his bloodline began to manifest. Justin’s grandfather was the Juggernaut before Cain Marko, which meant he had elements of Cyttorak’s magic in his DNA. Justin inherited the power of the Juggernaut, and he made the decision to use that power to become an Avengers-level hero.
Justin was recruited by Captain Marvel to join her newly-former Avengers Academy, where he will learn how to use his powers for the good of all humankind. So far, Kid Juggernaut hasn’t yet had the chance to flex the full extent of his power. However, right now, Marvel Comics is establishing Justin as a person before exploring his exploits as a hero, and with his induction into the Avengers, there will be plenty of time to see what Kid Juggernaut is capable of.
Kid Juggernaut’s Connection to Cain Marko Could Set Up Another Avengers vs X-Men Conflict
New Excalibur #15 by Frank Tieri and Jim Calafiore
Kid Juggernaut inherited his powers from his grandfather, who was the Juggernaut before Cain Marko claimed Cyttorak’s power for himself. However, Marko first had to fight and kill Justin’s grandfather before he could become the new Juggernaut. Then, immediately afterward, Marko slaughtered an entire village in South Korea on behalf of Cyttorak – something Justin’s grandfather refused to do, which resulted in his own demise. This is a major point of potential conflict, especially given that Kid Juggernaut is an Avenger while Marko is an official X-Man, and could prove to be the catalyst for yet another ‘Avengers vs X-Men’.
While looking ahead to potential storylines is exciting, the best part about Kid Juggernaut is what fans are getting from the character right now. Justin Jin is a relatable teen who brings a refreshingly authentic level of Asian representation to Marvel Comics, and after officially joining the Avengers, it’s confirmed that Kid Juggernaut’s story is only just beginning – and it’s one that’s here to stay.
Source: Marvel
