Wiccan and Hulkling are two fictional characters from the Marvel Comics Universe. They are members of the superhero team known as the Young Avengers. Wiccan, also known as Billy Kaplan, possesses magical abilities and is able to cast spells and manipulate reality. Hulkling, also known as Teddy Altman, is a shapeshifter and has superhuman strength similar to that of the Hulk. There is a significant amount of artwork featuring Wiccan and Hulkling, both individually and together as a couple. Artists have depicted them in various poses and actions, showcasing their unique abilities and dynamic relationship.
Wang includes an author’s note to help readers understand the naming conventions used in the book, a pronunciation guide for names and terms readers encounter in the story, and an afterword to provide readers with more information about Ando. Readers can use this information as a starting point for additional research on the topic. Wang also enriches the story with several quotations from Ando himself. A bibliography with the sources of these quotations is available on her website.
When Ando arrives home, the mood of the illustrations becomes lighter, with more color and white space, but he looks determined as he works to find a way to feed the hungry. Activity Kit Developed by Curious City, the Magic Ramen Activity Kit focuses on both Ando s mission to feed the hungry and his tireless use of STEM experimentation to create a magic ramen that is would result in no more empty stomachs and no more high prices for food.
Artists have depicted them in various poses and actions, showcasing their unique abilities and dynamic relationship. One of the main themes in the artwork is the representation of LGBTQ+ characters in the superhero genre. Wiccan and Hulkling are one of the few prominent LGBTQ+ couples in mainstream comics, and their inclusion in artwork allows for greater visibility and representation of diverse identities.
Magic Ramen: The Story of Momofuku Ando
Inspiration struck when Momofuku Ando spotted the long lines for a simple bowl of ramen following World War II. Magic Ramen tells the true story behind the creation of one of the world’s most popular foods.
Every day, Momofuku Ando would retire to his lab—a little shed in his backyard. For years, he’d dreamed about making a new kind of ramen noodle soup that was quick, convenient, and tasty for the hungry people he’d seen in line for a bowl on the black market following World War II. Peace follows from a full stomach, he believed.
Day after day, Ando experimented. Night after night, he failed. But Ando kept experimenting.
With persistence, creativity, and a little inspiration, Momofuku Ando succeeded. This is the true story behind one of the world’s most popular foods.
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In her second picture book, Magic Ramen: The Story of Momofuku Ando, Andrea Wang artfully describes the work behind the invention of instant ramen. This non-fiction story is set in Japan in 1946, only a year after the end of World War II. One evening after work Ando is walking home through Osaka when he sees people waiting in line for ramen noodle soup. The text on these pages is accompanied by powerful illustrations that clearly convey a city in ruins and the hunger of the people. Illustrator Kana Urbanowicz’s use of dark colors and careful attention to detail, such as the small clouds that form when people breathe in the freezing air, help readers to empathize with the cold, hungry people. When Ando arrives home, the mood of the illustrations becomes lighter, with more color and white space, but he looks determined as he works to find a way to feed the hungry.
Ando begins to develop inexpensive but nourishing food products, eventually focusing on instant ramen. His trial-and-error process is cleverly illustrated in manga-like panels showing each new attempt juxtaposed with its failed outcome. After Ando has success creating noodles, his persistence is again tested as he searches for a way to easily turn them into soup, depicted in another set of panels. Finally, Ando holds a bowl of noodles above his head, victorious, before a scene of cherry blossoms in full bloom. Wang explains how Ando’s whole family assists in preparing the ramen and shows Ando’s demonstration of the noodles for prospective customers.
Wang includes an author’s note to help readers understand the naming conventions used in the book, a pronunciation guide for names and terms readers encounter in the story, and an afterword to provide readers with more information about Ando. Readers can use this information as a starting point for additional research on the topic. Wang also enriches the story with several quotations from Ando himself. A bibliography with the sources of these quotations is available on her website.
In addition to being a focal piece of the book, Urbanowicz’s illustrations provide observant readers with several clues about the story as well. Even the book’s endpapers are an excellent example: the endpapers at the beginning of the book include the ingredients Ando used to make his noodles, while those at the end feature bowls and packages of noodles.
Magic Ramen is based on the universal theme of scarcity, more specifically the scarcity that occurs after war. This ties closely to the literary theme of survival, as Ando searches for a way to help meet the need for cheap but nutritious food. Wang’s text also incorporates the literary themes of perseverance, the quest for discovery, and, to a lesser extent, the importance of family.
This book provides many avenues for interdisciplinary exploration and numerous entry points for students. While the text is designed for readers ages four to eight, the illustrations and ideas will also appeal to students in middle school and high school, particularly as a wide variety of students will have eaten ramen.
One main theme, perseverance, is universally applicable to students. Students of all grade levels can identify with the trial-and-error process that Ando conducts before his success. Students can be asked to relate these experiences to goals and experiences in their own lives. Seeing how Ando learned from his setbacks can be used as a tool to help students reframe their setbacks as well.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, various types of foods were not available in grocery stores in the United States. Middle school and high school students are old enough to be aware of these scarcities. From a historical perspective, the scarcities of the pandemic can be compared to food scarcities in postwar Japan as students explore what items were scarce and the causes of the scarcity. From a science perspective, the lesson could explore nutritional guidelines and requirements for health in conjunction with the nutritional content of available foods. Language arts could be incorporated if students conduct research into other foods invented during times of scarcity.
Throughout the text, Ando participates in a design process, searching for the best ingredients and methods with which to create his noodles. This can serve as a springboard for students of all grade levels to explore the engineering design process in a science class or unit on food. Students could also try to make their own noodles or use media to learn more about the noodle-making process.
Social Studies Standards (C3 Framework)
- His.14.3-5. Explain probable causes and effects of events and developments.
- His.16.3-5. Use evidence to develop a claim about the past.
- Geo.11.K-2. Explain how the consumption of products connects people to distant places.
Science Standards (Next Generation Science Standards)
- HS-LS1-7. Use a model to illustrate that cellular respiration is a chemical process whereby the bonds of food molecules and oxygen molecules are broken and the bonds in new compounds are formed, resulting in a net transfer of energy.
- MS-LS1-7. Develop a model to describe how food is rearranged through chemical reactions forming new molecules that support growth and/or release energy as this matter moves through an organism.
- MS-ETS1-1. Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution, taking into account relevant scientific principles and potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.
- MS-ETS1-2. Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
- MS-ETS1-3. Analyze data from tests to determine similarities and differences among several design solutions to identify the best characteristics of each that can be combined into a new solution to better meet the criteria for success.
- MS-ETS1-4. Develop a model to generate data for iterative testing and modification of a proposed object, tool, or process such that an optimal design can be achieved.
English Language Arts Standards (Common Core State Standards)
- ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.7. Analyze how visual and multimedia elements contribute to the meaning, tone, or beauty of a text (e.g., graphic novel, multimedia presentation of fiction, folktale, myth, poem).
- ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.2. Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges or how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize the text.
Author: Jennifer Smith, teacher of 7th and 8th grade language arts, Illinois Virtual School
Teacher’s Guide, created by Anna Chan Rekate, 2019
Fill out the online form to access the NCTA webinar with author Andrea Wang
Junior Library Guild Selection
School Library Journal Starred Review
Smithsonian Ten Best Children’s Books of 2019
Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL) Best Books of 2019
This representation is important as it helps to normalize LGBTQ+ relationships and highlights the importance of inclusivity and acceptance in media. The artwork often captures the love and affection between Wiccan and Hulkling, emphasizing their bond and the strength they gain from their relationship. Many artists depict them holding hands, hugging, or sharing intimate moments, which further reinforces their status as a loving couple. In addition to their relationship, the artwork also showcases the individual strengths and abilities of Wiccan and Hulkling. Wiccan is often depicted using his magical powers to cast spells or manipulate energy, while Hulkling is shown utilizing his shapeshifting abilities and superhuman strength. These depictions not only highlight the characters' powers but also serve to inspire and excite fans of the Young Avengers. Overall, the artwork featuring Wiccan and Hulkling celebrates their role as LGBTQ+ superheroes and emphasizes the importance of representation and inclusivity. The images capture their love and devotion to each other while showcasing their unique abilities and powers. Through these visuals, fans can engage with and appreciate the complexities of their characters, making them integral parts of the Young Avengers team and the Marvel Universe as a whole..
Reviews for "The storytelling aspects of Wiccan and Hulkling artwork"
1. John - 1 star
I was extremely disappointed with the artwork in Wiccan and Hulkling. The characters looked poorly drawn and lacked detail. The colors were dull and the overall composition felt rushed. It didn't do justice to the dynamic and engaging story that the comic promised. I was hoping for vibrant and expressive illustrations that would bring the characters to life, but unfortunately, the artwork fell flat.
2. Sarah - 2 stars
While the story in Wiccan and Hulkling was intriguing, the artwork really let it down. The characters' proportions seemed off, with their limbs appearing awkward and unnatural. Additionally, the backgrounds lacked depth and detail, making the overall visual experience lackluster. I couldn't fully immerse myself in the narrative due to the distracting artwork. I expected better quality illustrations in a comic of this caliber.
3. Michael - 2 stars
The artwork in Wiccan and Hulkling was underwhelming. The characters looked stiff and lacked emotion, which made it difficult to connect with them on a deeper level. The shading and coloring were also inconsistent throughout the comic, giving it an unpolished appearance. I believe that with better artwork, the story could have been more impactful and engaging. Unfortunately, the visual aspect fell short of my expectations.
4. Emily - 1 star
The artwork in Wiccan and Hulkling was a major letdown for me. The characters' facial expressions were flat and lacked the detail needed to convey their emotions effectively. The anatomy of the characters was also questionable, with odd proportions that felt jarring. The overall aesthetic of the comic felt rushed and amateurish. I was hoping for visually stunning illustrations that would enhance the storytelling, but instead, I got subpar artwork that detracted from the experience.
5. David - 2 stars
I was not impressed with the artwork in Wiccan and Hulkling. The lines were messy and unrefined, making it difficult to discern some of the finer details. The colors also lacked vibrancy and didn't enhance the overall visual appeal of the comic. The lack of attention to detail was evident, and it took away from the immersive storytelling experience. Overall, the artwork was a letdown and didn't live up to my expectations.