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Akwesasne Mohawk Artist with Ties to Marvel Comics Displays at SUNY Canton

Canton, NY (10/10/2025) — An author and illustrator with writing credits for the popular Marvel Cinematic Universe's Mohawk character, Kahhori, is displaying his artwork at SUNY Canton.

An opening and artist's reception with Arihhonni (Honni) David of Akwesasne will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, in the Learning Commons Classroom in the Southworth Library. The event is free and open to the public.

As a Native American children's book author and illustrator, David felt a close connection to Kahhori when the character was announced. He said he went to tell his little brother about her, "She's our same clan, from the same nation, and she speaks Mohawk."

The artist digitally drew a rendition of Kahhori, and his fan-created art gained substantial traction online. Attending a meet-and-greet event with creatives involved in the episode later led to David being contacted to write for the official Marvel comic. He said, "Ryan Little called me and asked if I knew any authors from Akwesasne. I said, 'I'm your guy.'"

The character debuted in the Marvel Cinematic Universe animated series "What if?" produced by Disney. Later, she joined the comic universe in "Kahhori: Reshaper of Worlds."

His portrait of Kahhori, standing proudly in front of the purple Six Nations Flag, is on display alongside his other original illustrations.

Much of his work is inspired by traditional Mohawk history, stories, books, and art. One piece depicts an elder wrapped in purple embracing a child against an orange background, in remembrance of the impact that residential schools had on indigenous communities. Another pays tribute to the Mohawk ironworkers who were responsible for constructing historic city skylines. Several works reference lacrosse. Others creatively interpret legendary monsters and other scenes from Haudenosaunee legends that have been passed down through generations.

"This is stuff that I've been obsessed with since I was a kid," David said. "Without the legends, without our stories, without the imagery that it conjures, I wouldn't be any type of artist that I am today."

David was invited through SUNY Canton's Native Student Alliance, according to the club's advisor, Daniel McLane, a lecturer who teaches sociology in the School of Business and Liberal Arts.

"Honni's artwork brings traditional stories to life," McLane said. "His work is vibrant and engaging. The visual language of comic books, video games, and fan art allows his works to be both complex and approachable. Students in majors like our Graphic and Multimedia Design or Digital Storytelling can see Honni as an example of a successful working artist and be inspired for their own futures."

The artist will be selling prints and other works at the opening.

Discover SUNY Canton, where innovation meets opportunity. The college's career-focused educational programs emphasize hands-on and applied learning opportunities in digital design, engineering technology, health, information technology, management, public service, and veterinary technology. Faculty members bring real-world experience and exceptional academic expertise to the classroom. As a leader in online education, SUNY Canton offers unmatched flexibility with hundreds of courses and 25 comprehensive degree programs offered completely online. The SUNY Canton Kangaroos compete at the NCAA Division III level and are members of the SUNYAC. In addition to its 15 traditional teams, SUNY Canton offers coed varsity esports and cheerleading.

Media Attachments

Arihhonni (Honni) David of Akwesasne holds his portrait of the Marvel Cinematic Universe character, Kahhori, in SUNY Canton's Learning Commons Classroom. The author and illustrator is displaying works at the college and will be holding a reception at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, in the Southworth Library.

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