Seattle Superheroes: Dina Martina

Seattle Superheroes is a regular series on seattlemag.com wherein artists depict standout people in our community as superheroes. While we’ve taken some artistic license with the narratives, the sentiment behind them is very real.  

There’s that adage about art that it has no certain definition, but that you know it when you see it. Well, this concept couldn’t be more true then when laying eyes for the first time on the great Dina Martina, who would likely be dressed in a backless black dress with bright red lipstick splashed on her lips as she sings a Christmas song about Santa.  

Twice a year, Martina takes over Re-bar to perform for the good people of Seattle. While she’s best known for her Christmas show, she hosts a hilarious show in April through May 1, featuring her standout videos and her off-puttingly adorable demeanor. 

While not working as an entertainer, Martina prowls the street looking for an ice cream cone to sing into or a nice chocolate candy to give to a fan, but she also uses her extreme singing abilities to stun and apprehend evil doers threatening the charm of the city. So, if you see her in the wild, yell, “Thank you!” and let her know she’s appreciated. 

About the artist: Ben Horak is a Seattle-based cartoonist and graduate of the Center for Cartoon Studies. Ben’s art has appeared in periodicals including The Stranger, Seattle Weekly and is a regular contributor to Intruder comic newspaper. Find out more at Grumptoast.com.