Israel NowA new comic book series named the 99, created by Naif Al Mutawa the series tells the story of 99 heroes, wielding 99 stones each empowering it’s wielder special powers, telepathy, ultra strength, fireballs and more.
The story is not too far from any other story in the comics world, but what is different is the reason the creator claims for creating this comic series, the target audience is naturally children, but the main message is that each stone wielder has a choice to join the forces of good or the forces of evil, much like in real life, Naif claims that the 99 represent Muslims all over the world, which can take the road and path of “good” Islam with it’s gifts and wisdom, or “Bad” Islam who spreads death and war wherever it exists.
I think such a comics series is a very good idea if it would be introduced properly to Muslim children all over the world and if the message keeps staying as it is now, but unfortunately, such endeavors in our days usually come with a lot of money, and as such, the also tend to change their path as they develop. In addition, it is important to have people in Afganistan, Iraq, Iran and similar places get the message, and I’m afraid it will not be a simple task, maybe if goverments join hand and take such a project seriously, it may actually have a chance to make a real change, but until then – I wish the Best of luck to Naif Al Mutawa in his road – may it succeed in stopping violence and advancing peace in the world.
Here is what the author has to say:
