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The rise of Muslim Superhero Comics and Cartoons
Abstract
Children regardless of race, religion or gender need heroes. The examples of fictional and non fictional characters help youngsters to shape their own values, attitude and even identity. Since 2001 September the 11.th a dangerous phenomenon seems to rise on the scene. Jehadists and other radicals started to emerge as idols for muslim children around the Globe facing moderate muslim and western governments a great challange. Superhero Comics and Cartoons are products of Western, particularly American culture. Famous storys like that of Superman, Batman, Spiderman and their companions had a great impact on shaping the identities of many generations, among which are Muslims. Although there is a history of Arab fictional heroes, like for instance Ali Baba and Juha, homegrown Arab and Muslim superheroes are a relatively new phenomenon. Heroes, like Jabbar of the 99, Aya, Rakan or the cartoon Saladin, are the new creations who are wrestling to win the adnmiration of Muslim and non-Muslim children living either in the homelands or Diaspora. Until recently secular Arab governments and religious clerics were the most successful in creating heroes and help in forming identities for their Youth. Nowadays, the Arab private sector seems to aspire for a new myth-creation. Companies like Qatar Foundation the Kuwaiti-American “Tashkeel Media Group”, the Egyptian “AK Comics” and their smaller competitors from the Gulf and the Middle East started publishing their own stories. The owners and masterminds of these enterprises are mostly young and middle-aged Muslims who were acquainted with American Comic books and cartoons and wish to create Muslim idols for the Muslim children and also create an appropriate public space for preaching moderate Islam. Muslim Superheros are largely products of globalization. Although the inventors and the sponsors are Arabs or Muslims, the designers and even story writers are westerners who gained experience while working with reputable Western and Japanese companies. This cross cultural background creates an exiting new world where East meets the West and which is attacked by westerners and Muslim clerics as well. The Muslim Superhero phenomenon lead to rise the following questions: What makes a Superhero Muslim? How are Islamic values represented in the strips and storylines? Should western governments support the spread of muslim Superheroes or even deverlop newer characters?
Discipline
Media Arts
Geographic Area
All Middle East
Sub Area
Pop Culture