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The
99 (Arabic: الـ 99
al 99), also written as The
Ninety-Nine (Arabic:
التسعة وتسعون al-tisa'a
wa tisaun), is a comic book published by
Teshkeel Comics, featuring a team of superheroes
based on Islamic culture and religion.
The
series is a creation of
Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa,
founder and C.E.O. of
Teshkeel Media Group. The creative team for The
99 is composed of comic book industry veterans such
as Fabian Nicieza, Stuart Moore, June Brigman, Dan
Panosian, John McCrea, Ron Wagner, Sean Parsons and
Monica Kubina – all of whom have worked at both Marvel
and DC Comics.
Although
the series is based on Islamic concepts, it is promoted
as appealing to universal virtues, and the religion of
each character is not made explicit.
Publication history
An
Origins Preview was first published in the Middle
East in May 2006, followed by a US reprinting in July
2007. The 99 #1 was printed in September 2006 in
the Middle East and was published in the US in August
2007 as First Light. Subsequent issues printed
monthly to The 99 #7 within the USA and is
ongoing monthly internationally. Indonesian and Indian
editions are ongoing on a monthly basis.
DC Comics
have revealed that they are planning a crossover
mini-series of the Justice League and The 99.
Characters
The 99
are ordinary teenagers and adults from across the globe,
who come into possession of one of the 99 mystical Noor
Stones (Ahjar Al Noor, Stones of Light) and find
themselves empowered in a specific manner. All dilemmas
faced by The 99 will be overcome through the combined
powers of three or more members. Through this, The 99
series aims to promote values such as cooperation and
unity throughout the Islamic world. Although the series
is not religious, it aims to communicate Islamic virtues
which are, as viewed by Dr. Al-Mutawa, universal in
nature.
The
concept of The 99 is based on the 99 attributes of
Allah. Many of these names refer to characteristics that
can be possessed by human individuals. For example –
generosity, strength, faithfulness, wisdom are all
virtues encouraged by a number of faiths.
In compliance with Islamic tradition, the Arabic version
of the aliases of each of the 99 is written without the
definite article "Al-", because use of this precise form
is exclusive to Allah. This serves to
remind that The 99 are only mortals, and sets
them as human role models, with their qualities
and weaknesses. |
