the 99

Back in July, representatives from Islamic State, the jihadist group sometimes referred to as ISIS, or ISIL, publicly called for the death of Dr. Naif al-Mutawa, the creator of The 99, a Muslim comic about 99 young heroes who reflect the 99 attributes ascribed to Allah in the Quran. In a column published in the United Arab Emirates newspaper The National, al-Mutawa explained that the calls for his death originated from a fatwa that was issued based on "false accusations and misstatements" from an "ambulance chaser."

By all indications, Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa's comic The 99 is a huge success. It has even inspired an animated series and a series of theme parks. But the series and its creator have also run into some trouble. In addition to earning criticism from American conservatives, the series has been called blasphemous by some Islamic clerics. They say the comic's core concept of 99 young heroes who reflect the 99 attributes ascribed to Allah in the Quran mocks the Islamic religion. Now, the Iraqi militant group ISIS, which has been systematically taking over cities in the country, is calling for Mutawa to be killed, and has even offered a reward.

Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa's The 99, a comic series rooted in Islamic culture and religion about 99 youths from around the world empowered by magical stones, is now available to purchase digitally on iOS devices and online through comiXology. Readers can sample the series with a free, 70-page introductory issue The 99: Beginnings, with the first six regular series issues selling for $1...

The 99 is a comic book series about a group of multi-ethnic superheroes with a basis in Islamic culture and faith. An animated series based on the comic was meant to debut in the United States last year, but was interrupted amid prejudicial outrage on behalf of some of the American media who characterized the work as a scheme to endear American children to Sharia law and Muslim scripture... Read

Superhero fans, especially those old enough to have opinions, are often divided by their views on the appropriateness of real-world politics in their escapist literature. While many of us regard Dennis O'Neil and Neil Adams' socially relevant run on "Green Lantern/Green Arrow" to be a superlative example of costumed heroes confronting the hard-hitting issues of the day, just as many rea

2010 is turning out to be a big year for Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa's "The 99" comic book. Not only will the franchise cross over with DC's Justice League down the road, it's also slated to make its animated debut in North America on the brand new "The Hub" cable network this fall...

The biggest names in the Middle East are headed for the DC Universe as "THE 99" meet the Justice League of America in an upcoming comics miniseries. Rooted in Islamic history and culture, "THE 99" follows a global group of heroes in search of the lost knowledge of the Dar Al-Hikma library of Baghdad, which has been scattered around the world in gem form (think "Dragon Bal