Knowledge is power. It is a soul civilization and identity. Destroy the collective knowledge of the civilization and destroy civilization. The 99 series begins as librarians and alchemists in the work of the ancient world to preserve the knowledge of a great civilisation before established conquerors to destroy it. Ninety-nine stones, based on the attributes of ninety-nine of Allah, are created to absorb knowledge of books destroyed by the conquistadors. These stones survive in the modern age and are scattered throughout the world. Those who are the stones absorb the powers of the stones.
Is preserved the sound similar to the knowledge of how today? Books are digitized, stored and distributed globally through the cloud. Scholars find the cloud and absorb the knowledge to become experts in their field and publish their ideas for what persists this knowledge for future generations.
Dr. Naif Al - Mutawa, creator of the 99 superheroes, is a clinical psychologist by degree, but an author of comic books in the heart. His heroes are unique in the sense that embody the teachings and tolerance of Islam. However, the series is not religious. Instead, the heroes try to unite around preserve knowledge, freedom and tolerance in the world.
At a time when negative holders fill out the news, this series fills a gap where a different and positive message is shared. Children who grow up around extremism now have positive, new heroes and models to follow. Those whose views of Islam are shaped by negative headlines highlighting activities extremists now have another story. This is perhaps the greatest gift that Dr Al - Mutawa has given to the world. Dr Al - Mutawa has given the world another story. As Chimamanda Adichie reminds us in his TED 2009 talk, there is danger in a single story. Heroes of the series, as well as their counterparts in real life, fighting for democracy in the Middle East, used social networking tools in the cloud to defeat the bad guys.
The series has international appeal. Although inspired by the Islamic faith, the series is not religious in nature. Instead, Dr Al - Mutawa designed heroes than models that embody the values it shares all of humanity. The Dr Al - Mutawa notes in his talk from TED Global 2010 to Superman and Batman used elements of the narrative of the Bible, so he uses ideas of Islam to provide the same effect in the 99.
According to the New York Times, "towards the end of 2010, 37 per cent of the Arab population was under the age of 14, which makes for Arabs near 110 million preteens." Not only will be the 99 to provide jobs for talented artists in the animation industry, delivers a powerful message against extremism.
The world is interested. Dr Al - Mutawa has appeared on the cover of the magazine Forbes Middle East magazine, 99 appeared on the cover of Business Week and Obama President praised the the 99 at the Presidential Summit on entrepreneurship in 2010. Dr Al - Mutawa has talked about the 99 at TED Global in 2010 and 2011.
PBS soon is broadcast a film directed by Isaac Solotaroff, Wham! BAM! Islam! It provides information on why Dr Al - Mutawa has created the series, the immense obstacles that it has faced and surprising success achieved among global readers. Digital versions of the series can be purchased online. In fact, the first volume, origins, can be downloaded free in 99 Web site.
Batman, Superman, Marvel and others have partner-up with 99 in editions of Crusader have proved to be very popular. The 99 will be even soon on television as an animated series created by some of the hottest talents in Hollywood.
Globally United against hatred and intolerance, heroes connected young fans in powerful new ways. As the Internet has revolutionized communication, business and education, the 99 is revolutionizing the spread of tolerance and peace.
Gina Clifford
Emerging media and Social Entrepreneur