The One: Naif Al-Mutawa
Published: May 12, 2010 18:38 Updated: May 12, 2010 18:38
Naif Al-Mutawa has US President Barack Obama praising him during speeches. He has been ranked as one of the 500 Most Influential Muslims by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. He has won numerous prestigious awards including the “World Economic Forum’s Social Entrepreneurs Award” and “The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Marketplace of Ideas Award.”
Furthermore, Al-Mutawa has created a highly successful comic series that is published in eight different languages and is soon to appear on TV screens all over the US. Al-Mutawa’s “THE 99” is saving the world from the same stereotypical rhetoric that has portrayed Islam and its followers in its post 9/11 cloak of intolerance and violence. Over 10,000 articles have been written about it so far and he has received countless awards and recognition from around the world. Even more, the series’ own eponymous theme park, “THE 99 Village,” opened in Jahra, Kuwait last year.
His comic may be called “THE 99,” but Al-Mutawa is definitely one man who is making a big difference all on his own. Upon his return from the Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship in Washington, D.C., Arab News got a chance to catch up with the creator of superheroes. One thing’s for sure, however, his accomplishments and endless ambitions, have made him a “superhero” of our day.
First of all, how was the summit?
The summit was a great experience. The opportunity to network with like minded people all trying to make a difference in US/Islamic relations and build bridges and businesses was very much appreciated. I met new people, networked with acquaintances and had dinner with friends.
President Obama called “THE 99” “the most innovative response” to his initiative to bridge global understanding and stated that your comic books, “have captured the imagination of so many young people with superheroes who embody the teachings and tolerance of Islam.” How does “THE 99” do this?
“THE 99” at its core is based on Islamic archetypes. My storylines are based on those very places that others have pulled out sectarian, hateful messages and in their place have put positive, tolerant and multicultural messages. This further underscores that those who choose religion for hateful messages are hateful people and that their message has nothing to do with Islam. If Islam can inspire superheroes, theme parks and animation series that are fun for kids of all ages and cultures, then surely the problem is not with Islam, but with Muslims using it for negative purposes.
You were an established clinical psychologist. What made you turn to comics?
I was 32 and I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up — but I knew I wanted to write. When 9/11 happened, it was disturbing on many levels. I felt that my life and my training uniquely positioned me to be able to salvage Islam’s reputation. As a psychologist, I work with people’s perceptions of themselves and others. As a result, I chose to apply my training to Islam, which I felt was being perceived in ways that were disturbing by both Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
There is no direct mention of Islam, or any religion for that matter, in your comics. Why did you choose to omit direct references?
My hope is to one day have Muslim and Jewish kids reading “THE 99.” I also wanted to show that although these positive values are inherent in Islam, they are values we share with humanity. When you focus on religious behaviors, then you focus on differences. But, when you focus on values, more people can relate to that as we all share those.
Would tell us more about the archetypes you’ve extracted from the Qu’ran and how you’ve implemented them as the main storyline?
The characters are based on the 99 attributes of God and come from 99 different countries. But, beyond that, our characters use stones embodied with the knowledge and wisdom of Dar Al- Hikma in Baghdad. It is the stones that give them their power. Our main bad guy is Rughal who is named after Abu Rughal, the man who gave Abraha directions to destroy the Holy Ka’aba during the year of the elephant. According to the Qur’an, God stopped Abraha with birds that had fiery stones. In “THE 99,” Rughal is stopped by the 99 and their stones. That is but one example.
Why does each character possess a flaw?
Because the characters are human and all humans have flaws which underscores the need for teamwork
Who is your favorite character?
I love all my children the same.
Which character best represents you?
I’d say Dr. Ramzi. He is not a superhero but he believes that the 99 (attributes of God) exist and can be used to spread peace and harmony in the world.
You’ve stated that the initial rejection of “THE 99” by Saudi Arabia, forced you to begin in the West. It is quite obvious it worked out in your favor. How were you able to use this “disadvantage” to your benefit?
I had to think outside of the box. It was allowed everywhere in the Arab World but Saudi Arabia; yet Saudi Arabia accounts for 40 percent of sales. To be successful, I had two choices: Make changes that I wasn’t convinced of or conquer another territory. I chose the latter and it turns out that not being allowed into Saudi Arabia was the best thing that ever happened for “THE 99.”
There is an independently financed documentary coming out. Would you tell us more about it?
It’s called “Wham, Bam, Islam” and it’s a PBS documentary that follows my journey for the last five years of negotiating with hardliners, raising money and building a business that ultimately employs 1,000 people. The documentary is the story of my life.
Saudi Arabia has been quite indecisive on its stance on “THE 99” can you tell us how so?
I got banned, unbanned and re-banned in Saudi Arabia. Now, you can get “THE 99” here in English, but you still can’t get it in Arabic. This isn’t a statement on Saudi Arabia; in fact, there is one person in the Ministry that is making these decisions. I defend Saudi Arabia when I speak as my wife is from Jeddah and my kids speak words in Hejazi dialect that have me pulling a dictionary out of a drawer: “geedy” and “dooby” to name a few.
Why do you think some individuals are banning it instead of welcoming it with open arms?
When anything new is introduced, our bodies fight it. Think of white blood cells that shoot first and ask questions later. That is quite normal. I expected that, which is why I maneuvered instead of complaining.
You have a team of professionals that hail from the renowned Marvel and DC comics arena; yet, “THE 99” is not following the traditions of its predecessors, but leading the way. Would you elaborate?
We are using the most state-of-the-art technology. This is the biggest thing in animation to come out anywhere — not just the GCC — but in the US too. For too long we have measured our standards by what immediately surrounds us. I always hear about something being the first in Kuwait or the tallest in Bahrain. “THE 99” animation series will set the bar on TV animation globally. It will be the best in the world when it comes out.
The 26 episode animation series of “THE 99” is coming out in the United States very soon. A big network has picked you guys up and the premiere is scheduled. Care to let the cat out of the bag for our readers?
The announcement comes out early next week. All I can tell you until then is that “THE 99” animation series will be in around 100 million American homes this October.
When and where will the GCC region get a chance to watch the new animation series?
I am hoping that it will launch in the GCC in October 2010 as well, but we wont know for sure until summer.
Lastly, what has “THE 99” taught you as an individual?
It’s taught me that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. Seven years ago this was just an idea. Now, the production has created over 1,000 jobs including 500 in India. “THE 99” will reach hundreds of million of people and it is already changing the way Muslims and non-Muslims see Islam. Just ask US President Barack Obama!
For more information on Naif Al-Mutawa visit: www.al-mutawa.com
For more information on The 99 visit: www.the99.org
