Of Islamic Values and Comic Books...

Introducing five of "The 99," comic characters : from the left, Mumita (speedy), Dr. Razem (a gem expert), Rughal (mystery powers), Jabbar (expandable) and Noora (sees truth).

A controversial approach to connect Muslim youth and children to Islamic virtues through super-hero role models:

Excerpt: "'Muslims believe that power is ultimately God, and God has 99 key attributes,' Mr. Mutawa [the comic creator] said. 'Those attributes, if they all come together in one place, essentially become the unity of God.' He stresses that only God has them all, however, and 30 of the traits deemed uniquely divine will not be embodied by his characters. Still, this is tricky territory. Muslim religious authorities reject attempts to personify the powers of God or combine the word of God in the Koran with new myths or imaginative renderings more typical of the West. But Mr. Mutawa is seeking to reach youngsters who are straddling the cultural divide between East and West. They like comics and Western entertainment, and yet are attached to their roots and intend to hold on to their customs."

Not to be cheeky, but what Godly virtue are children to learn from Dr. Razem the gem expert? To see beauty? Perhaps...

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