How did you come up with the idea of BURAAQ?
Growing up we were both fascinated by comic books and used to read all the major super hero stories. I had a passion for art and used to draw my own comics even as a kid. The passion got lost in the middle years in pursuit of higher education and a professional career. Over the many years, we began to see an increasingly negative portrayal of Islam and Muslims in the entertainment/news industry. Muslims were almost always shown as villains or the bad guys. We got tired of this propaganda and wanted to do something about it. In the last couple of years, we saw an influx of Superhero movies that made it big at the world box office. We felt a strong urge to rediscover our passion and to counter this bias. What better way than to introduce a Muslim superhero? and the idea of "BURAAQ" was born, and SplitMoonArts was founded in December of 2010.
Just to clarify, "BURAAQ" is not the first Muslim superhero, as there are other comic book characters already out there, rather he is the very first Muslim Superhero by a Muslim artist.
What is the goal of this character?
With BURAAQ, the goal is to dispel the myths and negativity surrounding Islam through the comic book medium. The mission not to preach, but to provide wholesome family entertainment. The underlying message would help create better understanding and it is our hope that readers around the world will walk away with a smile, and a positive image of Islam.
Does the name BURAAQ have any connection to President Barack Obama?
Not at all. In Islamic history "'Buraaq" is the name of the symbolic white winged horse which carried Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) to the heavens from Jerusalem in a miraculous night journey.
Do you think that BURAAQ will be successful in fostering better relations between the West and the Muslim World?
That is certainly our goal. BURAAQ is "Yusuf Abdallah," a regular guy who happens to be a practicing Muslim in a fictional city, Nova City. BURAAQ will embody the true spirit of Islam that champions humanity, justice, and tolerance. He has friends from all backgrounds, and his adventures will take him to all parts of the world.
What are his powers?
BURAAQ is still discovering his powers. He has super strength, the ability to fly, and to control elements and to some extent the gravitational field. He is also the operations director for a large relief organization, so when he's not saving lives as a superhero, he is serving the local and international community.
Are you trying to change the way muslims are perceived in the US and the western world?
That is the main reason why we felt it was important to introduce a superhero like BURAAQ. We wanted to hear an alternative voice, an unbiased portrayal of a practicing Muslim in the West. Sadly, the mainstream entertainment and news industry has been promoting an untrue picture of Islam. Good and Evil are universal and cannot be tied to one people or faith.
BURAAQ is being read by fans from all faiths and backgrounds around the world. They want to see more. Diversity in comic book characters is a growing need and trend
Growing up we were both fascinated by comic books and used to read all the major super hero stories. I had a passion for art and used to draw my own comics even as a kid. The passion got lost in the middle years in pursuit of higher education and a professional career. Over the many years, we began to see an increasingly negative portrayal of Islam and Muslims in the entertainment/news industry. Muslims were almost always shown as villains or the bad guys. We got tired of this propaganda and wanted to do something about it. In the last couple of years, we saw an influx of Superhero movies that made it big at the world box office. We felt a strong urge to rediscover our passion and to counter this bias. What better way than to introduce a Muslim superhero? and the idea of "BURAAQ" was born, and SplitMoonArts was founded in December of 2010.
Just to clarify, "BURAAQ" is not the first Muslim superhero, as there are other comic book characters already out there, rather he is the very first Muslim Superhero by a Muslim artist.
What is the goal of this character?
With BURAAQ, the goal is to dispel the myths and negativity surrounding Islam through the comic book medium. The mission not to preach, but to provide wholesome family entertainment. The underlying message would help create better understanding and it is our hope that readers around the world will walk away with a smile, and a positive image of Islam.
Does the name BURAAQ have any connection to President Barack Obama?
Not at all. In Islamic history "'Buraaq" is the name of the symbolic white winged horse which carried Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) to the heavens from Jerusalem in a miraculous night journey.
Do you think that BURAAQ will be successful in fostering better relations between the West and the Muslim World?
That is certainly our goal. BURAAQ is "Yusuf Abdallah," a regular guy who happens to be a practicing Muslim in a fictional city, Nova City. BURAAQ will embody the true spirit of Islam that champions humanity, justice, and tolerance. He has friends from all backgrounds, and his adventures will take him to all parts of the world.
What are his powers?
BURAAQ is still discovering his powers. He has super strength, the ability to fly, and to control elements and to some extent the gravitational field. He is also the operations director for a large relief organization, so when he's not saving lives as a superhero, he is serving the local and international community.
Are you trying to change the way muslims are perceived in the US and the western world?
That is the main reason why we felt it was important to introduce a superhero like BURAAQ. We wanted to hear an alternative voice, an unbiased portrayal of a practicing Muslim in the West. Sadly, the mainstream entertainment and news industry has been promoting an untrue picture of Islam. Good and Evil are universal and cannot be tied to one people or faith.
BURAAQ is being read by fans from all faiths and backgrounds around the world. They want to see more. Diversity in comic book characters is a growing need and trend
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