Independent Lens Season 13 Episode 1 Wham! Bam! Islam!

Wham! Bam! Islam! is the first episode of the thirteenth season of Independent Lens. This documentary provides a unique insight into the life of a Muslim convert, Naif Al-Mutawa, who is the creator of The 99, an Arab superhero comic series.

The show follows Naif Al-Mutawa as he recalls his childhood in Kuwait when he first learned about the concept of superheroes from the popular American comics. After the Gulf War, Naif was forced to flee Kuwait with his family and found refuge in the United States. There, he pursued higher education, and eventually, decided to become a clinical psychologist with a focus on the study of trauma in children. His work allowed him to return to Kuwait, where he discovered that children in the Arab world were in dire need of superheroes they could relate to.

This discovery led Naif to create The 99, a comic series that reflects Muslim values and embodies heroic qualities found in the Quranic characters - empathy, tolerance, and perseverance. The series follows a group of young adults from around the world, each gifted with a special power related to one of the 99 names of Allah.

Wham! Bam! Islam! takes a deep dive into the controversial reception that this comic has received, both in the Arab world and across the globe. The show features candid interviews with Naif Al-Mutawa, his family, colleagues, and supporters, as well as those who have criticized and tried to suppress The 99.

The documentary explores the challenges that Naif faced when trying to publish his comic in a world that was still grappling with the consequences of 9/11. It sheds light on the religious and political tensions that surrounded his project and the backlash that it faced from extremists who accused him of blasphemy and promoting idolatry.

Despite these challenges, The 99 has enjoyed tremendous success and received numerous accolades. The comic has been translated into over 20 languages and has earned Naif international recognition as a pioneer in the world of comic books.

Wham! Bam! Islam! provides a thought-provoking look at the intersection of religion, culture, and art, and celebrates the power of creativity to transcend borders and bring people together. It raises compelling questions about representation and the role of media in shaping our perceptions of diverse cultures and religious traditions.

Overall, Independent Lens season 13 episode 1 Wham! Bam! Islam! is a must-see for anyone interested in the world of comic books, the Arab world, and the influence of media in shaping our perceptions of diverse cultures. It provides a fascinating insight into the creative process behind The 99 and the societal and political issues it tackled.