Musalman[1] is a fictional superhero character created by Indian comic book writer Falah Faisal.[3] He is notable for being India's first Muslim superhero and for his unique approach to fighting social injustice while upholding Islamic ideals, with an emblem of arabic letter "م (meem)" .[4] In an interview with Deccan Herald, Faisal said "The character is a satirical superheoro who cracks jokes at real world. It's my response to the politics around me. The story draws instances from Indian history,”[1] the comic is drawn by The Artist Spud and Arun Preshanten.
| Musalman[1] | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Self Published |
| First appearance | Musalman #1 (December 2017)[2] |
| Created by | Falah Faisal |
| In-story information | |
| Alter ego | Salman |
| Place of origin | Bengaluru, India |
| Team affiliations |
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| Abilities |
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Publication history
editMusalman was created by Falah Faisal, a Bengaluru-based comic book writer and filmmaker.[5] The idea for Musalman originated from Faisal's observations of the negative portrayal of Muslims in mainstream media. He envisioned a superhero character that would challenge stereotypes and provide representation for the Muslim community. Faisal's aim was to create a hero that resonated with Muslims who felt marginalized or misrepresented.
The Musalman comic series was self-published by Falah Faisal. The first issue of Musalman was released on Bakarmax, and the series continues to be ongoing, with multiple issues released. Faisal collaborated with various artists, including Siddharth Bhandari and Rahul Chacko, to bring Musalman's adventures to life.
Fictional biography
editMusalman's alter ego is Salman, a left-arm fast bowler in the Indian cricket team,[6] as mentioned in an article by the Indian Express Indulge.[7] As Musalman, he dons a distinctive costume consisting of a white skull cape, saffron underpants over a green costume adorned with a crescent moon and five-rayed star on his chest. Musalman follows Sharia law and incorporates Islamic principles into his crime-fighting methods.[8]
Abilities
editMusalman possesses superhuman strength, flight, and enhanced senses, allowing him to combat criminals and thwart acts of injustice. His commitment to Islamic ideals influences his actions, as he uses his powers to protect the innocent and promote justice according to his interpretation of Islamic law.
Publications
edit
First Arc
edit- Musalman vs Coronavirus
- Musalman vs Arnab Cowswamy
- Kahan Milega Musalman?
- Kaun Hai Musalman?
- Musalman Finds His Roots
- Musalman meets Chandrashekhar
- Quaid Musalman and Starwoman
- Musalman vs Raavan
Reboot Arc
edit- Taana Shah's New Ally
- Musalman Reboot
- Sidekick Auditions
- This comic is an NFT
- Musalman meets the Muslim League
- Musalman Goes Househunting
- Musalman in the Echo Chamber
- Musalman Movie Pitches
- The Last Muslim on Earth
- Musalman vs Martian Muslim
- Movie Premiere
Reception
editMusalman has garnered attention for its unique approach to storytelling and its portrayal of a Muslim superhero. While the character has received positive feedback from readers, it has also sparked discussions and debates due to its exploration of sensitive topics related to religion and social issues.[9]
Musalman stands as a groundbreaking character in Indian comics, challenging stereotypes and providing representation for the Muslim community in the superhero genre. His presence highlights the diversity of superheroes and showcases the ability of comics to address important social and cultural issues.
References
edit- ^ a b c V,DHNS, Vivek M. "The evolution of the Indian superhero". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2024-02-02.
- ^ Balaji, Roshni (2017-12-03). "Uncovering the (Super)Humans of Comic Con Bengaluru". TheQuint. Retrieved 2024-02-02.
- ^ "In conversation with the man behind the Musalman comic series, Falah Faisal". www.indulgexpress.com. Retrieved 2024-02-02.
- ^ Misra, Seema (2018-05-22). "Bengaluru's first Indie Comix Festival showcases independent creators". Citizen Matters, Bengaluru. Retrieved 2024-02-02.
- ^ "Falah Faisal In Conversation With Appupen". Champaca Bookstore, Library and Cafe. 2023-02-23. Retrieved 2024-02-02.
- ^ "Ms Marvel to Minnal Murali: Superheroes closer home". The Indian Express. 2022-07-17. Retrieved 2024-02-02.
- ^ Thomas, Tania (2018-06-19). "Are cartoonists free to lampoon?". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2024-02-02.
- ^ "Falal Faisal, creator of Musalman Comics, has come up with his latest digital strip on the hijab issue". www.indulgexpress.com. Retrieved 2024-02-02.
- ^ "Look! There's a new superhero in town; read on to learn more about him". Mid-day. 2017-11-04. Retrieved 2024-02-02.