The relationship between cartoons and Islam is clearly a rather sensitive one at the moment. Generally, combining the word of God in the Koran with western-style interpretations has been frowned on by Islamic religious authorities. It will be interesting to see how these authorities react in May when a new team of comic book superheroes - the 99 - are launched, each one embodying one of the 99 qualities that Muslims believe God possesses. Especially as they will all be wearing tights.

Teshkeel Comics is the brainchild of Naif al-Mutawa, a 34-year-old Kuwaiti comics fan. He grew up in the US where he fell in love with Marvel and, after training as a psychologist, wrote kids' books on prejudice. He thought up his superheroes during a cab ride across London in 2003. The 99 are a quasi-spiritual version of the X-Men or the Fantastic Four, drawn by US comic book authors with Batman, Hulk and Spiderman experience. After publication in Arabic in May, an English version follows later in the year. Each hero is based on an Islamic archetype and, by combining, they build divine power. Although, as only God is allowed to possess all 99 characteristics, Mutawa is likely to peak with around 70 caped crusaders.

In "THE 99," Naif Al-Mutawa's new generation of comic book heroes fight more than crime -- they smash stereotypes and battle extremism. Named after the 99 attributes of Allah, his characters reinforce positive messages of Islam and cross cultures to create a new moral framework for confronting evil, even teaming up with the Justice League of America.