Kuwaiti clinical psychologist Dr. Naif Al-Mutawa, creator of “THE 99,” the first Islamic archetype comic superhero series, will lead a 5:10 p.m. Thursday presentation “Out of Thin Air: THE 99,” at the Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty.
Inspired by Islamic culture and history, the comic series promotes tolerance, teamwork and appreciation of diversity. Forbes has named “THE 99” as one of the top 20 global trends. President Barack Obama praised the series as one of the most innovative created by new entrepreneurs and presented at his Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship.
Al-Mutawa will discuss the progress of “THE 99,” from idea to comic book series presented now in eight languages. The comic also has been adapted for an animated series and even has inspired a theme park in Kuwait.
Established with the support of alumna Penny Stamps, the speaker series brings respected emerging and established artists/designers from a broad spectrum of media to the School of Art & Design to conduct a public lecture and engage with students, faculty, and the larger university and Ann Arbor communities.
The free presentation is co-sponsored by Michigan Radio, Arts Engine and the Arab American National Museum.
