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The comics were received very favorably in the United States, where sales averaged 4,500 copies per issue for the first four issues released. The comics can be ordered at any comic book store through the normal
Diamond distribution channels. They are also doing direct sales and subscriptions through
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Although the protagonists are clearly Middle
Eastern, for the sake of neutrality there is no direct reference to the religion or ethnicity of the characters. As explained in one issue: "The religious backgrounds of the heroes remain undisclosed so that no religion or faith can be perceived as better
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Studio','Daniel BrandĂŁo Studio' and 'Legio Studio'. Among some subtle differences on displaying the characters in the middle-east ambient are the sensitive reduction of female features, like the size of breasts and skimpy outfits used by them. Nashar said that in certain cases local censors went
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Apart from Rakan, who inhabits a sort of sword and sorcery world, all the superheroes live in the near future, in the immediate aftermath of the "55-Year War" between unnamed superpowers, when terrorists and criminals constantly threaten to destroy the fragile peace.
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As explained in the first inside page of various issues, the intention of AK Comics is "to fill the cultural gap created over the years by providing essentially Arab role models, in our case, Arab superheroes, to become a source of pride to our young generations."
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The comic books are also available in the UK from comic book stores or by subscription from the AK Comics website. They have a loyal following in the UK, especially amongst Arabic learners - although the comic books are also available in
English.
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AK Comics sells mainly in Egypt and is beginning to be distributed in other Middle
Eastern states, as well as having overseas subscriptions (particularly in the
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Pilots have been made for a TV series to be broadcast on Arab satellite channels and the first of these was shown at the Cairo
Animation Festival in 2006.
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through each page blackening out breasts with markers, and only the titles featuring the male characters are currently distributed in
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to build its undeclared nuclear arsenal), and gained super-powers from the radiation. She protects the City of All Faiths (based on
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and a lack of local artists are issues for the company; besides had the initial storylines started by '
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Fantastic Four A new quartet of superheroes steps up to fight evil. Their turf? The Middle East.
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Ed O'Loughlin, (2005) "Hero Jalila a comic cut above the rest"
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Pilcher, Tim and Brad Brooks. (Foreword: Dave
Gibbons).
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246:. Monday 7 March 2005. Retrieved 10 August 2014.
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282:The Essential Guide to World Comics
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