Muslims Fighting Evil

At the same time, "The 99" offers kids in the Middle East heroes who look like them and fills a role-model void in the region. Al-Mutawa believes that if young Muslims are not given an alternative, they will gravitate toward the glorification of fundamentalist violence. "This is not what I would want for my sons," says the father of four. "Kids and adults alike need heroes. It is something innate in all humans." Just as Dana's powers allow her to see the light in others, Al-Mutawa's hope is that "The 99" will help the world see Islam in a new light.

© 2007