a href="/myfiles/Images/2012/12/13/li01.jpg" title="The “Jinnrise" series reflects Jabal Entertainment's commitment to the blending of Western and Middle Eastern storytelling, says its creator, Sohaib Awan." The “Jinnrise" series reflects Jabal Entertainment's commitment to the blending of Western and Middle Eastern storytelling, says its creator, Sohaib Awan.
DUBAI/JEDDAH — The Middle East's surging interest in fantasy based on regional mythology and popular culture has paved the way for the arrival of a new comic book series titled “Jinnrise.” According to its creator Jabal Entertainment, “Jinnrise” is set to land on news agent shelves in early 2013. There may be as many as 100 million potential comic book enthusiasts across the Arab world — a staggering figure that has not gone unnoticed by the series publisher, IDW Publishing, the world's fourth largest and fastest-growing comic book publisher in a global industry worth as much as $5 billion annually. Jabal Entertainment, with its commitment to truly international, collaborative work, was created to deliver on the mandate “bridge-building through storytelling.” Its management team believes that through projects like the “Jinnrise” series, they have created something that will resonate with international readers while stylistically embracing the artistic bent of Western fantasy and science fiction. “We want to tell stories about this region's myths, but we want to usher in an era of pop culture creativity here as well,” said US-based Sohaib Awan, Founder and CEO of Jabal Entertainment and creator of the “Jinnrise” series. Regional enthusiasts of the comic book industry got a first taste of the greatly anticipated series back in April this year at the hugely successful inaugural Middle East Film and Comic Con in Dubai. A primary focus at the event, “Jinnrise” received much attention and acclaim from attendees and industry leaders. The said event not only allowed comic book fans to meet celebrities and artists, watch exclusive previews, purchase limited edition merchandise, and take part in exciting competitions — it was also the ideal opportunity for genre enthusiasts to connect and make friends with thousands of other fans from across the region. It also gave Jabal Entertainment the chance to attract the attention of IDW Publishing. “There is no question that Comic Con in Dubai served as a global platform for ‘Jinnrise' to be seen by an enormous audience, including IDW Publishing,” added Awan. “The comic book industry is tremendously rich. We believe ‘Jinnrise,' with its emphasis on loyalty, friendship, and the global family, will only serve to uplift the spirits of regional readers, many of whom seek a much-needed element of escapism in their own lives.” Industry executives agree that it would seem every conceivable vampire, zombie, and magic-centric story has been told, and they are actively looking for something new. “Jinnrise” is Jabal Entertainment's response to this stagnation. The series combines the best of summer blockbuster fare with the weightier underpinnings of “quest myths” like “The Lord of the Rings.” In it, international student Andrew Marcus's world is torn asunder when interstellar forces, the Kibrani, invade Earth. With all hope seemingly lost, humanity's last chance lies in a forgotten race: the genies. Chris Ryall, IDW Publishing's chief creative officer and editor-in-chief, believes “Jinnrise” feels original, with its unique blend of old-world Middle Eastern myths and cutting-edge science fiction. This combination is not typically seen in comics. Jabal Enterainment's Awan agrees: “The Middle East has so much culture and perspective to offer the world. Hopefully, ‘Jinnrise' will tap into the spirit of the modern Arab world's thirst for triumph over oppression, informing and enlightening while entertaining.” The “Jinnrise” series will be available online (www.jinnrise.com) and in regional shops in early January 2013. Later in the year, Jabal Entertainment will take part in the Second Annual Middle East Film and Comic Con event to be held in Dubai on April 5 and 6. — SG
