From Mughal legends to superheroes
In a world where superheroes are famously identified as fictional characters with supernatural powers in red capes, spider suits and bat masks among others, comic series ‘Zindan: The Last Ansaars’ has enriched this traditional variety of comic book figures by introducing a new set of superheroes belonging to the Mughal era. And so far, the overwhelming response to the US-based comic series, particularly after its recent launch in Pakistan, is the proof of its anticipated success and promising future.
Zindan was first launched in the US back in 2014. Since then, the comic series have been a hit among comic book enthusiasts of all ages.
Its story revolves around two brothers, Zain and Timur, who find themselves orphaned at a very early age and passed from tribe to tribe until they are rescued by a noble order of people called ‘The Ansaars’. The Ansaars are the guardians of a legendary prison known as Zindan, which houses the world’s most dangerous evils. One day, returning from a mission they find that their home has been destroyed and all the evils had escaped. Consequently, they are faced with the incredible responsibility to recapture them while simultaneously trying to find their place in a world outside Zindan.
“The story parallels the challenges that many of the young Pakistanis face post 9/11 and their struggle to find their place in the world,” comments Omar Mirza, the creator of Zindan, who is also a US-based Pakistani physician.
“Our hope is that by using characters and settings distinct to the Mughal era, we will revive tales of heroism and superior moral character associated with our community,” he added.
Born and raised in the US, Omar always wanted to write a story based on characters he could relate to.
“The motivation to create Zindan as a Mughal story – as opposed to something based out of New York with a Caucasian character – was initially a selfish desire to see heroes that looked more like me,” Omar explained.
Being a comic book fan, using this medium was a natural choice for Omar.
“My inspiration for writing and creating Zindan is rooted in a deep love for comic books that began in the 2nd or 3rd grade,” he told. “A friend of mine gave me Merc #1 as a gift. Immediately, I fell in love with the world of comics. With its superlative characters and high stakes moral/ethical conflicts, I found the world of comics to resonate with the same sensibilities which move our (desis) love for Bollywood films. It is a form of escapism, and a creative way to aspire to our moral and ethical ideals. It was during the nearly three-decade love affair with comics that I had multiple daydreams about creating my own comic.”
A few years back, this dream finally became a reality for Omar when he met Sajad Shah. “The idea of creating my own comic didn’t become something I really considered until I met comic artist Sajad Shah. Meeting a Pakistani comic book artist was such a rare treat that I couldn’t take it as anything else but a sign that now was the time to create my comic book,” he said.
Luckily, the rest of the team was equally passionate about this project.