Pakistani Superheroes
Umar Najeeb Khan is the creator of Paak Legion, an upcoming Pakistani Superhero comic book that aims to highlight modern life in Pakistan, represent different cultures, break stereotypes and encourage inclusion.
A visual artist from Karachi currently based in Islamabad, Pakistan, Umair previously worked for several notable projects, including publicity design for major Pakistani films; European Union Campaign Against Child Abuse; White Rice-UNICEF campaign; Clean Green Punjab; and animated music video Jhoomta Raha by Assad Hasanain.
Khan’s comic book project celebrates Pakistan’s rich and diverse culture. The stories will highlight modern life in Pakistan through the representation of communities not as visible in mainstream public life. Khan hopes this approach will break stereotypes and encourage inclusion about communities across the country.
“Pakistan has a rich and diverse culture that is not highlighted in the public eye. With the PaakLegion series, I am to bring forth culture and heritage of all the wonderful people of Pakistan and get them the representation they deserve.”
MEET THE CHARACTERS
Pakistan Legion features 12 characters from 12 different parts of Pakistan and each with unique superpowers, stories, struggles, and enemies.
SAMAA - سماء
A child born after generations with wind control abilities in the family, Samaa is an engineer who is burdened by expectations of her people. After years of reluctance, she has finally given herself wings and is ready to carry the legacy of her tribe.
AAZAM - اعظم
A healer and a poet, Aazam had spent his life being despised and called a freak by the natives of the forest until a catastrophe occured. Using his abilities he must now help the land and his people in dire need of healing.
RAAD - رعد
Reckless and short-tempered, Shahvez & Shahnawaz are twins with extreme dislike for each other and newly discovered ability to manipulate electricity, that is beyond their control.
AFSOON - افسون
Named by natives as ‘Protector of the Mountains’ in folklore, Afsoon is a local legend who has existed in many different forms over centuries. After being gone for years, she has resurfaced to take down her arch-rival one more time.
BALAJ - بالاج
Last seen over a decade ago, Balaj was a hero from Karachi who possessed the ability to control matter and objects with his mind. He has been missing for years from the winding streets of the city fallen into darkness - desperately in need of its saviour.
DIVYA - دیویا
Found in the middle of nowhere by the villagers, Divya is a woman with unusually radiant eyes, lost in the deserts of Thar. With no memories of her past and an unstable power to create portals, she is now on a quest to find herself.
HAAJAR - حاجر
Full time mother of 3 and part time designer, Haajar used to ‘crush’ crime on the streets of Lahore with her team almost a decade ago. After a long hiatus, she is back in the game to lend a helping hand.
SOFIYAN - صُفیان
A low key nawab and a crime-fighter, like his name he is a sandstorm, travelling over 2 centuries in time to come and save his city in shambles.
MARVI - مارئي
Teacher by day and vigilante the night. Crazy skilled at combat, she is taking down bad guys one day at a time.
OMRAN - عُمران
Angry yet wise, Omran is a 61 year old sole successor to the legacy of ancient earth-manipulators. After fighting for a lifetime and retiring from his duties, he was forced to take his mantle back in the hour of need.
BAZIRA - بزيره
Mischievous and clever, Buzz (as she likes to be referred to) is a 16 year old tech-savvy student. Using her precognitive visions, she is trying to change the course of what is to come.