Meet the Disabled Superhero: Silver Scorpion
Silver Scorpion is more than just a new superhero; it represents a unique breakthrough in U.S. public diplomacy efforts at a crucial juncture in the relationship between America and the Arab world. It aims to help establish trust and understanding between cultures, to empower young people with disabilities.
Digital entertainment company Liquid Comics and the Open Hands Initiative, a U.S.-based nonprofit dedicated to public diplomacy efforts, announced Thursday the launch of a new comic book.
It will introduce children around the world to the Silver Scorpion, an Arab teenager who loses his legs in a tragic accident, but whose powers – his creators hope – include the ability to help build bridges between the youth of America and the Arab world, starting with Syria.
[ Also Read: Releasing: Robojit and the Sand Planet ]“Great superheroes have always been allegories to larger societal issues in the world,” says Liquid Comics CEO Sharad Devarajan.
The first issue of the Silver Scorpion will be given away free across comic book retailers in the United States this Saturday May 7th as part of “Free Comic Book Day”.
In addition, a digital edition of Silver Scorpion is also now available for free on the home page of Scribd.com where it can be read online and through iPad devices, as well as shared with friends through Facebook and Twitter.
[ Also Read: Using Social Media for Social Change: Mallika Dutt ]A larger, magazine-sized collector version of the first issue is also available for order via HP’s Magcloud print on demand service.
The Silver Scorpion tells the story of an Arabic teenager, Bashir Bari, who loses his legs in a tragic accident. Consumed with anger and grief, Bashir retreats into a world of isolation, resentful of the pitiful looks and whispers of strangers.
When he accidentally witnesses the murder of Tarek, a mysterious local metalsmith, Bashir is unwittingly chosen as the new guardian of an ancient power that has remained hidden for centuries.
With new abilities allowing him to manipulate the metal around him, Bashir must rise above his personal grief and use this newfound gift to protect the world, while learning firsthand to embrace the values of tolerance and cooperation to achieve great heights.
