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Vol. 10 No. 1 (2025)

Articles

Embodied Faith and Heroic Narratives: Decoding the Visual and Narrative Tapestry of Indonesian Muslim Superheroes Comics

https://doi.org/10.55831/ajis.v10i1.707

Published 05.03.2025

  • Muhammad Nuril Fauzan
Muhammad Nuril Fauzan
Indonesian Islamic International University, Indonesia

Abstract

The realm of Indonesian comics has developed as people incorporate popular culture, due to the impact of globalisation. Islamic heroism in comics, predominantly depicted as an Islamic character, has debuted a new and original Muslim superhero. This article analyses the ideal standard of Muslim superheroes in Indonesian comics using a qualitative approach, focusing on the Janisaris and Ultimate Glad comics. It also examines what the author wrote about religious beliefs and socio-cultural influences in those two comics. Using Frisk’s heroism as a theoretical framework, the research found that Muslim superheroes in Indonesian comics have special characteristics, depicting them uniquely in the way the integration between piety and heroic acts walks hand in hand. Likewise, the portrayal of villains is also unique, influenced by the socio-cultural and religious backgrounds of the story setting and author. The comics have their roots in a specific narrative and style, which differ from one another.

Keywords

Muslim superhero, Indonesian Comic, Popular-Culture, Janisaris, Ultimate Glad

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