Written by: Hurmat Majid
Posted on: May 29, 2020 | 
| 中文
Paak Legion
When he first came up with the idea of illustrating a post-apocalyptic comic based in Pakistan, Umair Najeeb did not really think he'd soon be living through a pandemic that has made the world look quite similar to what he had imagined for his comic.
Discussing the experience with Youlin, Najeeb said: "It’s strange, it feels kind of odd because when I started Bayaaban (Deserted), I did not think it would come this close to reality. In one of the episodes, I have even used masks to hint at a possible reason for the apocalypse, and here we are."
An Image from Bayaaban (Deserted)
The artist further said that while the project was shelved for a while, the current scenario has spurred his imagination, and pushed him to publish a new episode online. "I plan to post more chapters online soon," he said.
But this is not the project through which Najeeb made his mark. Talking about the project that made him go viral on all social media platforms last year, Najeeb said that his signature Paak Legion comic book was paused at the moment due to the pandemic. He works with a team of writers and publishers on Paak Legion, and a lot of work is going on behind the scenes for the release of another issue of the comic.
So far, the one issue of Paak Legion that has been released, serves as an organic interpretation of what Pakistani superheroes could look like. Currently featuring 12 individuals from all over the country, the best thing about the book is not just the characters' unique superpowers, it is the attention that has been given to showcasing their regional identities.
Najeeb (R) with Paak Legion Co-Writer Imaan (L)
Samaa, for example, is a Hazara girl with air manipulation abilities, a power which had skipped other generations of her family, but has strangely returned to her. While her back story is yet to unfold, Najeeb pointed out that readers may have not noticed that she has created her wings to harness her power, indicating that she has both a supernatural gift, and a knack for engineering.
"I did a lot of research for each of these characters' ethnic backgrounds. I read up and then also talked to people from the area, so that I had an idea about what I was working with," Najeeb said, adding that getting the right details for their clothes, features and body types was something that he was adamant on doing.
The artist further explained that he has already thought of the backstory for each of the characters, and their origins would unfold as the series progresses. When asked if he has a favorite character, Najeeb said, "I wouldn't say I have a favorite, because the same amount of work went into creating them. But Marvi, who is a Sindhi school teacher by day, and staff-wielding vigilante at night, has a special place in my heart. She was the first character I built, and I spent the most time on her."
Marvi
As the creator of Pakistan's first superhero comic book, Najeeb said that he was extremely worried about the kind of response he would garner from the public. However, most of it has been surprisingly positive, in his words. "Most people were appreciative and supportive. That was a shocker for me, since I've been creating content for years, but nothing quite clicked with people like these comics.”
Najeeb also admitted that he believes this set of 12 heroes is his best work to date. When asked about the future of these comic books, Najeeb explained, "Our short term plan is to complete the twelve-part series for now. Then, there will hopefully be spinoffs and side stories that I am already looking forward to creating. In the long run, I dream of an animated or live-action version of the stories."
But while the production of Paak Legion is on hold for now, there's a different superhero Najeeb has been honoring in a recent series, that is his mother. In the series titled Bachpan (Childhood), Najeeb shares snippets of his childhood, from memories as mundane as watching his mother stitch clothes, to Eid shopping with his family, and collecting Eidi with his sister.
The Bachpan (Childhood) Series
"This was a project I was working on for Mother's Day but couldn't finish, so I turned it into a series for Eid, and it’s surprising how many people can relate to these particular bits of my childhood," Najeeb said. "The series is centered around my mother, but other members of my family will also sporadically make appearances in it."
The Day Before Eid
Najeeb was also part of a unique “Don't Rush” challenge on TikTok, in which Pakistani illustrators drew and transformed themselves into their comic book alter egos (see the video here). This video has racked up thousands of views online, and has been called one of the best made and original TikTok videos in Pakistan.
Umair Najeeb's Animated Self-Portrait
The artist has also recently illustrated a mini comic on WebToons called “Liddul Stories”, which is also under development. So far, there is no stopping Najeeb’s boundless creativity to create unique content about Pakistan and its people. It will be interesting to see Paak Legion’s completion, as well as the other stories Najeeb will unfold for us in the future.
It's Kind of a Purry Story from Liddul Stories
You can follow Umair Najeeb on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. You can also read Bayabaan, Paak Legion and other stories on WebToons.
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