“Since October, youngsters throughout the Middle East have been discovering the legend of the Noor Stones in a new monthly comic book called ‘The 99.’ The series is inspired by Islamic culture and history – the title refers to the 99 names and traits attributed to God in the Koran – and aims to spread a universal message of teamwork along with plenty of action, adventure, and ‘kapow!’… What started as a cliché ‘sketch on the back of a napkin’ soon evolved into meetings with former executives of Marvel Comics, DC Comics, and Rolling Stone magazine. By the summer of 2004, the project was backed with $6.8 million from 54 investors in eight countries.”