New Saudi-US venture aims to reshape superhero genre

A new studio, WeirdBunch Entertainment, is setting its sights on creating Marvel-like content with a unique Middle-Eastern twist. This ambitious initiative is spearheaded by a coalition of industry veterans, with offices in both Saudi Arabia and Los Angeles.

A fusion of diverse talents

WeirdBunch Entertainment brings together an impressive roster of talent. At the forefront is celebrated Saudi puppeteer, producer, and podcaster Ammar Al-Sabban—renowned for his work on the Arabic adaptation of “Sesame Street.” Joining him are Marvel comics writer B. Earl, former director of original series at Cartoon Network, Keith Fay, and accomplished Saudi entrepreneur and financier Abdullah Al-Sabban. This eclectic mix of creative minds promises to craft groundbreaking stories that resonate across cultures.

Introducing Saudi Arabia’s first superhero family

The studio’s first original intellectual property (IP) is a groundbreaking comic book series titled The Legend of Soloman. Created by Ammar Al-Sabban, the series introduces Saudi Arabia’s first superhero family. As described by the studio, this new narrative centers around Soloman, a “gifted but rebellious teen superhero.” Soloman’s constant clashes with his traditional and overbearing father create a poignant dynamic that intensifies when the duo must unite to combat the Black Virus—a malevolent force described as the humanoid embodiment of an ancient dark curse lurking beneath the stunning yet harsh Saudi Arabian desert.

A deeper dive into the storyline

The Legend of Soloman will be initially released as a collection of four comic book issues, eventually culminating in a comprehensive graphic novel compilation. This format allows readers to delve deeply into the saga, following the complex journey of Soloman and his family. As per the synopsis, the relationship between Soloman and his father takes a transformative turn, showcasing themes of familial reconciliation and the triumph of unity over historical darkness.

The studio is reportedly in the final stages of cementing partnerships for studio, creative, and publishing deals, ensuring that The Legend of Soloman reaches audiences worldwide. This global distribution plan underscores WeirdBunch’s commitment to producing content that not only entertains but also enriches the global storytelling landscape.

The origin of WeirdBunch Entertainment

WeirdBunch’s narrative traces back to 2021, a pivotal year marked by a serendipitous meeting at the Jeddah Book Fair. It was there that Ammar Al-Sabban and B. Earl crossed paths, sparking a fervent creative synergy. Earl, appearing as a panelist at the fair, found a natural collaborator in Al-Sabban. Their shared vision of diverse, multiplatform storytelling laid the groundwork for what would eventually become WeirdBunch Entertainment. Adding Keith Fay to the mix, with his extensive experience in animated series, was a strategic move that cemented the trio’s resolve to push the boundaries of traditional superhero narratives.

Navigating censorship challenges

Creating content that aligns with local cultural norms while pushing creative boundaries is no small feat, especially in regions with stringent censorship laws. Marvel content, for instance, has faced significant hurdles in Saudi Arabia. Films like Eternals and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness encountered bans due to the inclusion of gay superheroes, prompting critical discussions about representation and censorship. Despite these challenges, WeirdBunch is resolute in its mission.

A vision for the future

In an official statement, WeirdBunch articulated its overarching goal: to “enrich storytelling worldwide through new and diverse characters, cutting-edge technology, and entertainment experiences that span all mediums.” This vision not only reflects the studio’s ambition but also its commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding through innovative narratives.

Each member’s expertise infuses credibility and authority into their collaborative efforts. Ammar Al-Sabban’s deep understanding of the Middle Eastern audience, combined with B. Earl’s expertise in the superhero genre and Keith Fay’s experience in animated storytelling, position WeirdBunch to make a significant impact.

As they embark on this creative journey, WeirdBunch is more than just a studio; it’s a testament to the power of diverse minds coming together to challenge conventions and tell stories that matter. The Legend of Soloman is just the beginning, promising a wave of narratives that will captivate and inspire audiences around the globe.

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