Graphic Novels and the Ummah: Muslim Creators to Watch in Transmedia Storytelling

Traveling with faith and creativity shouldn’t feel like a trade-off. For Muslim readers, creators and fans who juggle prayer times, halal food and modesty while chasing convention schedules, the comics and graphic-novel world can seem exciting—and logistically challenging. In 2026 the landscape is shifting: transmedia studios like The Orangery are showing how comic IP can expand into streaming, games and lifestyle goods, while Muslim and halal-friendly creators are building original worlds that respect faith and reach global audiences. This guide profiles creators to watch, extracts transmedia lessons from The Orangery’s recent successes, and gives practical, travel-tested tips for Muslim fans and creators navigating conventions.

Why 2026 matters: transmedia momentum and new opportunities for Muslim creators

The last 18 months have produced a clear signal: agencies and studios are hungry for diverse IP that moves across platforms. In January 2026, transmedia IP studio The Orangery—known for graphic series such as Traveling to Mars and Sweet Paprika—signed with WME, underscoring how visual-first stories are being packaged for streaming, games and merchandising.

"The William Morris Endeavor Agency has signed recently formed European transmedia outfit The Orangery, which holds the rights to strong IP in the graphic novel and comic book sphere such as hit sci-fi series ‘Traveling to Mars’ and the steamy ‘Sweet Paprika.’" — Variety (Jan 16, 2026)

For Muslim creators and halal-friendly brands this is a watershed moment: transmedia means a graphic novel can become a children’s series, a RPG, theater, or a line of modest-wear merchandise. The challenge—and the opportunity—is to build IP that can scale while staying faithful to the communities that inspired it.

Creators and studios reshaping transmedia storytelling (Profiles & why they matter)

1. The Orangery (transmedia studio)

Why watch: The Orangery’s recent representation by WME is a textbook example of how a focused IP studio can turn graphic-novel properties into cross-platform franchises. Their strategy—high-production artwork, tight world-building and a clear licensing roadmap—offers a replicable model for creators who want to keep creative control while attracting partners.

Lesson for Muslim creators: think beyond the book. Design characters, motifs and cultural details with licensing in mind (fashion, food brands, family-friendly digital experiences). If your IP includes faith elements, map how to preserve respect and authenticity across formats.

2. G. Willow Wilson (writer, Ms. Marvel)

Why watch: As co-creator of Kamala Khan (Ms. Marvel), Wilson helped normalize a Muslim teenage superhero at mainstream scale. Her work shows how faith-rooted characters can resonate globally without being reduced to stereotypes.

Lesson for Muslim creators: layered representation wins. Create characters who are Muslim but not solely defined by religion—give them hobbies, flaws, and ambitions that translate to long-form and episodic storytelling.

3. Sana Amanat (editor & creative lead)

Why watch: Sana Amanat, a key figure in championing Kamala Khan at Marvel, is an example of how editorial leadership can open doors. Her approach—cultivating authentic voices, prioritizing community input, and connecting creators to commercial partners—matters for anyone aiming to scale.

Lesson for Muslim creators: seek allies in editorial and development roles. Representation also happens behind the scenes; cultivate relationships with editors and producers who understand cultural nuance.

4. Naif Al-Mutawa (creator, The 99)

Why watch: Naif Al-Mutawa built The 99 as a pan-Islamic superhero property designed for transmedia adaptation—TV, toys, and licensing. He navigated faith, commerce and global distribution while managing community expectations. His experience is directly relevant to creators who want to build faith-friendly franchises.

Lesson for Muslim creators: plan your cultural guardrails early. Decide what’s negotiable in adaptations and what’s non-negotiable (religious observances, portrayal of women, halal-friendly merchandising). Put that in your pitch materials.

5. Huda Fahmy (cartoonist)

Why watch: Huda Fahmy rose from social comics to published books capturing everyday Muslim life with warmth and humor. Her success illustrates how authentic micro-stories can build audiences that support broader projects—graphic collections, merch and speaking circuits.

Lesson for Muslim creators: start small to grow big. Serialized strips, newsletters or short webcomics build loyal audiences and test which themes travel best when you expand into longer formats.

Transmedia playbook: turning a graphic novel into a multiplatform IP (practical steps)

Transmedia planning is not an afterthought. Below is a step-by-step playbook tailored for Muslim and halal-friendly creators who want to scale without sacrificing authenticity.

Step 1 — Define the core: what must remain sacred?

• Non-negotiables: religious practices, representation standards, modesty clauses, halal merchandising constraints.
• Flexible elements: dialogue style, pacing, secondary character arcs.

Step 2 — Build a visual and narrative bible

Create a one-to-two page IP bible that explains characters, themes, world rules, and potential spin formats (animated series, mobile game, children's books, fashion capsule). Include sample art, color palettes, and cultural consultants’ contact details.

Step 3 — Proof of concept in multiple formats

Publish a short graphic novella, release a webtoon chapter, or prototype an animated proof-of-concept clip. In 2026, buyers expect multimedia proof that a story can live beyond the printed page—short motion-comics, vertical scroll versions, and AR-enabled covers are competitive advantages.

Step 4 — Protect and pitch

• Register copyrights and consider a trademark for your series title.
• Draft a simple licensing framework that states halal requirements for product partners.
• Prepare a 1-page pitch + 10-slide deck for agents, festivals and conventions.

Step 5 — Partner strategically

Work with agencies, like The Orangery did with WME, or Muslim-led collectives that understand community standards. If you want to retain ethical control, negotiate approval rights on adaptations affecting religious content.

Convention playbook for Muslim travelers and creators (2026 edition)

Conventions remain essential for discovery, pitching and community. But for Muslim attendees—panel schedules, prayer times, halal meals and modest cosplay all require planning. Below are field-tested tips, tools and a packing checklist designed for the 2026 convention season.

Before you go: research and RSVP

• Check the official convention site for prayer room listings and accessibility. Larger cons (San Diego Comic-Con, London MCM, Anime Expo) often list dedicated spaces; smaller cons may provide private rooms on request.
• Look for halal vendors or nearby Muslim-owned restaurants using apps such as Zabihah, HalalTrip or Google Maps filters.
• RSVP to Muslim-focused panels and networking events early—these sessions book fast in 2026 as organizers prioritize inclusive programming.

Packing checklist (compact & travel-friendly)

• Portable prayer mat (foldable) and a small travel tasbih.
• Compact hijab pins or easy-change hijabs for quick outfit swaps.
• Reusable water bottle and halal snack bars—long convention days mean limited options.
• Printed one-sheet and 10-slide pitch deck on a USB, plus digital links (shortlink) for agents and booth partners.
• Business cards that highlight halal-friendly credentials and your transmedia readiness (link to your IP bible).

During the convention: practical routines

• Prayer windows: Use a reliable prayer-time app set to the convention city’s time zone (Athan Pro, Muslim Pro alternatives). Mark the convention map with the nearest prayer area—arrive early for quiet space.
• Halal food: Scout food trucks and vendor halls during off-hours; bring a small cooler with halal sandwiches or use local delivery services (Uber Eats, Deliveroo) to avoid missing panels.
• Modest cosplay: Plan layers and breathable fabrics. Bring a small sewing kit and safety pins for last-minute repairs.
• Networking etiquette: Respect cultural norms and personal boundaries. Ask before taking photos of people or private prayer spaces.

Pitching at conventions: what to show

In the current climate (2025–26), decision-makers expect succinct transmedia readiness. When you get 10 minutes with an editor or agent:

1. Lead with your one-line hook and audience: "A sci-fi family saga that centers a Muslim teen engineer navigating faith and interplanetary diplomacy—targeted to YA readers and streaming."
2. Show a visual: one-page character spread, cover, and a 30–60 second motion-comic clip on your phone or tablet.
3. Explain your monetization: book sales, streaming adaptation, fashion capsules, and limited-run halal merchandise.
4. Mention community traction: newsletter subscribers, Patreon supporters, or sold-out convention prints.

How Muslim creators can leverage 2026 trends (data-informed strategies)

Recent developments to use as levers:

• Agency interest in diverse IP: High-profile signings like The Orangery/WME show that agents are actively seeking visually-driven, franchise-ready stories.
• Hybrid conventions and virtual markets: Post-2024, many festivals run hybrid marketplaces. Prepare both physical and digital assets—an NFT or limited digital collectible can drive online buzz, provided it aligns with your halal policy.
• Streaming pipelines: Streamers are investing in mid-budget adaptations of diverse comics. A serialized graphic-novel format (6–12 issues) that ends with a clear season arc is attractive for adaptation.
• Direct-to-fan models: Platforms like Webtoon, Tapas, Patreon and Substack remained strong in 2025–26. Use them to build an audience and demonstrate demand before approaching studios.

Real-world examples: small wins that scale

Case study: an indie creator released a 40-page graphic novella online in 2024, serialized it across Webtoon in 2025 and used a 2026 convention to sell a limited-print run. The creator’s pitch—supported by 10k online reads—earned a meeting with a boutique transmedia studio that commissioned a motion-comic pilot. The key elements that made the difference:

• Clear IP Bible with adaptation notes.
• Documented audience engagement (reads, comments, Patreon pledges).
• Clean licensing expectations emphasizing halal-friendly merch and respectful portrayal.

Ethical and cultural guardrails: staying true while scaling

As IP grows, creators face pressure to monetize. Here are recommended guardrails:

• Draft a simple Content & Merch Standards document that spells out what is allowed (e.g., halal-certified food tie-ins, modest-costume rules) and what is not (e.g., portrayals that fetishize religious practices).
• Hire a cultural consultant where necessary; small retainer fees are an investment that can prevent costly backlash.
• Build inclusive teams—writers, artists and producers from the community—so adaptations are vetted at every stage.

Resources: where to find Muslim and halal-friendly creator communities

• Follow industry movers like Sana Amanat and G. Willow Wilson on social platforms to see how editorial networks operate.
• Search hashtags: #MuslimCreators, #HalalComics, #HijabiArt, #IslamicFiction (use these to find panels and small-press booths).
• Join Facebook groups and Discord servers focused on Muslim creatives; many cons host pre-con meetups there.
• Use platform analytics (Webtoon/Tapas) to test which stories gain traction before scaling.

Final takeaways: practical priorities for 2026

• Design for transmedia early: The Orangery’s path shows value in building IP that can be adapted—start with a bible.
• Protect your cultural integrity: Create explicit guidelines for faith-sensitive content and merchandising.
• Build audience before pitching: Serialized platforms and small-press runs are your proof-of-concept.
• Plan your convention logistics: Prayer times, halal food and modest cosplay are manageable with preparation—use the packing list and pitch checklist above.
• Partner wisely: Agents, studios and collectives can multiply reach—but choose partners who respect your guardrails and community.

Call to action

If you’re a Muslim creator or traveller preparing for the next convention season, start here: build a concise IP bible, test a serialized chapter on a platform like Webtoon or Substack, and download our free 2026 Convention Checklist (halal-friendly edition) at inshaallah.xyz/creator-tools. Join our community to share booth tips, pitch decks, and vetted cultural consultants—let’s scale stories that reflect our values and reach the world.

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