video transcript

A Muslim superhero has landed in American comic book stores. Simon Baz is Green Lantern's latest character. The Arab-American is an out-of-work automotive engineer turned car thief who joins the intergalactic police force. Gerry Gladston of Midtown Comics says comic book characters are becoming increasingly diverse. SOUNDBITE: Gerry Gladston, co-owner of Midtown Comics, saying (English): "Marvel Comics introduced a young black man who is Spider Man in its ultimate comics universe, so today's revelation that The Green Lantern is Arabic is cool and is not as uncommon as it used to be." And soaring sales confirm that readers like Baz. SOUNDBITE: Louis Ramos, comic book store shopper, saying (English): "Everyone should have a chance to be a hero. You know any race, Asian, Islamic." SOUNDBITE: Will Quintana, comic book store shopper, saying (English): "I think it's good. I think they're reflecting the diversity. That way you can relate not everybody is white and American." The new hero will be next featured in an October issue of Green Lantern.