RIYADH: A fantasy novel by a Saudi author has been chosen for adaption into a manga, Japan’s famous style of graphic novel.
Sultan Ayaz finished writing the story of “Crossing Thoughts” in 2014, and says the adaptation deal with Manga Arabia is the result of a decade-long dream.
Manga are comics or graphic novels originating from Japan, conforming to a style developed in the late 19th century, though the form has antecedents in earlier Japanese art.
Ayaz’s novel, written in English, tells the story of humans defending their lands against the oppression of demons. It is about the eternal conflict between humans and demons, and a man who stands in between.
In the book, humans fight off demons by using elemental magic and swordplay.
The narrative begins with Drake, a little boy, who, along with his family, lives in tranquility in a tiny town. But the town is destroyed by a demonic attack, which Drake miraculously survives.
Three characters emerge — Aria, Ray and Amber — and study the nature of elements at the Grand College of Elements in the Kingdom of Iora. They learn how to use the elements as weapons against their demonic foes.
“Crossing Thoughts” is full of drama, action and a hint of terror.
Ayaz told Arab News: “I was always into writing in English since high school, and I was influenced by video games and anime, which strongly developed my imagination. Along with daydreaming and creating scenarios in my head, I always wanted to have my own story. So, I started to write short stories from time to time to fulfill this desire.”
The Saudi author said he was “ecstatic” to sign a deal with Manga Arabia and adapt his novel.
“‘Crossing Thoughts’ is the result of hard work and sincere dedication, and I am very proud of it. Since I finished writing the novel back in 2014, I always wanted to have it adapted into a manga or an anime, because I believe it is suitable for such adaptation,” he said.
“When I signed the contract with Manga Arabia, I felt overwhelming happiness, because, for 10 years, this is exactly what I was aiming for. I am very proud of this achievement and honored to be chosen among other talented Saudi authors to be part of this project.”
In 2020, Ayaz became one of the first Saudi novelists to have a fiction work published internationally when a British publishing house, Olympia Publishers, acquired the rights to publish “Crossing Thoughts.” The book was first released locally in 2017 and sold in Virgin Megastores.
“During this journey, I faced many obstacles and hardships that almost forced me to drop my novel and just focus on balancing my life. My father passed away. I had to drop college for a couple of years, and worked in several minimum wage jobs just to contribute to covering the living expenses of my family. But, eventually, I was inspired by my mother’s strength and decided to push myself to the limits and overcome all that, and I succeeded,” Ayaz said.
The writer used two monthly salaries just to cover the printing and publishing expenses of his work.
And though he faced some criticism because the novel was authored in English, “Crossing Thoughts” sold well in Saudi Arabia, attracting the attention of Olympia Publishers.
“I am rather pleased with ‘Crossing Thoughts.’ It is the first English-language fantasy book by a Saudi author to be published, and it helped me overcome my anxiety of failing by landing me live TV appearances and magazine features. It is the sole outcome of real commitment and persistent work,” Ayaz said.
His advice for young writers is to never aim for fame, set your goals straight and persuade audiences with continuous effort. Always remember that “the journey’s experience is priceless,” he said.
Last month, Manga Arabia chose five Saudi authors to have their novels turned into comic stories.
“Drawing Nothingness” by Ashraf Al-Faqih was already featured in the Manga Arabia Youth magazine.
“The Voyagers” by Kendah Jambi, Ayaz’s “Crossing Thoughts,” “The Awsaj” by Al-Jawhara Al-Rimal and Ghada Al-Marzouqi’s “I Live My Memories Upside Down” will also be published in Manga Arabia magazine’s print and digital editions.
The project is part of joint efforts between the Saudi Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission and Manga Arabia to support businesses in the publishing sector.
The manga initiative has been hailed as a “cultural leap” in the presentation of Saudi literature worldwide, and an indicator of progress in the Kingdom’s burgeoning creative industries.
Saudi novelist Sultan Ayaz’s ‘Crossing Thoughts’ to be adapted into manga
https://arab.news/yw688
Saudi novelist Sultan Ayaz’s ‘Crossing Thoughts’ to be adapted into manga
- Ayaz’s novel, written in English, tells the story of humans defending their lands against the oppression of demons
- In the book, humans fight off demons by using elemental magic and swordplay
Saudi crown prince attends Cabinet meeting in Jeddah
JEDDAH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has attended on Tuesday the weekly Cabinet meeting in Jeddah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The crown prince welcomed Muslim pilgrims who began flocking to the Kingdom from various countries to perform Hajj this year.
He also directed relevant authorities to work with the highest levels of efficiency and excellence in implementing security, preventive and organizational plans to serve the pilgrim guests.
New initiative focuses on water efficiency
- Project will estimate water needs of native species like haloxylon persicum, ziziphus spina-christi, calligonum comosum, and vachellia gerrardii in Riyadh and Qassim
- NCVC continues to implement initiatives to establish sustainable vegetation cover throughout the Kingdom
RIYADH: A new project launched in Riyadh aims to optimize water use and conserve resources, aligning with Vision 2030 goals, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
Khaled Al-Abdulkader, CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, and Yazeed Al-Asheikh, vice president for graduate studies and scientific research at King Saud University, launched the project.
It will estimate water needs of native species like haloxylon persicum, ziziphus spina-christi, calligonum comosum, and vachellia gerrardii in Riyadh and Qassim.
The project will also evaluate the impact of biochar on water efficiency and sustainable growth, according to the SPA.
Additionally, it will assess carbon storage potential of native species in Riyadh and Qassim, as well as mangroves in Asir and Jazan, across various ecosystems.
At the launch, the team presented the project’s objectives, phases, and expected outcomes. Field visits have begun to identify key locations and plant communities.
The center continues to implement initiatives to establish sustainable vegetation cover throughout the Kingdom, including conservation, ecosystem rehabilitation, biodiversity restoration, rangeland management, and the protection of natural resources.
Makkah’s security forces crack down on illegal Hajj pilgrims
- Dozens arrested as Ministry of Interior warns against sheltering, transporting holders of visit visas
MAKKAH: The Ministry of Interior is continuing its actions to prevent individuals without Hajj permits from entering or staying in Makkah and the holy sites, warning that violators and those facilitating unauthorized pilgrimages will be arrested and penalized.
Hajj Security Forces in Makkah’s Al-Hijrah district recently arrested 42 expatriates holding various types of visit visas after they violated Hajj regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Legal action has been initiated against the violators, and authorities are working to apprehend those who sheltered them.
In a separate incident, Hajj Security Forces arrested a Ghanaian resident for attempting to illegally transport four female expatriates to Makkah in violation of Hajj rules.
The man, who was driving a bus, had hidden the women in the luggage compartment in an attempt to smuggle them into the holy city without permits.
The driver and passengers were apprehended and referred to the competent committee for legal action, the SPA reported.
The ministry has announced a fine of up to SR100,000 ($26,600) for anyone transporting or attempting to transport visit visa holders to Makkah and the holy sites.
The same penalty applies to those who accommodate or shelter visit visa holders in any type of residence — including hotels, apartments, private homes, accommodation centers, or Hajj housing — within Makkah and the holy sites, or assist in their illegal stay.
Penalties increase based on the number of individuals transported, accommodated, or assisted, the SPA added.
Performing or attempting to perform Hajj without a permit, or entering or remaining in Makkah and the holy sites without authorization, can result in a fine of up to SR20,000.
Residents and unauthorized pilgrims will be deported and banned from reentering the Kingdom for 10 years, the ministry said.
The ministry announced that the restriction period runs from April 29 to June 10.
It urges full compliance with Hajj regulations to ensure pilgrims’ safety and the smooth performance of rituals.
Violations should be reported via 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 elsewhere in the Kingdom.
Three Spanish friends rewriting history to perform Hajj on horseback
- Pilgrims recreating historic 8,000 km route used by Andalusian Muslims
- Team supported financially by local Muslims during 7-month ride
Jeddah: Three friends rode on horseback from Spain to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj, reviving a pilgrimage route last used by Andalusian Muslims more than 500 years ago.
They reached Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region last week in time for Hajj after travelling through Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Turkiye, Syria and Jordan on a 8,000 km (4,970 miles) journey.
The three Spanish Muslims, Abdelkader Harkassi, Abdallah Hernandez and Tariq Rodriguez, are fulfilling a long-held ambition after embracing Islam 35 years ago.
The three riders are accompanied by Bouchaib Jadil, a construction master living in Spain, who is providing logistical support to the team by leading the way in a car.
It all started when Abdullah Hernandez reverted to Islam 35 years ago.
He told Arab News about how he felt grateful toward Allah for blessing him with guidance — Heidaya — and he promised to complete the Hajj pilgrimage the way his Andalusian ancestors did.
The team practiced for two years before setting off in October 2024 from Al-Monaster Mosque, south of Spain.
After crossing the border of Jordan on May 2, the three Spanish friends arrived in Qurayyat city in Al-Jawf Province, in northern Saudi Arabia on Friday after a remarkable seven-month horseback journey.
During their stop in Qurayyat, the pilgrims were hosted by the head of Al-Haditha Center, Mamdouh Al-Mutairi, who welcomed them to the Kingdom and wished them a pleasant stay and an acceptable and easy Hajj, meeting with students and supporters.
The pilgrims were received with a warm welcome from the residents of Qurayyat, who posed for memorable photos with them.
Hernandez told Arab News: “The team is very excited as we are getting closer to Makkah and Madinah. These holy cities are very special to us, and we have been dreaming of reaching them for a long time. Our hearts feel full of love and hope, and we are looking forward to this moment with deep respect and happiness.
“Through this journey we want to recover a historical Andalusian route from Spain to the Harram of Makkah. It is also a trip of challenges where every step is felt by us and the horses, but also is a journey for the soul,” he added.
One of the Hajj pilgrims, Harkassi, said they were happy to revive a lost tradition. He added that the team saved money and trained for several years for the journey.
He said: “We embarked on this journey with pure intentions to realize the Hajj.”
He added: “We are almost there, and hopefully, the rest of the journey will be easier.”
Their journey, spanning diverse landscapes and extreme weather conditions, is being shared with followers on social media.
“Crossing borders has been the biggest challenge. Some countries were more difficult to cross than others as horses are not considered a mode of transport anymore, but instead they need to be ‘imported’ into each country as livestock, but Alhamdulillah, we have managed to complete all the paperwork so far,” said Hernandez.
Their expedition, known as “Hajj on Horseback,” was warmly welcomed by Muslims and non-Muslims. Hernandez added: “We’ve been received with open arms everywhere we’ve gone — each country has somehow managed to be even more welcoming than the one before, MashAllah.
“Whether in Muslim or non-Muslim countries, people have shown incredible hospitality: Inviting us into their homes, sharing meals with us, listening to our stories and engaging in meaningful conversations about Islam.
“The warmth we’ve experienced in Muslim countries has been especially profound, reflecting the deep sense of unity within our Ummah. This beautiful spirit is clearly visible in our recent videos from Turkiye and Syria.”
The team set off with limited funds, but received support from local Muslims along the way to finance the costs of the unique journey.
KSrelief humanitarian projects launched in Yemen and Sudan
- In Yemen, during the first days of May, KSrelief launched Project Masam to clear unexploded ordinance across the war-torn country
RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center continues to invest in volunteer projects to help improve the living conditions of people in Yemen and Sudan.
On Saturday, the organization finished a urology medical program in Port Sudan. Eight volunteer staff members examined 160 patients and performed 60 urological operations during the week-long initiative.
In Yemen, during the first days of May, KSrelief launched Project Masam to clear unexploded ordinance across the war-torn country.
Since its launch, the program has successfully cleared 491,983 explosives in Yemen.
