Belgian creator launches first Muslim-inspired manga
Hamid Ouaïch co-founds Studio Karama to introduce unique manga blending Japanese storytelling with Muslim cultural references
BRUSSELS, Belgium (MNTV) – Belgian entrepreneur Hamid Ouaïch has co-founded Studio Karama, the country’s first production house dedicated to creating a Muslim-inspired manga.
Manga are comic books and graphic novels originally produced and published in Japan
Born in Liège in 1979 to a Moroccan immigrant family, Ouaïch is seeking to merge his childhood love for anime with his cultural heritage.
He grew up captivated by Japanese animation and its deeply layered storytelling.
As highlighted in a recent story by Moroccan diasporic media outlet Yabiladi, his passion for anime, particularly Captain Tsubasa, fueled his vision to develop a manga that reflects his cultural background while resonating with a global audience.
After working over a decade in the automotive and logistics sectors, Ouaïch decided to pursue his creative ambitions. In 2019, he teamed up with his brother-in-law, Fahem, a skilled illustrator, to conceptualize their debut manga, Hidaya.
The project gained momentum through crowdfunding, leading to the official launch of Studio Karama in June 2024.
Unlike conventional manga, Hidaya infuses themes inspired by Muslim culture while maintaining universal appeal. “This is for anyone who loves anime and manga, regardless of background,” Ouaïch explained to Yablidadi.
He also manages the studio’s online presence, engaging fans and expanding the community.
Since its release, Hidaya has received widespread acclaim, particularly in Belgium and France, with readers praising its fresh perspective.
“For once, we have a story that represents our culture in a positive light,” Ouaïch said in an episode of the podcast Special Moroccans of the World.
With growing interest, the creators aim to take Hidaya beyond borders, drawing inspiration from the success of Japanese animation in global markets.
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