Sandstorm Comics, Abu Dhabi’s dedicated comic book studio, unveiled its three original comic book titles at this year’s Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC). The titles — ‘Solarblader’, ‘Acro and the Cat’, and ‘All Upon a Time’ — showcase the region’s rising talent and storytelling potential, all developed and produced in the UAE.
‘Solarblader’ is a futuristic, Solarpunk-inspired tale written by Emirati creator and Editor-in-Chief of Sandstorm Comics, Mo Abedin. Set in Abu Dhabi in the year 2587, the story follows a teenage solarblading prodigy and his friends as they uncover a galactic mystery that could change their world forever. ‘Solarblader’ combines high-speed energy, social commentary, and local cultural influences to build a bold new universe from the ground up.
Created by Teko Mamaladze, the story of ‘Acro and the Cat’ follows Acro, the eccentric Professor of Fear and Phobia, who mysteriously loses his power to terrify the world after adopting a stray cat. To regain his edge, Acro must journey through Phobia Land, confronting surreal characters, philosophical puzzles, and his own shifting purpose.
The third title, ‘All Upon a Time’, was written by Sara Al-Mutawa and illustrated by Lucjan Pakulski, and offers a comedic twist on fairy tale tropes. The story flips the classic ‘princess rescue’ on its head, following a villain who kidnaps the wrong royal and quickly finds himself outmatched by his so-called prisoner. Packed with heart and humour, the comic cleverly dissects traditional roles in storytelling.
The MEFCC showcase is just one part of Sandstorm’s 2025 roadmap. The studio is also set to unveil a brand-new creative space later this year at Yas Creative Hub, further cementing its role in growing the UAE’s comic book ecosystem. Backed by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Sandstorm Comics plays a central role in nurturing regional talent, developing original IP, and shaping the future of comic book storytelling in the Middle East.
