Pakistani Inspired Super Heroines
These are character designs and concept art for an animated storyline based around 5 Pakistani superheroines with distinct powers. Each heroine is from a different province within Pakistan. I wanted their powers/ clothing design to be heavily influenced by the culture, so I have researched what different types of shalwar kameez women wear from each province, as well as spoken to women from different provinces. Their superpowers are unique to the culture as well with details such as mendhi that glows when powers have been activated.I wanted to explore different types of body types and muscle structures as well as age diversity within the characters to demonstrate different types of feminine beauty and power. The story of each woman is a microcosm of the powerful stories behind the strong women within Pakistan. They have experienced struggles of child marriage, sexual abuse, and general side effects of the patriarchy. These women are more than their struggles, each is educated, and battling the stereotypes around Pakistani women. Together they are an unbreakable force to be reckoned with.
Adobe Photoshop/ After Effects.
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June 2023
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Aasira - She is from Punjab, and has superhuman strength and invincibilty, and when her hands make contact wirh the ground she has the ability to cause earthquakes. She has mendhi all over her arms that glow when she uses her powers.
"Neela" meaning blue in Urdu, is from Gilgit Baltistan, located in the northern areas of Pakistan, known for its magical qualities and home to folktales about witchcraft. She has magical powers such as telekinesis, teleportation, force fields, mind control, energy blasts/ projection that manifest in blue colored energy, which is what she is named after. Her design is inspired by traditional clothing worn by women from Gilgit.​
Chaand - She is from Balochistan, and she is named after the moon, as her powers are inspired by the moon. Chaand harnesses the power of the moon to control water, emit blinding light, and manipulate energy. She can summon a radiant, magical moon that absorbs and reflects both light and force, turning her enemies’ power back against them. Calm yet commanding, Chaand embodies the moon’s balance of serenity and strength. Her clothing is inspired by Balochi traditional wedding clothing.
Gulbadan - She wields the power of plant and nature manipulation, able to summon life from barren land and make crops bloom in the desert heat. She can grow colossal plants to fight by her side and command vines and weeds to ensnare her enemies. Her outfit is inspired by Ajrak prints, that come from Sindh.
