U.S. special operations forces are using a comic book called Barbargsa — Blood of the Honorable to spread counter terrorism messages in the Philippines:

The plot follows several basic comic book storyline conventions — most notably the battle between good and evil.

The comic book focuses on Ameer, who left his home island to work overseas, but returns to find it racked with violence. Ameer is a practitioner of kuntao, which is a local form of martial arts. Like Zorro or Batman, he dons a mask and vows to protect the downtrodden and innocent victims of terrorists.

The Philippines military are also portrayed in a positive and heroic light while the villains are the terrorists or “bandits.” The creators were careful to accurately illustrate the Sulu region, and use character names, clothing and mannerisms that reflect the culture of the Tausug ethnic group. There are versions in English and in the local dialect.

Maj. Edward Lopacienski and Master Sgt. Russell Snyder came up with the initial idea, while a Manila-based marketing firm actually created the 10-issue comic. Unauthorized T-shirts featuring Ameer have started to pop up in local stores.

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