From Kamala Khan to the Burka Avenger, comic book characters are increasingly becoming a medium through which sensitive social issues can be discussed. Leading the march is an army of powerful Muslim women who are empowering people just like them.

How is pop music being used to make social statements? Why is the free-to-play model key to breaking down barriers in gaming? What’s the appeal of shared media experiences? And how is mistrust in mass media impacting news outlets and social media platforms?

Media – superhero movies in particular – are often criticised for their lack of character diversity. But as people demand better representation of all body types, Sony is producing a film based on comic character Faith Herbert – who will be the first plus-size superhero to hit the big screen.

Superheroes are idolised by children and adults across the world, yet despite this widespread readership, many of these characters lack a diversity that reflects the world's population. Now, African comic book start-ups are giving black readers heroes they can identify with.