As the African continent undergoes unprecedented growth and transformation, so too has the world of African comic books. Afrofuturism, a genre of science fiction and speculative fiction that explores the future of African and African diaspora cultures, has emerged as a dominant theme in African comics. In this article, we’ll take a look at five African comic books that imagine the future of Africa.
1. JEMIRO
Jemiro is an afrofuturistic, sci-fi and fantasy comic book. Set a million years before the present day, the story takes place on the planet Wongan, where beings who looked like humans, but were a million times more technologically advanced than humans, lived. The planet faced destruction when it was on the verge of being sucked up by its sun. Deaconess Tomaino, the planet’s ruler, and her team of scientists knew that destruction was coming, but they didn’t know it would come too soon. The only way to save their kind was to send two survivors to a new world they called Jemiro. This decision was not accepted by others who thought they deserved to be saved too, which led to chaos.
Afrofuturistic Features: The comic incorporates African features into its futuristic setting, portraying traditional African attires and architecture alongside advanced technology. Jemiro also explores themes of survival and social justice.
Where to get it: Fans can discover Jemiro on the Zebra Comics mobile app and website.
2. LAND OF THE LIVING GODS
Land of the Living Gods is set in a dystopian Johannesburg where the spirits of the first people are believed to have returned to witness the last days of humanity. Naledi, a teenage girl living in the deserted city, believes in a land hidden away in time where the gods still live, and where there are gods, there are miracles – perhaps even miracles big enough to save the dying planet. With her magical pet plant Buyo, Naledi sets out into the unknown.
Afrofuturistic Features: While set in a dystopian Joburg, Land of the Living Gods makes use of Afrofuturism through its use of advanced technology and mystical entities. The story also explores themes of climate change, spirituality, and power.
Where to get it: Fans can purchase Land of the Living Gods on Aftershock’s website.
Author: Isaac Mogajane
Cover Art, Artist, Colourist: Santtos
Letterer: Dave Sharpe
Publisher: Aftershock Comics
3. EXO: THE LEGEND OF WALE WILLIAMS
E.X.O. ™ – The Legend of Wale Williams is an Afrofuturistic sci-fi superhero story set in Lagos, Nigeria. Wale Williams is a young man living in the utopian Lagoon City who is forced to become a hero after his father’s research on a secret energy source falls into the wrong hands. The city is now under attack by a group of extremists, and Wale must choose between turning his back on his people or becoming the hero he was meant to be by putting on the E.X.O. Armor built by his father.
Afrofuturistic Features: The story of E.X.O.™ – The Legend of Wale Williams is infused with Afrofuturistic elements that draw inspiration from ancient Yoruba kings and music. The sleek skyscrapers in the city are modelled after the crowns of ancient Yoruba kings. The story also explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the responsibility that comes with great power, all within the context of a futuristic African setting.
Where to get it: Fans can get digital versions on the YouNeek Studios website.
Author: Roye Okupe
Artists: Sunkanmi Akinboye, Etubi Onuchyo and Tarella Pablo.
Publisher: YouNeek Studios
4. HEELALSTEEN
The comic book is set in 2030 of the Beti calendar, in a world where Earth has been conquered by the Meganese, creatures coming from a distant planet called Megany. The Meganese have made earthlings their slaves and wish to come into possession of Aarde, a special mineral found on earth that is essential for the survival of their species and for making mecha and powerful weapons. Mondo, the main character, is a gifted teenager with a passion for robotics and mechanics, who is part of a minority of humans who have managed to escape these slavers. In his journey, he meets Laastrea, a being from a planet called Groentry, the enemy of the Meganese. Together, they will have to work to take the earth from the hands of their captors.
Afrofuturistic Features: Heelalsteen employs well-known sci-fi tropes such as aliens and advanced technology and is spiced with a touch of African flavour. Themes you will pick up while perusing its pages are colonialism, survival and heroism.
Where to get it: Fans can order Heelalsteen through Blacktreck’s page.
5. ANAKI
The comic book is set in a future Africanized society where myth and technology exist together. As you delve deeper into the story, you discover Ananzi, a leader of a group of witches called Balemba, who was unable to destroy her evil kin. Consequently, Ra-mun, the god who created the witches, ordered the High Priest to create an Inquisition to exterminate all witches. Ananzi survived and had a child, Anaki, who was hidden from the eyes of the Inquisition for 18 years. When Anaki’s power was cast in an hour of need, she had to withstand the Inquisition alone, where all the Balemba failed. The story explores themes of justice, oppression, and self-realization.
Afrofuturistic Features: Anaki features an imaginary futuristic Africanized society where myth and technology flow side by side. From mechs that look like typical African sculptures to reimagined beasts, it blends African culture into every aspect of sci-fi fans have enjoyed over the years. This provides a fresh feel to the genre. It explores themes of justice, oppression, and self-realization.
Where to get it: Fans can discover Anaki on the Zebra Comics mobile app and website.
Author and artist: Ejob Nathanael
Publisher: Zebra Comics
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