Premium storytelling in African comics, manga and webtoon

Author: Ejob Benjamin

  • What Makes African Comics Unique?

    What Makes African Comics Unique?

    If you are a fan of comics and graphic novels, you may have observed that there is a growing number of African comics on the market. These comics are not just adaptations of Western or superhero stories, but rather original creations that reflect the diverse cultures, histories and experiences of the African continent. African comics are a unique and vibrant art form that gives a new perspective on the world. Let’s see what makes them so special.

    1. African Tropes

    One of the most obvious features of African comics is the use of African tropes. Tropes are recurring themes, motifs or patterns common in a genre or a culture. For example, some common tropes in Western superhero comics are secret identities, origin stories, costumes and gadgets. African comics have reinvented most of these tropes. Let us delve into some of the tropes that give African comics their distinctive features.

    A. African mythology and folklore

    African comics draw from the rich oral traditions and folklore of various ethnic groups and communities, such as Bamileke, Mankon, Yoruba, Igbo, Zulu, Maasai and others. Some examples of comics that use African mythology and folklore are E.X.O. The Legend of Wale Williams by Roye Okupe, which is based on the Yoruba god Ogun; Karmzah by Farida Bedwei, which features a heroine with cerebral palsy who gains superpowers from her crutches that are inspired by Ghanaian Adinkra symbols; and Beasts of Tazeti which features 5 clans inspired by the different regions of Africa.

    B. History and Politics

    Many African comics deal with the realities and challenges of living in a post-colonial and developing continent, such as poverty, corruption, civil wars, ethnic conflicts and environmental issues. Some examples of comics that use African history and politics are Aya of Yop City by Marguerite Abouet and Clément Oubrerie, which depicts the everyday life of a young woman and her friends in Cote d’Ivoire during the 1970s; Lake of Tears by Setor Fiadzigbey and Kwabena Ofei, which sheds light on child trafficking and labour in Ghana; and BLACK by Kwanza Osajyefo and Tim Smith 3, which imagines a world where only black people have superpowers.

    C. African aesthetics and styles

    African comics showcase the diversity and beauty of African art, architecture, fashion and design in their illustrations and layouts. Some examples of comics that use African aesthetics and styles are Kwezi by Loyiso Mkize, which features a modern South African superhero who wears traditional beadwork and patterns on his costume; Captain Africa by Andy Akman, which was one of the first African comics to go global in the 1980s and had a distinctive Afrofuturistic look; and Anaki which borrows from African designs to create a unique sci-fi universe.

    2. African Languages

    Another feature that makes African comics unique is the use of African languages and dialects. Many African comics incorporate words, phrases or expressions from different African languages or dialects into their dialogue or narration. This adds authenticity and flavour to the stories and characters, as well as showcases the linguistic diversity of the continent. Some examples of comics that use African languages or dialects are Beasts of Tazeti by The Ejob Brothers where the different fictional clans are named in Amharic, Avonome by Ibrahim Ganiyu and Stanley Obende, which uses Hausa words to name some characters and places; Hero Kekere by Jide Martin, which uses Nigerian pidgin English to create humour; and Metalla the 13th by Akintoba Kalejaye and Samuel Iwunje, which uses Igbo proverbs to convey wisdom.

    3. African Platforms

    Many African comics are created by independent artists or small studios who use online platforms such as websites, blogs, social media or crowdfunding to distribute their work to local and global audiences. Some examples of online platforms that host African comics are Zebra Comics, Comic Republic, YouNeek Studios, Kugali Media, etc. Some African comics are also published by local or regional publishers who specialize in comics or graphic novels.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, African comics are unique because they use various features such as tropes, languages, aesthetics and platforms to tell stories that reflect the diversity and richness of the African continent. These comics offer a different perspective on Africa than those usually portrayed in mainstream media or Western comics. They also provide entertainment, education and empowerment for readers who want to learn more about Africa or see themselves represented in comics. If you are interested in reading some African comics, you can check out some of the examples mentioned above or explore other titles online.

  • New Trends in the Comic Book Industry

    New Trends in the Comic Book Industry

    The comic book industry is an ever-evolving landscape, and comic book illustration techniques are no exception. In recent years, several new trends have emerged in the comic book industry, including the widespread use of digital tools, a focus on digital publishing, the incorporation of 3D modelling, innovative techniques for inking and colouring, and a growing interest in African comics. The advent of all these innovations has contributed to reducing the time and effort required to produce comic books while maintaining the quality of the products. Here are a few trends that have emerged in recent years.

    Digital Tools

    One of the most significant trends in comic book illustration is the adoption of digital tools. While traditional tools like pencils, inks, and brushes were previously commonplace, digital tools such as tablets and software programs have gained popularity. Digital art allows comic book artists to create more dynamic and realistic illustrations. Digital tools offer numerous advantages, including the ability to produce highly detailed illustrations, experiment with different styles, and easily edit and adjust artwork. Artists can use digital art to craft intricate backgrounds, design complex characters, and create realistic special effects.

    Another notable trend in comic book illustration is the integration of 3D modelling. This technique enables artists to develop three-dimensional characters and environments, which can be utilised in comic books. Additionally, 3D modelling facilitates the creation of realistic special effects, such as explosions and flying objects.

    Alongside the use of digital tools and 3D modelling, comic book artists have explored innovative techniques for inking and colouring their illustrations. These new approaches have empowered artists to produce more expressive and visually captivating artwork.

    Digital publishing

    Digital publishing has emerged as a prominent distribution method for comic books and graphic novels. Readers can access digital comics on various devices, such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. Digital publishing offers several advantages, including the convenience of reading comics on any device, the ability to zoom in and out of pages, and the option to read comics in multiple languages. Furthermore, digital publishing is often a more affordable option for readers, as digital comics are typically priced lower than their physical counterparts.

    webtoon logo on the zebra comics blog

    Digital publishing presents numerous benefits for comic book creators, including the potential to reach a wider audience on a global scale, reduced costs compared to traditional print publishing, and greater control over the creative process. Creators who self-publish digitally can dictate the formatting, pricing, and distribution of their comics.

    Despite its advantages, digital publishing also poses some challenges. The digital comic book market is highly competitive, making it challenging for new creators to stand out. Additionally, digital comics are more susceptible to piracy, and creators must navigate the constantly evolving technology used to read digital comics.

    Overall, digital publishing is a growing market with a lot of potential for comic book creators.

    African Comics

    In recent years, African comics have experienced a notable surge in popularity. These comics often exhibit unique styles and perspectives, frequently addressing social, political and cultural issues. African comics have gained traction worldwide and are contributing to the promotion of African culture and perspectives.

    Zebra Comics app flyer

    The growing popularity of African comics can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, an increasing number of talented African comic book creators are bringing their unique perspectives to the medium, fostering a more diverse and inclusive comics industry. Secondly, the expanding African middle class has created a larger audience for comics, as disposable incomes increase and entertainment spending rises. Lastly, digital publishing has played a significant role in facilitating the publication of African comics, breaking down barriers to entry and enabling more creators to share their work with a global audience.

    The growing trend of African comics is a positive development. These comics are helping promote African culture and perspectives. Through digital platforms such as Zebra Comics and Raptures, African authors and artists can showcase their work to the world. As the African comics industry continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how these comics continue to evolve and impact the world.

    Independent Comics

    Indie comics have experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, driven by creators exploring non-traditional publishing avenues outside of the dominant Marvel and DC publishers. Several factors have contributed to this trend, including the emergence of digital comics, the growing prevalence of crowdfunding, and the increased availability of resources for independent creators.

    Digital comics have revolutionized the distribution of independent works, making it more accessible for creators to share their content. Platforms like Comixology and Image Comics have made online comic reading widely available, and the ubiquity of mobile devices has further facilitated on-the-go access to comics.

    Crowdfunding has played a pivotal role in the rise of independent comics. Platforms such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo have empowered creators to secure funding directly from their fans, enabling the publication of many independent comics that would otherwise have been unfeasible.

    Moreover, the expansion of resources available to independent creators has bolstered the trend. Numerous organizations and websites now provide invaluable guidance, support, and marketing assistance to independent creators, facilitating greater visibility for their work.

    Consequently, independent comics have reached unprecedented levels of popularity, transcending their niche status to compete with major publishers for readership and attention. This trajectory is expected to persist as an increasing number of creators opt for the independent path, driving further growth in the coming years.

    Conclusion

    The comic book industry is in a constant state of evolution, and the trends discussed in this article represent just a few of the many factors shaping the future of comic book illustration. As technology advances and new perspectives continue to emerge, it will be fascinating to observe how these trends develop and influence the medium in the years to come.

  • Sex In African Comics

    Sex In African Comics

    There are many things that human beings of this generation are obsessed with – money, power, fame, etc. People will do anything to obtain these things, and they show how much our societies have evolved to revere materialism. Among these objects of human obsession is sex. So much ink has been shed, and so much has been said around this topic that excites and angers, at the same time. From the discourse on liberty passing through equality and identity, sex has been part and parcel of our daily life.

    Sex, in its own right, should not be taboo. Sex is part of creation and until now, it still constitutes the main way through which babies are conceived. To be fair, though, the main thing which sex is most known for is the pleasure it procures. The emotional, erotic and romantic aspects of sex are what thrill people the most about this activity, the reason why it has been portrayed endlessly in different kinds of entertainment.

    Today, sex is everywhere around us. Movies, television shows, books, video games, magazines, social media, websites and even advertising make use of sex to hook people and keep them coming back for more. The craving for sex can even be seen in how popular pornographic sites have become. Some of these sites have even become platforms where people make a lot of money while engaging in sexual activity. Well, we will talk about that some other time. Let’s focus on comics here.

    So, like all other entertainment mediums, comics have also used sex to hook fans. In some cases, it is used casually as a plot device to push the story ahead. In this category, you will find comics like The Pro, Batman: Son of the Demon, Blankets, New X-men and Sky Doll. In other cases, it is literally used as the main element of the story. A good example here will be Sex Criminals. Others have gone farther to actually present things in a pornographic nature. These types of comics are popular online with Franco Belgian comics and Japanese Hentai at the forefront of this movement.

    So, where does Africa fit in all this? Well, note that throughout history, African culture in general, has been very conservative when it comes to sex. Actually, until recent times, Africans have usually mythicized sex, making it look like something reserved only for the gods. And maybe it is a good thing that African culture presents sex as something sacred. The ease and looseness with which the activity is carried out is alarming. As a wise man once said, “We may all yearn for a free world, but we should also be ready for the consequences of this freedom.” Unwanted pregnancies, abortion, child trafficking, HIV AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases, and outright suffering due to poverty and inability to care for newborns are some of the consequences of promoting a world where sex is as cheap as dust.

    Ok, that’s enough for the moral lesson.

    So, do African comics incorporate sex in their storytelling? Hell, Yes! Like it was stated above, you will find sex scenes in some comics from Africa. The following are some great examples.

    1. LES DESSOUS DE POINTE-NOIRE by KHP

    LES DESSOUS DE POINTE-NOIRE by KHP African comics on the zebra comics blog

    In Les dessous de Pointe-Noire, KHP (Koutawa Hamed Prisley) tells the story of two young women whose economic constraints lead them into prostitution. A curse that can also be a source of hope, that of finding the man who can get them out of the country. Yes, this is a story about prostitution, and so there is sex in it. However, it is nothing pornographic. It is just used to depict a disturbing context in Africa.

    2. OUPS! by GEORGES PONDY

    Oups! By Georges Pondy African Comics on the Zebra Comics Blog

    Set in a university hostel in Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon, this comic strip by Cameroonian artist Georges Pondy focuses on the daily lives of attractive, funny and oblivious teenagers. Of course, when we talk of university students and hostels in this age, there will be sexual activity involved. However, Georges Pondy does not use this comic to put forth an explicit view of sex in this context. It is just used as a theme, which is used to explain the precarious context in which Cameroonian youths and students find themselves.

    3. MULEMA by SHOWBIZ

    Mulema Legend Arts African comics on the Zebra Comics blog

    Mulema is a young woman heavily involved in anomie. She has been courted by Ronet, for over two weeks, to no avail, because she only involves herself in lucrative relationships. He nevertheless manages to get her telephone number, and immediately seizes the opportunity to invite her out for a drink. However, Mulema is ignorant of what she is about to discover, when she goes on the date. In this comic, sex is not made obvious. Instead, it is just insinuated through the sexual energy that the characters carry around with them. It is a device that works well with the story and leaves readers wanting more.

    4. CITY BLUES by E.N. EJOB AND MAITRE SHOW

    City Blues African Comics on the Zebra Comics Blog (1)

    City Blues presents a story that revolves around the lives of university students faced with hardships that university students usually go through. Most of these hardships are tied to lack and poverty, and as a result, these students usually find themselves involved with questionable things just to make ends meet. Sex for money is therefore one of the things that these students engage in and it is very present in this comic.

    5. ANAKI by E.N. EJOB

    Anaki African comics on the Zebra Comics Blog

    This is probably one of the most unexpected comics on this list. Anaki is an afrofuturism African comic that tells the story of a young witch (Anaki) who struggles to survive in a world that seeks to annihilate her kind. Heavy on science fiction and fantasy elements, sex in ANAKI is used solely for plot development purposes.

    6. PALABA by HUGHES BERTRAND BIBOUM

    Palaba African comics on the Zebra Comics Blog

    PALABA is a highly humorous and satirical take on contemporary Cameroonian and African societies. This story is published for free online, and has entertained readers from different corners of Africa and the world. PALABA in Cameroon pidgin loosely translates to “problems,” or “faults,” and presents some of the issues the common African goes through, on a daily basis. Sex is present in this comic, and it is depicted in a rather humorous way. It is used to show how Africans manage their sexual urges and desires in a world that constantly pushes them to have more of it.

    Sex has always been present in entertainment, and it will not stop being in it any time soon. The issue, however, is that the proliferation of sex has reached alarming heights, and has fostered a culture of promiscuity, which has been frowned upon for as long as mankind has existed. This proliferation of sex is seen in different media, among which we have comics. American, European and Asian comics creators and publishers have explored sex in their works to the extent that they have included heavily pornographic content in their productions. Africa is not left out in this trend. However, given the conservative nature of African cultures, when it comes to sex, many African creatives have not dared to go beyond mere insinuation or depiction when talking about sex. Some artists, like Georges Pondy and Maitre Show, have dared to wander a little more in this sphere, but they haven’t gone too far. Sex comics are therefore all around us. Nevertheless, it may just be good that Africa is taking a conservative position on this issue: when all sense of decency escapes the world, Africa may be the one place where we can find it.

  • The Zebra Comics Expo at the University of Douala

    The Zebra Comics Expo at the University of Douala

    It’s been more than one year since the Zebra Comics Expo took place and it is coming again to comic book fans in Douala, Cameroon. Organized in partnership with Institut Francais (IFC) Cameroon, this geek event which took place from the 10th of February to the 11th of March 2022 was an occasion for Zebra Comics PLC to reunite with its fans, display what the company had been creating for close to two years and prepare fans for the future of Zebra Comics PLC. The first edition pulled an excited crowd of hundreds of comic book fans who got to see what the company was creating for them.

    Beyond getting comic book fans in Douala and Cameroon excited about what the company was preparing for them, it was also an occasion for Zebra Comics PLC to gauge how much people wanted African comics in their lives. And the results were great. The perception of interest was huge as many expressed the desire for the finished products when they were ready, encouraging the Zebra Comics team to work even harder to satisfy the needs and wants of an ever demanding audience.

    More than one year later, Zebra Comics PLC has launched an android and iOS app, a website and published over 150 episodes of several comics IPs on these platforms. So much work was put into this and the team experienced a lot on their way to this point. With all these, Zebra Comics PLC has decided to stage the Zebra Comics Expo one more time, so as to present to comic book fans what they have been doing since the last Zebra Comics Expo.

    For this second edition, the Zebra Comics Expo will be staged at the University of Douala. Organized within a creative, artistic and professional forum initiated by the Department of Linguistics, Literature and African Civilizations of the University of Douala, this event will take place between the 20th and 21st of June 2023. Dubbed “Comics at the University of Douala”, this event is open to students of the Department of Linguistics, Literature and African Civilization, as well as students from other universities.

    On the menu of this august event are workshops around comic book writing, art, production and publishing, a round table discussion on the topic “Literature and Comics: Common Narratological and Editorial Issues”, and exhibitions of comic book pages, characters and others. Workshops will be compulsory for students of the Department of Linguistics, Literature and African Civilization, and open to all other students who may be interested. The aforementioned program is designed such that students and all other participants will acquire valuable knowledge about the creation of comics (writing and art), publishing of comics, opportunities that exist in the milieu, the comic book market and what Zebra Comics PLC has been cooking since the last Zebra Comics Expo. 

    Keep an eye on our blog and our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn pages for all updates on this event.

  • Slice of Life Comics from Africa

    Slice of Life Comics from Africa

    Comics like every other artform are classified into categories. Each of these categories or genres have peculiar traits which differentiate them from others. Fantasy comics have magic, witches, wizards and ‘fantastical’ elements, science fiction is heavy on fictional rendering or imaginations around science and technology and romance deals with love and emotional relationships. Amongst the plethora of these genres, therefore, is Slice of Life. Slice of life is a genre in comics that focuses on the daily lives of its characters. The main focus is their relationships with other characters and their environment, rather than any sort of overarching plot. It is a depiction of mundane experiences in art and entertainment. In theatre, slice of life refers to naturalism, while in literary parlance it is a narrative technique in which a seemingly arbitrary sequence of events in a character’s life is presented, often lacking plot development, conflict, and exposition, as well as often having an open ending. The appeal of slice of life is that it allows you to take in a lot of different things without having to form an opinion about them. You can just let stuff happen without worrying about how it means anything or what it means for your character’s story arc. In some ways, slice of life can be more relaxing than other genres because it doesn’t require you to think about what you’re reading or try to analyse it at all.

    Slice of life comics are particularly interesting because they provide readers with clearer perspectives on life. They are particularly great for readers who want to escape with content that provides them with peace of mind.

    Globally, slice of life comics do not have the same market presence as other genres like superhero, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers and romance. Nevertheless, there are quite a good number of them on the market. The slice of life genre has even seen more proliferation in territories like North America, Europe and Asia. Notably, Japanese manga and Korean webtoons figure the highest number of slice of life titles on the market today. Some great examples include The Way of the Husband, Yotsuba&!, Wash Day Diaries,  One Of Those Days, Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me, Adulthood Is A Myth, The Collected Essex County, Days of Sugar and Spice, Glorious Summers: Southbound!, My Giant Nerd Boyfriend, The Little Trashmaid, Spirit Fingers, Yumi’s cells, Snailogy, A Budgie’s Life and Murrz.

    As far as African comics are concerned, slice of life is a genre which is not as popular as others. This is surprising because the continent presents an uncountable number of situations and experiences which can be great inspiration for slice of life stories. This does not mean that there aren’t any slice of life comics from the continent. This just means that the number of slice of life African comics titles are by far fewer than every other African comics genre out there. With this, it is very important for African comics creators to focus on creating these stories which are not only inspiring, but also present great entertainment value. As a source of inspiration for African Comics creators, and great reads for any comic book lover, below is a list of some African slice of life comics which are worth checking out.

    1. LA VIE D’EBÈNE DUTA

    La-Vie-d-Ebene-Duta African comics on the Zebra Comics blog

    La Vie d’Ebène Duta chronicles the daily life of a young black girl far from her homeland. The story, scripted and drawn by Elyon’s, is delicious on several levels. There’s no talk of a fantasised Africa, no umpteenth (re)visit to clichés about immigration or all the misperceptions attached to black identity. With her friends Lulu, Camille and Claire, her sultry cousin, take a breath of fresh air in a society that really needs it. This is a piece of what it means to be a black and female immigrant in white dominated country. As far as slice of life comics from Africa go, this is no doubt the top of the list.

    2. JUNGLE URBAINE

    Jungle-urbaine-african comics on the zebra comics blog

    Set in Kinshasa, Congo, Bwana, a former top sportsman turned mechanic, who has become a mechanic, is in love with a rich girl called Lola. However, the two characters come from very different backgrounds, and a number of nefarious persons are deeply disturbed by this budding romance. Beyond the sentimental intrigue, this work shows an Africa seen from the inside by a local author whose graphic skills are far superior to those of many French-speaking authors. Jungle Urbaine was created by Thembo Kash and published by Harmattan BD.

    3. LES TRIBULATIONS D’ALPHONE MADIBA DIT DAUDET

    LES TRIBULATIONS D’ALPHONE MADIBA DIT DAUDET African comics on the zebra comics blog

    After being expelled from France, where he was living as a pseudo-student, Alphonse Madiba returned to his country of origin. All he could think about now was returning to France, the home of Alphonse Daudet. But while he lacks the financial resources, Madiba can rely on his ideas, his contacts and… an internet connection! The tribulations of Alphonse Madiba dit Daudet paint a humorous portrait of a generation of Africans who prefer to emigrate rather than build a future for themselves on the ground. Authored by Alain Mata Mamengi (artist) and Christophe Ngalle Edimo (writer), this graphic novel was published by Harmattan BD.

    4. MOTO-TAXIS (Zémidjans)

    MOTO-TAXIS (Zémidjans) African comics on the zebra comics blog

    Hodall Béo, full of humour, invites readers to stick firmly to his “moto-taxis” and follow his many adventures and misfortunes… Under his pencil, he transforms himself into many roaring gags !

    In Benin, motorbike taxis are known locally as “zémidjans” and are an indispensable part of the country’s economy. They get around, through traffic jams and demonstrations, and take customers to every corner of Cotonou or Portonovo, including luggage and various road conditions. This beautiful book was published by Harmattan BD.

    5. HAWKER

    HAWKER AFRICAN COMICS ON THE ZEBRA COMICS BLOG

    In Hawker we experience the life of Koulou, a meatball hawker who works for a woman who produces the commodity on a daily basis. Koulou is a proud guy who is not happy with what he does for a living, but also makes ends meet with it. His adventures are hilarious, especially as he usually finds himself in a deep mess despite the fact that his predicaments always stem from his desire to offer help, genuinely. Hawker was created by Franklin Agogho and illustrated by Yvan Ziem, with colours from Couertys Minko. It is published by Zebra Comics PLC.

    6. THE INITIATION

    THE INITIATION African comics on the Zebra Comics Blog

    In The Initiation, Mogorosi Motshumi reflects on his childhood days, building up to his years as a Black Consciousness activist in the aftermath of the Soweto uprising and his move to Johannesburg where he had his heyday as the author of the popular Sloppy comic strip during the 1980’s. The novel takes us through divorce, addiction, family tragedy, and HIV/AIDS. Motshumi’s novel – permeated by the shadow of the Apartheid regime as seen through the eyes of a child, and then an increasingly politically aware teenager – is a classic South African story. It is also a rich and personal account of universal childhood joys and challenges, from hunting lizards, fording rivers and negotiating new schoolmates. It is the first part of the trilogy to be published with two volumes to follow.

    7. THE APARTMENT IN BAB EL LOUK

    THE APARTMENT IN BAB EL LOUK African comics on the Zebra Comics Blog

    Described as a noir poem, The Apartment in Bab El Louk is written by Donia Maher and illustrated by Ganzeer and Ahmed Nady. The award-winning graphic novel is a formless telling of the events of the Tahrir square protests. Ganzeer has described it as “the reflections of an old recluse in the busy downtown Cairo neighbourhood of Bab El-Louk.”

    This revolutionary work takes readers into the emotions and reflections of the Tahrir protests inspired by those who watched the uprising unfold. It renders a relevant portrayal of Downtown Cairo that captures its ennui and vibrancy, and delivers it in an evocative work.

    The Apartment in Bab El Louk doesn’t have a linear trajectory and doesn’t abide by the traditional storytelling formats, but it doesn’t need to. It is more like a scene from a story we know all too well and therein lies its brilliance.

    8. ON EST ENSEMBLE !!!

    On-est-ensemble_African comics on the zebra comics blog

    We’re together!!! A very popular expression in Cameroon, the country of origin of the author of this comic strip, which is in itself more of a graphic novel than a comic strip, the expression is intended to answer questions such as: What’s it like? It can also be used when shaking hands to say goodbye. As if to say that even far away, brotherhood remains. The novel features some wonderful chronicles of young people’s daily quest for the holy grail of success.

    Tepson is a little crazy, but as crazy as his dreams allow. Tepson wants to become the next Bob Marley, Tepson wants to break through* thanks to reggae music, and his idol-like looks are no contradiction. This piece was created by Yannick Deuboue and published by Waanda Comics.

    9. TUMBU

    Tumbu African comics on the zebra comics blog

    Tumbu chronicles the adventures of Tumbu, a young boy who lives in Koni Quarter, an imaginary neighbourhood in Cameroon. Through his eyes, we see how the lives of different characters intertwine in a hilarious and soothing way. Tumbu is a commentary on the lives of the ordinary man and what it means to live communal life in Cameroon. It is created by Ejob Nathanael and published by Zebra Comics PLC.

    10. OUPS!

    OUPS! African comics on the zebra comics blog

    Set in a “mini cité” in Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon, this comic strip by Cameroonian artist Georges Pondy focuses on the daily lives of attractive, funny and oblivious teenagers. Oups is a demonstration of the talent of artist George Pondy, published by AKOMA MBA in 2012. The author of this series reveals the daily lives of young tenants in a student hostel full of surprises and adventures. The characters have their own particularities. Sam, one of the tenants of the hostel, is a woman with generous and harmonious curves… a bombshell. Because of her beauty, she is so coveted by men, often mistaken for an easy lay. Despite the sexual harassment she suffers, Sam continues to hone her weapons for new conquests. Woe betide the next beast. The artist’s distinctive graphic style is always realistic, and her actions are consistent with the storyline. The author also shows us that appearances are often deceptive. This is an African comic with strong graphics by Georges Pondy.

    Slice of life comics come in different shades and colours. As the above clearly demonstrates, even though there aren’t many so slice of life African comics, compared to other genres, there are still a decent amount of well crafted slice of life titles that will entertain readers like any other genre.

  • African Comics Creators in the Diaspora whose Works Honor Africa

    African Comics Creators in the Diaspora whose Works Honor Africa

    African comics are becoming more and more popular. In the last decade, the sheer amount of quality in African comics creation and the attention that it has garnered is mindblowing. From big publishers like Dark Horse adding African comics to their catalogue, to mega production houses like Universal studios buying adaptation rights to adapt African comics into other media like animation and movies, the growth that this artform is witnessing on the mother continent is unprecedented.

    With all this success, however, the question people still ask is, who is an African creator? In a globalised world where anybody can identify as anything, the answers to this question may raise eyebrows higher than they should normally go. However, for the sake of this article, we will focus on comics creators who originate from Africa, whose works are based on events or characters from Africa and who live out of the African continent.

    African comics creators in the diaspora are a growing force in the comics industry. They are very important to Africa and to the world because they use their work to explore a wide range of topics, including African history, culture, and identity. They are also challenging stereotypes and representations of Africans in mainstream comics. These topics do not only help promote Africa to the world, but they also help change mindsets about what the continent is all about.

    Here are some other notable African comics creators in the diaspora whose works honour the African continent in great ways:

    1. NNEDI OKORAFOR

    These are just a few of the many African comics creators in the diaspora. These creators are all working to create comics that are both entertaining and thought-provoking, using their work to tell stories that are important to Africa and to the world. They are also helping to change the face of comics, challenging stereotypes and representations of Africans in mainstream comics, rendering the industry more inclusive.

    One of the most prominent African comics creators in the diaspora, Nnedimma Nkemdili “Nnedi” Okorafor (formerly Okorafor-Mbachu) is a Nigerian-American writer of science fiction and fantasy for both children and adults. Some of her most prominent works in comics include; LAGUARDIA, WAKANDA FOREVER, BLACK PANTHER: LONG LIVE THE KING, THE SHURI SERIES and AFTER THE RAIN. These comics tell deeply intriguing stories with complex characters who live in exotic worlds.

    2. ROYE OKUPE

    Roye Okupe African comics creator on the zebra comics blog

    Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Roye Okupe is an award-winning filmmaker, author, speaker and entrepreneur whose passion for comics and animation led him to found YouNeek Studios in 2012. Under that umbrella, Roye wrote, produced and directed several animated productions including, but not limited to, the award-winning and critically acclaimed Malika – Warrior Queen Animated Short. These productions have allowed Roye to attain many prestigious recognitions such as being #5 on Ventures Africa’s list of 40 African innovators to watch (2016) as well as being part of NewAfrican Magazines’ 100 most influential Africans two years in a row (2016 & 2017). In August 2015, Roye’s debut graphic novel: E.X.O. The Legend of Wale Williams Part One was received with critical acclaim and has since been featured on CNN, Forbes, The New York Times, NBC, The Guardian, ABC7, BBC, The Huffington Post, Mashable and more!y.

    3. MARGUERITE ABOUET

    Marguerite Abouet African comics creator on the zebra comics blog

    Abouet was born in 1971 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and at the age of 12 she and her brother moved to France to their great uncle. She currently lives in Romainville, a suburb of Paris, with her husband, illustrator Clément Oubrerie (who illustrates her graphic concepts), and their young son. She worked as a legal assistant in Paris while writing her first graphic novel, Aya. Abouet had tried to write novels for young people, but she gave up in frustration with what she perceived to be the constraints put on the genre by the publishers. She left her job as a legal assistant to concentrate on writing full-time, including her two follow-up graphic novels to Aya (Aya of Yop City and Aya: The Secrets Come Out)

    4. JUNI BA

    Juni Ba African comics creator on the zebra comics blog

    Juni is an illustrator and writer who hails from Senegal and France. His current works include the Kayin and Abeni mini series and the Monkey Meat stories both published by Kugali. He is also the author of DJELIYA, a comic book published by TKO. He’s also a cover artist with works for Skybound and IDW. His artistic fuel is mostly based on orange juice.

    5. ALAIN MATA MAMENGI aka AL’MATA

    ALain Mata african comics creator on the zebra comics blog

    Alain Mata Mamengi (his artist name is Al’Mata), born in Kinshasa on 28 March 1970, is a graduate in graphic arts from the Acédemie des beaux arts in Kinshasa. He started out as a cartoonist in 1991 at the newspaper l’Observateur before becoming its artistic director. He produced booklets for The world food programme and Unicef, and at the same time contributed to the newspapers Les Palmarès, Vite-vu, Les stars de la BD and Mark BD4,1.

    Al’Mata’s drawings are described as subversive, which has led to persecution in his native country. In 1994, one of his drawings about President Maréchal Mobutu in the newspaper Le Palmarès was deemed humiliating, and the paper was forced to close down. In the meantime, Al’Mata was forced to go underground. Political regime after political regime, Al’Mata was arrested this time by President Laurent Désiré Kabila towards the end of 1998 and released in February 1999 under media pressure. Following the publication of his comic strip Kadogo (child soldiers), still considered subversive, he was interrogated in 2001 and arrested in July 2001. Living in hiding since December 2001, Al’Mata left the country when he was invited to take part in the La Bulle comic strip festival in Nevers in February 2002. Al’Mata lives in Bourgogne, France. Some of his notable works include Le Retour Au Pays D’alphonse Madiba Dit Daudet, and Les tribulations d’Alphonse Madiba dit Daudet.

    6. ANNICK KAMGANG

    Annick Kamgang African Comics Artist on the Zebra comics blog

    Annick Kamgang, alias Kam, a press cartoonist born in Yaoundé, lives and works in Paris. The daughter of a Cameroonian pan-African politician who suffered repression in the 1990s, she took up press cartooning to carry on the family torch in her own way.

    She has worked for L’Express, L’Opinion, Peuples Solidaires, Jeune Afrique, Le Monde, the Africa France foundation and the Institut Français. Lucha is her first comic book and her first collaboration with a journalist. Her most notable work is titled Lucha : chronique d’une révolution sans armes au Congo.

    7. PETER CHIZOBA DANIEL

    Peter Chizoba Daniel African comics creator on the Zebra Comics blog

    Peter Daniel is the lead illustrator, concept designer and creator of the “NEWBORN SAGA”. He’s also the creator of the “AMAZING TEKKIDS” a comic book that teaches kids values and how to plan for the future. He is an experienced IT consultant, a big time geek and loves video games. He is the founder of Peda Comics, a Nigerian comics production and publishing company whose titles like CHAYOMA: CURSE OF THE JANGURA which has taken African comics to higher heights.

    8. MARCELO D’SALETE

    MARCELO D’SALETE African comics creator on the zebra comics blog

    Marcelo D’Salete (born 1979) is a Brazilian comic book writer, illustrator and professor. He holds a master’s degree in art history from the University of São Paulo.During his adolescence, he studied graphic design at Carlos de Campos College and worked as an illustrator for publishers. He premiered as a comic book artist in 2001, publishing in the magazines Quadreca and Front. His first graphic novel, Noite Luz, was published in 2008. In 2011, he published the comic book Encruzilhada. His most acclaimed works deal with the history of resistance to slavery in Brazil from the perspective of the Afro-Brazilian peoples: Cumbe, from 2014, and Angola Janga from 2017. Angola Janga, a story about the Palmares quilombo, took eleven years of research and work by the author. D’Salete was nominated for the HQ Mix Trophy in 2012 and 2015. Cumbe was published in English in 2017 by Fantagraphics as Run for It: Stories of Slaves Who Fought for Their Freedom. It was nominated for and won the 2018 Eisner Awards, in the Best U.S. Edition of International Material category.

    9. MARTIN OKONKWO

    Martin Okonkwo African comics creator on the zebra comics blog

    Martin Okonkwo is a Nigerian artist and comic book creator who has created so many amazing African comics. Based in the UK, this artist founded the comics production house, Epoch Comics. The company’s vision, like many others, is to valorize African cultures and traditions through stellar storytelling. And they have been doing this through wonderful comics like REMNANTS, AEGIS, MOON DUST and BARIKISU.

    These are just a few of the many African comics creators in the diaspora. These creators are all working to create comics that are both entertaining and thought-provoking, using their work to tell stories that are important to Africa and to the world. They are also helping to change the face of comics, challenging stereotypes and representations of Africans in mainstream comics, rendering the industry more inclusive.

  • The Place of Religious Comics in the Comic Book Market

    The Place of Religious Comics in the Comic Book Market

    Religious comics have been around for decades, but they have yet to find a wide market. Some Christians, Muslims and Buddhists question whether comics are appropriate for religious content, while others shy away from the genre because they think “graphic novel” means adult material. Additionally, some mainstream stores are reluctant to carry comics appealing to what they view as a small niche.

    Nevertheless, religious comics are becoming increasingly popular, as more people are looking for stories that reflect their faith or spiritual beliefs. These stories often focus on themes such as self-discovery, morality, and justice—all ideas that can be found within many religions around the world. Religious comics also offer unique perspectives on traditional religious subjects; some may depict Bible stories through modern eyes while others might use fantasy elements to explore spiritual concepts like karma or reincarnation in an exciting way

    The Action Bible Religious Comics and African Comics on the Zebra Comics Blog

    Many publishers now recognize the potential of religious comics by offering titles specifically tailored towards different faiths or denominations (e.g., Christian Comics). There is also increasing demand from comic book fans who want to find titles with characters they can relate to spiritually – something which has previously been lacking within mainstream superhero genres dominated by white male protagonists! Additionally, digital platforms such as ComiXology have made it easier than ever before for independent creators to publish their own works without needing industry backing – meaning there is plenty more room for growth when it comes to finding high-quality content related directly toward religion/spirituality topics too!

    There are a number of religious comics that have been successful. One example is the series “ArchAngels,” which tells the story of a group of angels who are sent to Earth to protect humanity. The series has been praised for its strong characters, its engaging story, and its positive messages about faith and hope.

    Promethea Religious Comics and African comics on the zebra comics blog

    Another example of a successful religious comic is “Promethea,” which tells the story of a young woman who gains powers from reading a comic book. The series has been praised for its complex and thought-provoking exploration of faith, mythology, and the nature of reality.

    Other great examples of successful religious comics include:

    These examples demonstrate that religious comics can be just as engaging and entertaining as secular comics. However, they also highlight the challenges that religious comics face in the marketplace. In order to be successful, religious comics need to be well-written, well-illustrated, and relevant to their target audience. Additionally, they need to be marketed in a way that reaches potential readers.

    the-many-deaths-of-laila-starr-religious comics and african comics on the zebra comics blog

    Despite the challenges, there is a growing market for religious comics. As more and more people are looking for ways to explore their faith, religious comics are becoming a more popular option. With the continued growth of the market, it is likely that we will see even more successful religious comics in the years to come.

    In addition to the challenges mentioned above, religious comics also face the challenge of being perceived as being too preachy or didactic. This can be a turn-off for some readers, who may not want to be lectured to about their faith. However, there are a number of ways to avoid this trap. One way is to focus on telling a good story, with strong characters and engaging plot lines. Another way is to use humor and satire to make the religious content more palatable. By using these techniques, religious comics can be both entertaining and thought-provoking, without being preachy or didactic.

    New Testament Religious Comics and African Comics on the Zebra Comics Blog

    The market for religious comics is growing, and there is a demand for well-written and well-illustrated comics that explore faith and spirituality. In this light, Zebra Comics PLC is also working on some religious comics which they will be releasing on their digital platforms soon. With the continued growth of the market, it is likely that we will see even more successful religious comics in the years to come.

  • 7 Comic Books-Inspired TV Shows

    7 Comic Books-Inspired TV Shows

    Comic books have long been a source of inspiration for television shows, captivating audiences with their unique storytelling and imaginative worlds. In this article, we explore seven TV shows that draw their inspiration from the pages of comic books, bringing beloved characters and compelling narratives to life on the small screen. Join us as we delve into the thrilling and visually stunning worlds of these comic book-inspired TV shows, each with its own distinct blend of action, drama, and thought-provoking storytelling.

    1. The Sandman

    The Sandman

    Based on the acclaimed comic book series by Neil Gaiman, The Sandman is a dark fantasy drama that follows the adventures of Dream, the personification of dreams, and his siblings, the Endless. The show explores the complex and mysterious relationship between Dream and the humans who enter his realm, as well as his conflicts with other supernatural beings. The show was in development for a long time and has a stellar cast that includes Tom Sturridge as Dream, Gwendoline Christie as Lucifer, Charles Dance as Roderick Burgess, and Patton Oswalt as the voice of Matthew the Raven. The show was faithful to the source material, and covered the first three volumes of the comic book series: Preludes and Nocturnes, The Doll’s House, and Dream Country. According to Gaiman (2020), the show will also incorporate elements from other works related to The Sandman universe, such as The Books of Magic and Lucifer.

    2. Invincible

    Invincible on the Zebra Comics Blog

    Based on the comic book series by Robert Kirkman, Invincible is an animated superhero show that follows the life of Mark Grayson, a teenager who inherits superpowers from his father, Omni-Man, the most powerful hero on Earth. However, Mark soon discovers that his father is not the noble hero he thought he was, and that he is part of a sinister alien race that plans to conquer the planet. Mark must then decide whether to follow in his father’s footsteps or oppose him and protect humanity. The show features a star-studded voice cast that includes Steven Yeun as Mark, J.K. Simmons as Omni-Man, Sandra Oh as Debbie Grayson, Zazie Beetz as Amber Bennett, Gillian Jacobs as Atom Eve, and Seth Rogen as Allen the Alien. The show is praised for its mature and realistic portrayal of superheroes, as well as its brutal and bloody action scenes. Kirkman (2021) stated that the show will follow the comic book series “very closely”, but will also make some changes to surprise the fans.

    3. Sweet Tooth

    Sweet Tooth on the Zebra Comics Blog

    Sweet Tooth is based on the comic book series by Jeff Lemire. It is a post-apocalyptic adventure that follows Gus, a young boy who is part human and part deer. Gus lives in a secluded forest with his father, who warns him of the dangers of the outside world. However, after his father’s death, Gus decides to leave his home and explore the world. Along the way, he meets other hybrid children like him, who are hunted by ruthless humans who blame them for a deadly virus that wiped out most of humanity. Gus also encounters Jepperd, a mysterious loner who promises to take him to a safe haven called “The Preserve”. The show is produced by Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey, and stars Christian Convery as Gus, Nonso Anozie as Jepperd, Adeel Akhtar as Dr. Singh, Will Forte as Gus’ father, and James Brolin as the narrator. The show is described as a “family-friendly” version of the comic book series, with more humour and optimism. Lemire (2020) expressed his satisfaction with the adaptation and was particularly happy with the character of Aimee Eden (Dania Ramirez), the mother figure to the hybrids that was added to the world.

    4. Y: The Last Man

    Based on the comic book series by Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra, Y: The Last Man is a dystopian drama that follows Yorick Brown, the only male human survivor of a mysterious plague that killed all other mammals with a Y chromosome. Yorick travels across a chaotic world with his pet monkey Ampersand, trying to find his girlfriend Beth and discover the cause of the plague. Along the way, he meets various women who have different agendas for him, such as Agent 355, a secret agent who protects him; Dr Allison Mann, a geneticist who studies him; Hero Brown, his sister who joins a radical feminist group; and Victoria, a former politician who leads a cult. The show stars Ben Schnetzer as Yorick, Diane Lane as Jennifer Brown (Yorick’s mother), Ashley Romans as Agent 355, Olivia Thirlby as Hero Brown, Marin Ireland as Nora Brady, Amber Tamblyn as Victoria, and Elliot Fletcher as Sam Jordan. The show does its best to be faithful to the comic book series, but also modifies some aspects to reflect modern issues. Vaughan praised FX’s live-action adaptation on Hulu, saying the live-action is even better than the source material.

    5. The Umbrella Academy

    The Umbrella Academy on the Zebra Comics blog

    A Netflix original series based on the comic book series of the same name by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá. The Umbrella Academy follows a dysfunctional family of adopted siblings who have superpowers and have to work together to prevent an apocalypse. The first two seasons were well-received by critics and audiences alike, and the third season introduced new characters and plot twists. The show includes actors such as Elliot Page as Vanya Hargreeves, Tom Hopper as Luther Hargreeves, David Castañeda as Diego Hargreeves, Emmy Raver-Lampman as Allison Hargreeves, Robert Sheehan as Klaus Hargreeves, Aidan Gallagher as Number Five, and Justin H. Min as Ben Hargreeves. The Umbrella Academy is an example of how comic books can offer a fresh and creative perspective on the superhero genre, by subverting the tropes and expectations of the typical superhero team.

    6. The Boys

    The Boys on the Zebra Comics blog

    The Boys is based on the comic book series by Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson, which depicts a world where superheroes are corrupted by fame and power, and a group of vigilantes who try to expose their crimes. The Boys is known for its dark humour, graphic violence, and social commentary, and has been praised for its satire and realism. The cast of the show “The Boys” includes actors such as Karl Urban as Billy Butcher, Jack Quaid as Hughie Campbell, Antony Starr as Homelander, Erin Moriarty as Annie January, Jessie T. Usher as A-Train, Laz Alonso as Mother’s Milk, and Chace Crawford as The Deep. The Boys shows us how comic books can offer a critical and cynical view on the superhero genre, by showing the dark side and consequences of having superpowers.

    7. Locke & Key

    Locke & Key on the Zebra Comics blog

    Locke & Key is based on the comic book series by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodríguez. It follows a family who moves into a mysterious house that contains magical keys that grant various abilities. Locke & Key is a blend of fantasy, horror, and mystery, and has been praised for its imagination and suspense. The cast of the show “Locke and Key” has actors such as Darby Stanchfield as Nina Locke, Connor Jessup as Tyler Locke, Emilia Jones as Kinsey Locke, Jackson Robert Scott as Bode Locke, Petrice Jones as Scot Cavendish, and Hallea Jones as Eden Hawkins. Featuring magical elements and mysteries coupled with a touch of family-centric themes, Locke & Key is a great example of how comic books can offer a whimsical and adventurous view of non-superhero characters.

    Conclusion

    These seven comic book-inspired TV shows have not only captivated audiences with their compelling narratives and stunning visuals but have also showcased the diverse and expansive worlds that can stem from comic books. While many of these shows have found their homes on popular streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, it’s essential to acknowledge the growing presence of other platforms that publish digital comics.

    One such platform is Zebra Comics, which focuses on publishing African comics and showcasing the vibrant storytelling and artistic talent from the African continent. As we witness the rise of adaptations of African comics like “Iwaju” by Kugali Media and “The Vanguard Universe” by Comic Republic making their way to the small screen, it’s evident that African comic book adaptations are on the horizon. With the increasing recognition and demand for diverse voices and narratives, it’s only a matter of time before we see a surge of African comics gracing our screens, offering fresh and culturally rich perspectives for viewers worldwide.

    Zebra Comics App Logo

    In the next few years, we can expect an exciting wave of African comics to make their mark in the television landscape, further enriching the ever-expanding world of comic book-inspired TV shows.

  • Africa and the Manga Craze: What African Creators Need to Learn from Japan

    Africa and the Manga Craze: What African Creators Need to Learn from Japan

    Let’s make this clear; Japanese manga is the most popular comic book style in the world. Any human being who has interest in comics should be aware by now that there is no other comic book variation that has more following today than the Japanese version of the artform. From Akira, passing through Dragon ball and One Piece to Attack on Titan, Japanese manga has continued to take the world by storm, telling stories which have entertained many in very deep ways. It is even more interesting to note that there are a ton of mangas out there, with new publications hitting the market every year. From Japan, the culture has become so popular that it has been fully adopted by geeks in North America and Europe. During comic book conventions across the world, it is impossible for cosplays, games, animation and merchandise created from Japanese manga to be absent. The manga market has grown so widely that in 2022, its global market value was at 12.13 billion dollars and it is projected to grow to 42.2 billion dollars by the year 2030. Ultimately, Japan even used manga characters like Son Goku from the DragonBall series as ambassadors for the Tokyo Olympic games, evidence that manga has become so popular that they contribute to country branding.

    Indeed manga has grown tremendously, moving from Japan to the west and entertaining so many people in deep ways. This movement did not miss Africa too. The love for manga in Africa today is greater than it ever was. Africans have read manga, enjoyed anime and even formed Otaku groups which swear by nothing else than their love for Japanese creativity in comics. This love has even grown to the extent where many African Otakus literally swear that they prefer to become Japanese in soul and nationality, than to renounce their love for manga. This, more than anything, shows how much comics can contribute to brain drain and rid a culture of the recognition it deserves in its own backyard.

    tokyo olympics manga characters and African comics on the zebra comics blog

    This huge love for Japanese manga in Africa has contributed its quota in making it difficult for African comics to get the recognition that it deserves. Even though the problems plaguing the sector have nothing to do with the influence of Japanese manga directly, there is no denying that the huge popularity of manga have swayed Africans away from their own products so much that they are beginning to resist creations based on their own cultures.

    That said, it will be wise to stop whining about what Japanese manga has or hasn’t done to make life difficult for African creators. As a wise man once said, to be the greatest, learn from the greatest. African comics have great value, as we can clearly see in recent interest from global production houses. So, what African creators should be doing is to identify what Japanese manga is doing to make it the most popular comic book form in the world. African comics creators can learn a lot from their Japanese counterparts so as to position themselves in a market which is constantly demanding for more and which is in constant evolution. In this light, therefore, African creators and publishers can learn the following from Japanese manga.

    Unique Art Style

    Berserk manga art style and African comics on the zebra comics blog

    One of the things that makes manga stand out from other forms of comics is its unique art style. Manga characters often have large eyes, exaggerated expressions, and dynamic poses. This art style is both visually appealing and expressive, and it helps to set manga apart from other forms of comics. African comics creators can learn from this by developing their own unique art styles that reflect their own cultures and traditions. Standing out with their unique art styles will inevitably position African comics very favorably on the international market.

    Wide Range of Genres

    Another reason why manga is so popular is its wide range of genres. Manga covers everything from action to romance to comedy to horror. This means that there is something for everyone, regardless of their interests. African comics creators can learn from this by creating comics that appeal to a wide range of audiences. This is even very possible given the deep well of untold cultures and traditions from different parts of Africa. The possibilities for African creators today are practically endless.

    Captivating Stories

    Death Note manga and African comics on the Zebra comics blog

    Manga stories are often very captivating and well-written. They can be funny, exciting, heartwarming, or thought-provoking. This makes them a great way to escape from reality and explore new worlds and ideas. African comics creators can learn from this by creating stories that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. No one can ignore the storytelling genius of manga like Attack on Titan, Death Note or Naruto. African creators should work on this seriously because the very primal reason why people consume comics is to experience awesome stories.

    Strong Sense of Community

    The manga community is very strong and supportive. Manga creators often collaborate with each other, and they share their work with each other online. This sense of community can be very helpful for African comics creators, as it can provide them with support and feedback. African comics lovers, Otakus included, should also show love for local content because this does not only promote the comics themselves, but they also contribute in promoting entire nations.

    LToday, the African comics market is growing. Publishers like Zebra Comics PLC, Comic Republic, YouNeek Studios, Etan Comics, Peda Comics and Epoch Comics are doing great work in growing the industry. The results of this work can already be seen in the adaptation deals which they are garnering from big places. Nevertheless, compared to Japanese manga, African comics still have a long way to go to be as popular as Japanese manga. African comics creators can therefore learn a lot from their Japanese counterparts. By developing their own unique art styles, creating comics that appeal to a wide range of audiences, and creating stories that are both entertaining and thought-provoking, African comics creators can help to make African comics more popular and accessible to a wider audience.

  • What African Comics Companies Should Learn from Webtoon

    What African Comics Companies Should Learn from Webtoon

    In the world of digital comics today, there is no name greater than WEBTOON. Wait! Before you argue that webtoons aren’t really comics, let me remind you that webtoons  are just comics whose panels have been organised in such a way that they can easily be read on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. A webtoon is a type of digital comic that originated in South Korea and is read vertically by scrolling down on a computer or smartphone.

    Webtoons began as online daily chronicles, created by people out of work during the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997. These eventually evolved into more complex narratives produced by both professionals and amateurs, mixing styles and genres in unexpected ways, and engaging with contemporary Korean social issues.

    Webtoon ideas for African comics on the zebra comics blog

    In 2020, webtoons’ combined sales topped 1 trillion won (£684.6 million) for the first time, representing a year-on-year increase of over 64%. Today, webtoons stand as a foundation of Korean storytelling industries, having become an inexhaustible source of inspiration for K-drama, cinema, musicals and computer games.

    Undisputedly, today, the biggest webtoon company out there is Line Webtoon. Webtoon is a South Korean webtoon platform launched in 2004 by Naver Corporation, providing hosting for webtoons and compact digital comics. LINE Webtoon was founded by JunKoo Kim, under the name “WEBTOON,” after he watched the manhwa industry crash in the late 1990s and early 2000s.The platform is free, and is found both on the web at www.webtoons.com,  and on mobile devices, on both iOS and Android. Today, webtoon attracts over 180 million active users. That’s the population of several countries put together. Pretty huge!

    Webtoon boasts of thousands of webtoon creators and has millions of users in every continent of the world, including Africa. With its hugely diverse catalogue of webtoons, the platform which you access via a smartphone, tablet or PC continues to thrill African comic lovers with engaging stories. There are some African creators on the platform, however, they are so small in number that their impact is seldom felt across the board. This therefore makes one wonder if there are creators and companies from Africa who produce and publish webtoons full time. The answer is an astounding YES! The issue here, however, is that these creators and platforms are not yet well known internationally. Line Webtoon is not the only webtoon publisher out there as there exist other companies like Tappytoon, Manta comics, Bilili Comics, INKR comics etc. Nevertheless, Africa is not yet anywhere close to enjoying the reputation of these giants even though they are effectively present on the international market.

    At this stage, the follow up question one will ask will be: what do African comics and webtoon companies have to do to enjoy the success that Line Webtoon enjoys?

    Well, we did some research and we came up with the following things that African comics and webtoon companies can learn from Webtoon to become better platforms out there.

    1. TAP INTO LOCAL CULTURE UNAPOLOGETICALLY FOR HIGH QUALITY CONTENT CREATION.

    Cameroonian and African culture for African comics on the zebra comics blog

    Open the webtoon app or browse through their website and you will find a ton of stellar content. From action adventures to fantasies, passing through slice of life stories and romance IPs, there is a ton of stuff to enjoy on the platform. The peculiarity of the content therein, however, comes from the fact that most of it is based on Korean culture. Well, it may be logical that a majority of the content on the platform is from Korea because most of the creators whose works are published there are Koreans. Nevertheless, they could still decide to create content based on other cultures which are more mainstream than theirs. The fact that they chose to focus on their own cultures, sets the content apart by giving it a unique tone and feel and showing great originality.

    Thanks to this way of doing things, many IPs on the platform have been adapted into TV series, movies and games, helping Webtoon to bring in even more revenue. Quite a good number of K dramas on Netflix are adaptations from webtoons and they are amongst the most watched shows out there. So, African comics companies should not compromise on using African cultures as the basis for their content creation. Africa boasts of millions of untold stories and so much more undiscovered cultures. That is a huge opportunity for African comics to leverage on and stand out on the international market.

    2. PROVIDE DIVERSITY IN CONTENT, TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION USERS FROM DIFFERENT LOCATIONS.

    Genres in webtoon and African comics on the Zebra comics blog

    Webtoon is known for its strengths as far as geolocalization is concerned. What does that mean? Well, in simple English, it simply means that Webtoons platform is developed in such a way that it identifies where users are located and shows them content based on their location and preferences. Webtoon goes even further with this by curating content that comes from different parts of the globe. This way, users in different places get to see the kind of content they like and that can relate the most to. With this retention is assured and many more users will come to their platform. It is a good thing for African comics companies to unapologetically create content that is focused on their cultures and traditions, but they should be as diverse with these cultures as possible. This will include many more people from different regions and ultimately increase the popularity of their platforms.

    3. PROVIDE FREE CONTENT AND DIVERSIFY MONETIZATION

    Webtoon free coins and African comics on the zebra comics blog

    Every business exists to make money; that’s a fact. However, how that money is made is not always an easy mountain to climb. Right out of the box, mobile applications and websites like Webtoon make use of a confirmed variety of monetization strategies which enable their owners to ensure cash flow. Amongst these monetization methods, it should be noted that offering the comics or webtoons for free can also ensure that money comes in regularly and consistently. Do not get it all mixed up, we are not saying that you should take ages, effort and resources to build something authentic and really useful, and then play Mother Theresa by distributing it for free. What we are actually saying here is that African comics companies should open up their platforms with free content and then use smart ways to make money from the tons of people who populate their platforms.

    Webtoon has used and is still using this strategy to brilliant effect. Most of the content on their platforms is completely free, however, even when you are reading for “free”, you are compelled to view ads on the platform. Webtoon makes money from every ad that is displayed on any device using its platform anywhere in the world. This way of opening up their platform by making the content free and monetizing it indirectly has helped webtoon make hundreds of millions of dollars every year. This strategy is particularly good for African comics companies because African comics are not yet as popular as those from North America, Europe and Asia. These African comics companies will have to open their platforms so as to let as many people as possible get in, so that they can gain popularity and then make a lot of money in the process. They can add other monetization options like subscriptions and micro transactions, but they have to gain popularity first for the other strategies to be really effective.

    Today, African comics are gradually gaining popularity across the world. This can be seen in the different adaptation deals signed between African comics publishers and large media companies to turn these comics into other media like animation and games. However, even with this popularity and even though some African comics companies like Zebra Comics PLC are doing much to position the continent internationally, African comics still need to grow and position themselves firmly in an ever growing market. With the deep penetration of the internet and the massive adoption of digital comics and webtoons across the globe, African comics companies will gain much by learning a thing or two from greats like Line Webtoon. Copying and fine-tuning what Webtoon has done and is doing will provide the much needed growth that African comics need today.

review resume writing services