All – Page 15 – Premium storytelling in African comics, manga and webtoon

How African Comics Deviate From The Classical Superhero Trope

African Comics: Origins.

Many African youths used to rush to local book vendors to get the latest Superman or Batman comic books several years ago. Some would wake up early on Saturdays to watch Spiderman defy the laws of Physics on Television. As these fellows tore through calendars their love for these characters grew stronger. This sparked their desire to create lovable and memorable characters and comic books of their own. But with a new spice.

African comic books have come a long way from just being inspired by Western superheroes. In the past, African comic book creators read comics about superheroes from the West, fell in love with these characters and created almost copycat versions of them. However, in time, their creativity and imagination went beyond that and led to the current boom in the African comic book industry.

African Comics: A Unique Take on the Superhero Genre

African comic book creators, inspired by Western characters, have started creating their own unique comic book characters. But they do not solely focus on the traditional superhero trope that has become so common in the comic book market. Instead, they are bringing a fresh perspective and new ideas to the world of comics. African comics tackle societal issues and cultural differences, providing a voice for underrepresented African communities. They often incorporate African mythology, history, and beliefs, creating stories that are not only entertaining but also culturally significant. It is a massive turn from the cliched self-righteous indestructible all-powerful hero in spandex with a mask and cape.

By some accident of “science”, the protagonist acquired powers that automatically made him “super”. It became clear to African creators that these superhero tropes weren’t just overused and cliche, they also didn’t fully reflect their experiences and immediate environment. Unlike Peter Parker who got his abilities from a radioactive spider, Tain from the comic book “Mancraft” (published by Zebra Comics PLC) goes through training in an esoteric elite organization where he learns the “Craft” that grants him abilities. We follow the character’s difficult journey as he learns about a world within the physical one. We see the cultural beliefs and customs that accompany Tain on his journey. Another example is Iyanu: Child of Wonder published by YouNeek Studios. Though the story focuses primarily on her self-discovery, it is impossible to ignore the rich Yoruba culture from which she draws inspiration. The Yoruba culture lends the comic book a distinctive look and flavour, which will appeal greatly to global audiences. With the tremendous amount of untapped cultural heritage at their disposal, there is no shortage of inspiration for their comic books. The uniqueness and freshness the world has witnessed with the African music industry is happening with the African comic book as well. And it only gets better from there.

The Importance of African Comics in the Industry

African comics are a reflection of the continent’s rich heritage and a celebration of its rich cultural diversity, making them an important part of the comic book industry. They offer a new twist on the classic superhero genre, presenting heroes that are not only powerful but also culturally rich. African comics showcase the diversity and richness of African culture and bring new perspectives to the comic book industry. Through comic books, African creators can tell their stories with all the authenticity and accuracy they deserve. To the global audience, not only is it entertaining, it is educational. A means for them to know the Mother Land better while smiling through beautiful comic book pages.

You could discover South Africa through the lens of Kwezi by Loyiso Mkize or explore Ethiopia through Jember created by Beserat Debebe and published by Etan Comics. Enter the futuristic African world of Anaki, created by E.N. Ejob and published by Zebra Comics PLC, and why not its spin-off series, Beasts of Tazeti, created by Ejob Gaius and also published by Zebra Comics PLC. Strike Guard, created by Ayodele Elegba and published by Spoof Comics, will give you a first-class ticket to Nigeria. In Wrong Dial, created by Fensou Miles and published by Zebra Comics PLC, you will discover how African magic is used to influence modern warfare. Yes, you read that right!

Other African comics you should check out are: Jakuta by Ayegbusi Tobi, published by Brown Roof Studios; Njoku, created by Njoka Suyru, and published by Zebra Comics PLC; Mulatako, Mulatako created by Reine Dibussi, delves into a world in the seas even Aquaman knows nothing about, Warrior Queen by Roye Okupe and published by Dark Horse Comics and YouNeek Studios (based on west African myths), Chayoma: Curse of the Jangura by Peter Chizoba Daniel and published by Peda Comics, and many more.

The Journey Continues

In conclusion, African comics are a unique take on the superhero genre, offering a fresh perspective on the classic trope. They tackle societal issues, incorporate African mythology, and celebrate the continent’s cultural diversity, making them an important part of the comic book industry. If you are looking for something different and culturally rich, then African comics are definitely worth checking out.

February 6, 2023

Superheroes In African Comics

For a very long time, superheroes have been the definition of what comics actually are. From Marvel Comics to DC Comics and everything in between, most of the comics the world has seen have been based on superheroes. And even though so much has changed as far as comics are concerned, the superhero trope is still very dominant in the comic book industry, making it an important part of storytelling today.

Superheroes have been a staple of the comic book world for decades, and they’ve become an integral part of popular culture. They’re characters that stand up against evil and fight for justice, often with superhuman abilities or gadgets to help them along the way. Superheroes are beloved by many people around the world—not just in comics but also in movies, TV shows, video games, webtoons, manga and more. But who exactly are these superheroes?

Superheroes come from all walks of life: some were born with their powers while others gained them through accidents or scientific experiments gone wrong (or right!). Some use their powers to protect humanity while others may use them selfishly; either way they can be incredibly powerful forces when used correctly! Many superheroes represent morality tales about good versus evil as well as complex stories about identity struggles within our society today.

In recent years there has been a surge in African superhero representation both on-screen and off-screen. From Black Panther to Wakanda Forever!, African cultures have finally started getting much deserved attention from mainstream media outlets like Marvel Comics & Disney+. These new heroes offer unique perspectives on heroism that reflect modern day Africa – one where strength is found not only through physical power but also intelligence & compassion towards those less fortunate than oneself! Additionally, African creators are beginning to invest a lot of time and care in creating African superheroes who not only depict the aforementioned superhero tropes, but who also represent the ideologies and beliefs of the common African.

African comics featuring superhero characters include Malika: Warrior Queen by Roye Okupe which is set during 15th century West Africa which features a female leader fighting for the freedom of her people; Kwezi written by Loyiso Mkize focusing on South African street culture & crime prevention using supernatural elements like magic spells; E.X.O.: The Legend of Wale Williams centering around Nigerian scientist Wale Williams who creates tech inventions he uses against monsters threatening his city Lagos, JEMBER written by Beserat Debebe, a story about the first Ethiopian Superhero, Guardian Prime created by Jide Martin and Wale Awelenje and ANAKI created E.N. Ejob which tells the story of a witch who strives to survive in a futuristic version of Africa – just name a few examples out there today! All these titles provide readers with captivating storylines and full action packed adventures featuring diverse casts of members representing different countries throughout the African continent itself!

Overall, it’s clear why superheroes remain so popular among comic book lovers. No matter what age/background you come from, everyone loves seeing someone fight injustice & make things better, even if it means putting themselves at risk doing so. This is exactly why we need more diverse representations when it comes to creating heroic figures because everyone deserves a chance to experience the joys of being a hero.

February 6, 2023

The Zebra Comics App And Website At The Bilili BD Festival

Within the impressive halls of Institut Francais, Brazzaville, Congo, lovers of comic books, animation, video games, film and cosplay from the Republic of Congo, Cameroon, France and different parts of the world converged to bring the 6th edition of the Bilili BD Festival to life. The Bilili BD festival is an annual cultural event that focuses on the promotion of comics, animation, video games, cosplay and any other thing that revolves around these sectors. The interesting thing is that the Bilili BD Festival is a platform that prioritizes the promotion of African creations, rendering them more visible and valuable in the eyes of Africans and people from the rest of the world. Celebrating its 6th edition, this festival continues to grow at a tremendous rate, attracting important actors of the 9th art from different parts of our planet. Most importantly, this year’s event was held under the theme, “Transmedia.” This is a very timely theme as we live in an era when the creation and distribution of comics through different media has seen no precedence. And this was clearly made palpable by the presence of Zebra Comics PLC at the event.

Zebra Comics PLC is a Cameroonian comic book publishing company based in Douala, Cameroon. As one of the international guests on this August occasion, Zebra Comics PLC, represented by the dynamic and energetic Mr Njoka Suyru, is a representation of what transmedia in the comic book domain means. In other words, Zebra Comics PLC is a comic book creation company that focuses on the creation and distribution of digital comics. This means that the company works heavily with digital tools to not only create comics but also to distribute them.

The importance of comics in education and entertainment cannot be overemphasized. The use of images in comics renders consumption and retention of information stronger and so makes it a powerful tool for the dissemination of knowledge. Add images that depict the African way of life to the equation and you have a veritable tool to promote African cultures, traditions and entertainment. Zebra comics made this evident at the Bilili BD Festival this year through an exposition of its original comic book IPs. Titles like Anaki, Njoku, Wrong Dial, Totem, Jemiro, Tumbu and Khadija were on display, portraying African storytelling through comics to visitors who admired the exposed boards. These stories treat topics like terrorism, witchcraft, female football, religion and history, and they are dished out in the most entertaining fashion. The icing on the cake is that all of these stories can be enjoyed by anyone anywhere in the world through the android application and website.

With the theme “Transmedia” hanging in the atmosphere of the festival grounds, Zebra Comics PLC, with their latest version tablets, displayed what comic book lovers stand to gain when they get into their digital ecosystem (app and website). Beyond just distributing comics digitally, Zebra Comics provides their comics and manga content in webtoon format, a format which is adapted to mobile phones and therefore makes the consumption of digital comics more convenient. Also, given that the platform is subscription based, users can have unlimited access to all of the content once they sign up. The idea, which is very clear by now, is definitely to provide an excess of high quality African content to fans everywhere in the world at a very affordable price. This, undoubtedly solves the issues plaguing the sector of comics on the continent.

To get into the platform and enjoy all of these amazing stories, you just need to go to Google Playstore and download the app ZEBRA COMICS (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=dme.systems.zebra_comics&hl=en&gl=US) or visit the website https://zebra-comics.com/#/home.

February 3, 2023

Mythology In African Comics

In the course of your reading journey, you probably have asked this question, “Why is mythology a predominant theme in African comics, webtoon and manga?” Well, whether you have or not, the question of mythology in comics has come up more times than one can imagine. However, before we venture into the reasons why mythology is such an attractive topic for creators and consumers of comics, it is important to get our definitions straight first.

A mythology is a collection of myths or stories about a specific person, culture, religion, or any group with shared beliefs. Most people don’t consider mythology to be entirely true, but they still take it seriously. Going by this definition and looking at it in relation to African culture and traditions, one can easily see why mythology is a thing in African comics. African cultures are usually very spiritual in nature. Myths usually emanate from African cultures which were predominantly oral in the past. In these oral traditions which were very philosophical in nature, myths were used as a way of passing across ideologies and ways of life in the most effective ways to younger generations. In African folklore, therefore, there are many myths that comics, webtoon and manga creators have turned to for inspiration. Some of them include myths around gods like Shango, animals and even totems.

This world of myths and mythology, however, is not the creation of African culture alone. Myths have existed in all parts of the world since human creation. From Norse mythology, passing through the Aztec myths, to Chinese beliefs, world mythologies have always been part of human beliefs. This, undoubtedly, has influenced the creation of the most popular comics, webtoon and manga we know today. Many superhero characters are the products of inspiration drawn from popular mythologies. Some good examples include Wonder Woman (a superhero inspired by gods from Greek mythology), 18 Days (Based on the Indian epic Mahabharata), THOR (based on the Norse god of thunder), Deadman (based on Hindu Mythology), Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (based on Japanese mythology) and Shazam (which finds its origins in Greek mythology). These and many more show how much mythology has influenced creation of comics across the world.

As far as African comics are concerned, mythologies have played a great role in shaping the inspiration of creators from the mother continent. Out of the box, the continent boasts of a rich repertoire of mythology which makes for fertile grounds from which to dig out inspiring ideas and characters for truly memorable stories. Some examples of comics based on African mythology and folklore include Malika: Warrior Queen by Roye Okupe and published by Dark Horse Comics and YouNeek Studios (based on west African myths), Amadioha created by Tobe Max Ezeogu and published by Comic Republic, Jember created by Beserat Debebe and published by Etan Comics, Anaki created by E.N. Ejob and published by Zebra Comics PLC, Chayoma: Curse of the Jangura by Peter Chizoba Daniel and published by Peda Comics, Beasts of Tazeti created by Ejob Gaius and published by Zebra Comics PLC, Strike Guard created by Ayodele Elegba and published by Spoof Comics, Wrong Dial created by Fensou Miles and published by Zebra Comics PLC, Jakuta by Ayegbusi Tobi and published by Brown Roof Studios, Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan by Olivier Madiba and Georges Pondy and published by Kiro’o Games, Njoku created by Njoka Suyru and published by Zebra Comics PLC, Mulatako Created by Reine Dibussi and Totem created by Franklin Agogho and published by Zebra Comics PLC. These stories are all based on African mythologies. It is however interesting to note that each of these stories handle myths in peculiar ways. While some use myths to build modern day and even futuristic characters, others base their inspiration on the past and build from there to come up with interesting characters and scenarios.

From the above, it is clear that mythology plays a predominant role in the creation of African comics, webtoon and manga. This helps to adequately pass across African philosophies, cultures and ways of life because these are deeply embedded in myths which are clear representations of African cultures and traditions. The aforementioned comics therefore provide a clear lens through which readers can have a deeper taste of what Africa is, even though myths are not the only pool from which African creators draw inspiration to create their comics.

February 2, 2023

Is Mythology And Witchcraft All There Is In African Comics?

There is often a connection between African comics and myths, legends, and magic. A rich and diverse history of folklore has been captured in a variety of forms of art throughout Africa, from the powerful sorcerers and witches to the mythical creatures that roam its lands. Among them are comic books. Although mythology and witchcraft play a prominent role in African comics, they are not the only genres explored by the creators. In fact, African comic creators have produced works that delve into a wide variety of themes, including action, romance, and even superheroes.

One of the most well-known African comics is “The Might of Guardian Prime” written by Jide Martins and Ozo Ezeogu and published by Comic Republic. The story revolves around Tunde Jaiye, one of the five essential elements of earth (earth, air, water, fire, and man). The perfect man created in the image of God. His abilities are almost godlike compared to those of a normal man. In some ways, he is like the Nigerian Superman. The African comic is filled with fantastic action scenes that leap off the page. Another action-packed comic is E.X.O.: The Legend of Wale Williams by Roye Okupe of YouNeek Studios. It is a sci-fi superhero story about Wale Williams, a young man in Lagos, Nigeria who must become a hero to save his city from extremists who have obtained his father’s secret energy source research. He must decide whether to ignore the situation or forgive his father and use the E.X.O. Armor to fight back.

Another notable African comic is the widely known South African comic series “The Supa Strikas“. The Supa Strikas are a team of football players who use their unique skills to compete in professional football. The series is another prime example of the action genre seasoned with sports in African comics, combining high-flying adventures with fast-paced sports action to create a genuinely entertaining experience. Another sports-related comic is “The Marshall” written by Ejob Gaius and published by Zebra Comics PLC. It presents a comical tale of a football match between India and Cameroon which lives on today as a widely known fable. There are similar iterations of the story told in Ghana, Nigeria and Ivory Coast.

African comic creators have also explored the romance genre in their works. For example, the romance comic book series, “Kawana” by Cameroonian writer Franklin Agogho and published by Zebra Comics PLC. It explores the complexities of modern love and relationships of a young girl who seeks the attention of her family and close friends through nefarious means. Other African comics that revolve around love and romance are: “My Grandfather Was a God” by Dotun Akande & Murewa Ayodele which focuses on Tofunmi, the granddaughter of the supreme god Olorun, who embarks on a journey to find her grandfather and protect humans from monsters and ghouls that have started to leak into the world after Olorun stopped coming for their usual meetups. Next, we have Outlaws by Salami Rebekah, which follows Kendrick Uyiosa and Megan’s fated meeting at a vacation party where Kendrick gets stabbed, witnesses a murder, gets involved with a super-powered girl, and discovers he has powers leads them to uncover a hidden secret being sought after by the Huda Organization, and their trials may turn them into enemies or ignite an unavoidable romance.

For comic book fans that enjoy all styles of storytelling and want to explore the African continent, there is a vast selection of African comics, webtoon and manga to choose from. While mythology and witchcraft are prominent in African comics, it is critical to note that these works represent only a small portion of the broad and diverse landscape of African comic creativity. African comic authors are exploring many themes and genres that demonstrate the African comic industry’s creativity, talent, and diversity, ranging from action and romance to superheroes and more. With the contributions of outstanding artists and authors, it is evident that African comics are much more than just witchcraft and folklore; they are a vibrant and thrilling part of the comics world.

February 1, 2023

How African Creators Will Influence the Comic Book Industry

Introduction

The popularity of comic books has skyrocketed in the last decade, and this trend is only expected to continue. While the United States and Europe dominate the industry, the African continent is now making its mark with its own distinct take on the comic book genre. African comic books are making ripples in the worldwide comic book market, and they are expected to have a growing impact in the coming years. The African comic book industry is still in its infancy, with independent producers generating storylines and artwork with a distinctly African taste.

These creators are telling stories that reflect the beliefs, culture, and history of their respective countries and regions. As a result, African comic books provide a distinct viewpoint on the world, which the global comic book business is beginning to recognize. With the rise of African comic books has come an inflow of talent from the continent, with more African creators and illustrators now creating tales and artwork for the global market. This inflow of talent is reviving the comic book business and helping to diversify the content being created.

Furthermore, the African comic book market is propelling the business in other ways. African comic books are frequently less expensive than their Western counterparts, making them more accessible to a larger spectrum of consumers. Also, African comic books frequently offer storylines with previously unknown realities, allowing readers to experience stories from other perspectives. The worldwide comic book business is rapidly looking for this, and African comic books are set to play a significant role in this development.

African comic books are likely to have a significant impact on the future of the global comic book business. As more African artists and illustrators enter the industry and create stories that reflect their own values and culture, they are likely to have a significant impact on the content that is created. Furthermore, the cost and availability of African comic books are likely to make them more accessible to a wider spectrum of readers, allowing more people to enjoy the unique storytelling and artwork that African comic books have to offer. As a result, African comic books are set to become an increasingly important element of the global comic book business in the coming years.

Digital publishing has had a significant impact on the African comic book industry, making it more economical and accessible to both African and non-African readers. Because of digital publication, they can now be released more rapidly and efficiently, resulting in cheaper production costs and allowing comic book authors to reach a bigger global audience. Some publishing houses, YouNeek Studios for example, have established partnerships with industry players such as Darkhorse Comics, to push forward African content to global audiences. Furthermore, digital publication has made it easier for African comic books to be published and distributed globally, allowing African creators to reach a far larger audience. This improved price and availability have allowed more people to experience the distinctive stories and artwork that African comic books have to offer, and this is expected to have a growing impact on the global market. African publishers such as Zebra Comics PLC, YouNeek Studios, Comic Republic, and many others have online platforms where comic book lovers from all over the world can read African comics either for free or at very affordable prices.

January 27, 2023

Afrofuturism in African Comics

Are you looking for something new, exciting, and inspiring to add to your comic book collection? Something that deviates from the mainstream superhero comics and manga? Well, a great place to look will be Afrofuturistic comics! This is a genre that blends elements of science fiction with African culture and history, bringing forth something that is unique and exciting at the same time. According to The New York Times, “Afrofuturism, whether in novels, films or music, imagines worlds and futures where the African diaspora and sci-fi intersect. The term was coined by the writer Mark Dery in 1993 and has since been applied to the novels of Octavia Butler (“Kindred”), the musical stylings of the jazz composer Sun Ra and more recently films such as “Get Out” and “Black Panther,” which presented a gorgeously rendered vision of the technologically advanced, vibranium-powered nation of Wakanda”.Afrofuturism is an empowering movement that celebrates the resilience of people of color. From Nnedi Okorafor’s groundbreaking works to Marvel’s Black Panther movie adaptation starring Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa/Black Panther to DC’s Cyborg character who uses his cybernetic enhancements for good; there are plenty of examples out there showcasing how this unique form of storytelling can be used by creators across different mediums.

Afrofuturistic comics aren’t just entertaining or visually stunning – they also have the power to educate readers about important topics on Africa such as racism, sexism, colonialism etc., while providing them with positive African role models they can identify with. It also encourages us all (regardless of our race or background) to think more deeply about what it means when we talk about “the future” – especially when considering how our decisions today will shape tomorrow’s world.

Ever since the black panther movie was released to global acclaim, many other comics projects based on Afrofuturism have seen the light of day. The success of this genre obviously occasioned the creation of many more comics in this genre. Notable amongst these creations are Marvel Comics’ Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur by Amy Reeder and Brandon Montclare, Infintum and Matty’s Rocket by Tim Fielder, New Masters by Shobo and Shof Coker and LaGuardia by Nnedi Okorafor.

On the African continent, the Afrofuturism movement has also gathered momentum. Creators on the continent, like those who live in the diaspora, have produced comics that put forth the genre in ways that have not been seen before. These comics usually go a layer deeper into African cultures and traditions while maintaining the futuristic aspect of the movement, thereby portraying a deeply African view of the future. Notable examples include Anaki by Zebra Comics PLC, Assegai by Comic Republic, E.X.O.: The Legend of Wale Williams by Roye Okupe and Mulatako by Reine Dibussi, amongst many others. The movement is indeed growing rapidly on the African continent, with creations from different corners of the continent spewing out content on a regular basis.

Added to the above is the fact that lovers of Afrofuturism in comics, especially African comics, are not obliged to buy printed copies of these comics to enjoy them. Today, one can find a load of these Afrofuturistic comics online. On platforms like Zebra Comics, Comic Republic, YouNeek Studios and Vortex Comics, Afrofuturistic comics are just a click away. On platforms like Zebra Comics, you can start reading these comics now for FREE.

If you are truly looking for something new and different, Afrofuturistic comics are undoubtedly the solution and today, there isn’t a shortage of these in print and digital formats.

January 27, 2023

Category: All

Introduction