All – Page 6 – Premium storytelling in African comics, manga and webtoon

Modern Trends that can Influence Modern African Comics Creation

The African comics industry is undergoing a renaissance, with a new generation of creators producing high-quality comics that tell stories that are relevant to African and international audiences. In an era when change is as rapid as the speed of light, there is bound to be new things that will influence the way comics creators create comics today. Technology has made access to information so easy that the proliferation of new ideas has become easy. With the influence of social media and the virality of video nowadays, trends pop up by the second, and these inevitably affect the comics creation process. There are a myriad of modern trends that influence comics creation such as the rise of digital comics, the growing popularity of African comics, the increasing diversity of African comics, and the influence of other cultures, amongst others. Let’s look into how these trends actually affect comics creation.

1.The rise of digital comics

Digital comics are becoming more and more popular around the world, and Africa is no exception. This is due in part to the increasing availability of smartphones and tablets, which make it easy to read comics on the go. Additionally, digital comics are often more affordable than traditional print comics, making them more accessible to a wider audience.

African comic book creators are increasingly taking advantage of the rise of digital comics. For example, the Cameroonian comic book publisher, Zebra Comics PLC uses digital tools to create their long list of popular comic book series, which they publish on their digital platforms (app and website). This heavy use of digital tools has allowed the company to reach a global audience.

2. The growing popularity of African comics

African comics are becoming increasingly popular both within Africa and internationally. This is due in part to the efforts of African comic book creators who are producing high-quality comics that tell stories that are relevant to African audiences. Additionally, the rise of social media and online platforms has made it easier for African comic book creators to reach a global audience.

One example of the growing popularity of African comics is the success of the South African comic book series “Kwezi.” The series, which is created by Loyiso Mkize, has become one of the most popular comics in Africa.

3. The increasing diversity of African comics

African comics are becoming more and more diverse in terms of their genres, styles, and themes. This is due in part to the growing number of African comic book creators who are coming from different backgrounds and experiences. Additionally, African comic book creators are increasingly exploring new and innovative ways to tell stories.

4. The influence of other cultures

African comics are also being influenced by other cultures, such as American comics, Japanese manga, and Korean manhwa. This is due in part to the increasing globalization of the comics industry. Additionally, African comic book creators are increasingly looking to other cultures for inspiration.

5. The influence of other media

African comics are also being influenced by other media, such as movies, television, and video games. This is due in part to the increasing crossover between these different media. Additionally, creators are increasingly looking to other media for inspiration. A good example is the graphic novel “AURION: LEGACY OF THE KORI ODAN” which is an adaptation of the video game of the same name.

Conclusion

African comics are gaining popularity by the day and this popularity, in great measure, is a fruit of the aforementioned trends. No one can deny the fact that these trends are having a positive impact on the African comics industry. They are helping to make African comics more accessible to a wider audience and they are encouraging African comic book creators to explore new and innovative ways to tell stories. As a result, we can expect to see even more exciting African comics in the future.

November 15, 2023

How to Succeed with Comic Book Business in Africa

Setting up, managing and scaling any business is a tough venture, irrespective of the type of business involved or the place where it is carried out. This is more so the case for the business of comics which is still in its embryonic stage in Africa. But let’s be clear – comics have been around on the African continent for a very long time. Creators and publishers have been putting out interesting creations from the independence era till today. The problem, however, is that comics have not really been big business, earning publishers and creators millions of dollars on the continent. It has been mostly put out as a product of experimentation or for cultural affirmation, rather than serious business. This article therefore seeks to provide valuable tips on how to succeed in this sector which has found it difficult to become a thriving one as it is the case in other continents.

But before we dive head on into the nitty gritties of what any comic book entrepreneur should do to succeed with this business in Africa, it is important to note that the comic book market is a thriving one in other continents like North America, Europe and Asia. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global comic book market size is projected to grow from $16.05 billion in 2023 to $22.37 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.85% during the forecast period. The bulk of this market will be composed of comics from North America, Europe and Asia. Africa is rising and comics from the continent are gradually gaining recognition and market share internationally. However, there are still problems which continue to plague the sector which prevent it from experiencing the kind of success which analysts predict on the international stage. Issues like lack of funding for production and marketing, distribution hassles and even monetization of creations are still problems which prevent African comics businesses from seeing great success.

So, what should African comics businesses do to become successful? Well, we did some research and came up with the following tips that comic book entrepreneurs should look into to ensure that their business becomes successful.

1. Carefully Design your Business Model

Basically, a business model describes how a business will make money from the products or services which they sell. It may sound surprising, but many comics businesses, or those who attempt to sell comics, just believe that once their product is on a social media platform or on any ecommerce website, they are in business. The truth, however, is that comics publishers, like any other businesses out there, need to decide on the best business model to adopt to ensure that their businesses thrive. Some publishers may decide to print their comics and distribute them in conventional stores and bookshops, some will produce comics in digital format only and sell directly to consumers on third party platforms, some will call for submissions from independent creators and sell the finished product through partner businesses, some will make use of crowdfunding platforms like kickstarter.com to reach their audiences and fund their businesses, while others will create their own digital platforms and comics and then charge consumers a subscription fee to consume their comics. Irrespective of the way comic book publishers decide to make money from their comics, they need to evaluate their offer and resources very well, so as to employ the best business model. This will inevitably create better avenues for success because through their business model, they will understand market dynamics better and thereby serve consumers in a way that will bring them high returns. In another article, we will talk more about business models in the business of comics.

2. Provide High Value with World Class Comics

When everything is said and done, comics lovers pay for the content that creators create and publishers publish. They want highly entertaining content which will help solve their boredom and self-affirmation issues. The best comics in the world usually have the most intriguing stories, settings and characters that you find around. African comics businesses need to pay more attention to the quality of the stories they actually put on the market. It even goes without saying nowadays that Africa is a gold mine for untold stories around the continent’s unique cultures and traditions. Creators and publishers should dig deep into these cultures and create unique and higher entertaining comics that will inevitably succeed on national and international markets.

3. Partnerships with Valuable Partners

Comic book business is particularly a high one in Africa. With print comics, there are heavy costs required for printing books, and with digital comics, there are heavy costs required for creating distribution platforms for these comics and paying staff who manage them. With these issues, most comic book businesses will not thrive without valuable partners who will help them grow their business with less stress. Comic book creation agencies, distribution platforms, advertising agencies and even animation and video game studios are possible partners who can help comics businesses in Africa to thrive. Partnerships are very important in this space because comic book businesses in Africa do not usually have the resources they need to succeed like their counterparts from other continents.

4. Market! Market! Market!

For some time now, traditional comics publishers in Africa have usually behaved as if marketing their books made them mundane or not good enough. Most of the time, these businesses even lack dedicated marketing departments and personnel who are tasked with marketing their comics and bringing them much needed clients and revenue, and thereby grow their businesses. Today, only the digital comics companies invest time, resources and effort to push their products into the market. The point in this case is that comics businesses in Africa need to be intentional about marketing their businesses as much as they can. This will help enormously in making African comics businesses popular and assure their success.

Business and entrepreneurship has never been an easy thing to do. From finding capital, to producing the right product, to scaling it to become successful, successful businesses require a lot of input for them to become successful. This is true for comic book publishing businesses, especially those present in Africa who do not usually have the resources and the skills needed to thrive like those in other continents. The tips mentioned in this article therefore serve as a guide for African comics businesses and entrepreneurs to follow to ensure that their businesses become profitable in the long run.

November 15, 2023

The Best Cameroonian Comics of the Last Decade

If you do not know yet, know now that Cameroon is one of the few countries in the world whose official languages are English and French. What that means is that, when it comes to comics, apart from drawing close to manga which everyone loves, Cameroonians love both American comics and Franco Belgian BD.

Ok, let’s give more perspective to that piece of information above. Generally, English speaking countries in Africa tend to gravitate towards media and entertainment which comes from English speaking nations like The United States of America and the United Kingdom. And, in the same way, French speaking countries lean more towards media which comes from French speaking countries like France and Belgium. Now, Japanese manga is the exception to all this because it is loved by everyone everywhere. Nevertheless, the point we are trying to make here is that Cameroon has a dual nature thanks to the use of both French and English as its official languages. This makes the country to be more open to content which comes from diverse horizons, thereby inspiring creators to spew out content which is as diverse as its linguistic identity.

As far as comics are concerned, Cameroon has one of the most dynamic markets on the African continent. There are great creators emerging everyday and there are even greater publishers (like Zebra Comics PLC, 3ag editions, Waanda Comics and Editions Akoma Mba) which put forth revolutionary work on a constant basis. This has especially been the case in recent years when African storytelling has been witnessing a constant growth and recognition from the rest of the world. The value of African philosophies, the beauty of African cultures and traditions, and the uniqueness of African perspectives about the future are all very present in comics which come out of Cameroon, making them truly special.

In a previous article, we revisited the history of comics in this central African nation, and clearly pointed out some great works which already existed before the 2010s. So, in this write up, we will focus on works which were published in the last decade (2013 to 2023). This timeline is particularly important because this period, in the history of Cameroonian comics, has witnessed the highest number of comics productions from the country. Print and digital comics have all seen the light of day during this decade and many of these books have met user expectations in terms of story, illustrations, colours and overall production.

So, which are the best Cameroonian comics of the last decade? Check out our list below. Note that this list contains comics which were created by authors who live in Cameroon. The comics on this list appear in no particular order.

1. LA VIE D’EBENE DUTA

A self published comic book authored by Elyon’s, this excellent piece recounts the life of an African lady and her experiences as an immigrant in Europe. Take a tablespoon of bad luck, a pinch of misunderstanding, and a sprinkling of intense drought! Let it simmer, and you’ve got La Vie d’Ebène Duta, 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 discourse on a fantasised Africa, nor yet another (re)visit to clichés about immigration or all the misperceptions attached to black identity. This is a must read comic which explores very important themes which are relevant to issues plaguing our societies today.

2. ALIYA

Aliya is a comic book created and written by An Nina, illustrated by EN Ejob and Alone Legend and published by Zebra Comics PLC. This fantasy comic was one of the three first creations and publications of Zebra Comics PLC which helped to put the publisher on the map. Aliya is the story of a young lady in corporate Africa – A young translator with a mysterious past, haunted by forces unseen. This comic is available on amazon.com.

3. CATY (Cellule anti-terroriste de Yaoundé)

Heavily influenced by the American TV series, 24, this comic book tells a similar action packed story, but changes characters, setting and stakes. Set in Yaounde, Cameroon, this comic tells the story of Special Agent Jacky Wabo of the Yaoundé Anti-Terrorist Unit who is tasked with apprehending Essono, a notorious psychopathic terrorist, and possibly saving Bobo, if he is still alive… This action packed comic was published by Editions Akoma Mba and Waanda comics. CATY was written and illustrated by Georges Pondy.

4. ANDROID NIGHT

In the heart of Yaoundé, Cameroon, Mengo and Akim are out for a night in town. While there, Mengo meets a young woman by the name of Lynshie. She’s sexy, shy and her lips have the spicy flavor of his favorite cocktail, “Android Night”. Attracted by her charm, Lynshie invites Mengo into her car and they head off to his apartment in Bastos for sex. Meanwhile, Gonzo, another friend, enters the bar and joins Akim in getting to know three girls. Yaoundé is sweet and warm when you’re a fan of conclusive evenings. When Mengo finally arrives at Lynshie’s, things don’t go as planned. Mengo starts shooting a live video on the Internet when suddenly four girls in gangster outfits burst into the room. Mengo is confused and doesn’t understand what’s going on. What was supposed to be a hot, drunken evening for Mengo is transformed into a nightmare. Android Night puts forth the argument that in Yaoundé, you can go out as a predator and end the night as the prey. Android Night was written by Darius Dada and illustrated by Cedric Minlo.

5. TOTEM

Amongst the first three comics created and published by Zebra Comics PLC, this comic recounts the story of an albino boy of struggles to survive in a pre-slavery era when his kind was looked upon as a curse. This fantasy story is inspired heavily by African cultures, myths and traditions, but it also packs a lot of action and magic. This is an epic adventure that any lover of Lord of the Ring, Game of Thrones and The Witcher series will absolutely love. Totem was created by Franklin Agogho and illustrated by EN Ejob.

6. DJO’O BAR

Djo’o Bar is a comic book series set entirely in Africa, specifically in Yaoundé, Cameroon. However, the public likely to be interested in the series is not limited to the African readership, as the characters are human archetypes, with all that is funny, unfortunate, brave, weak or irreverent about them. “Volume 1 of the series introduces the main characters: Prési the talking monkey, Hilary, Fifi, Djo’o and his bar, Maman Nicole, and Doctor Indomitable. The action revolves around Prési, the clever monkey who is popular in the Djo’o Bar neighborhood, and also Fifi, who has to be cured of an interminable case of diarrhea. All the characters combine their efforts to cure Fifi. They are helped by Chloé, a French researcher whom the characters distrust, before adopting her as a friend. The journey required to cure Fifi is an opportunity to criticize the cumbersome Cameroonian administration, a clone of the French administration (only more cumbersome). This funny comic book series was created by Hughes Bertrand Biboum and published by Toom Editions.

7. OUPS!

This is a simple yet interesting story, combined with a little flavor of Cameroon, which will certainly make you love this extraordinary country. Between daily setbacks, youth life and youth survival, the hostel of young scholars where this story is set is a veritable field that brings together all sorts of interceptions, conflicts and, above all, the difficulties encountered by our young people. This comic can be steamy and serious at the same time as it treats themes such as love, family, sex, corruption and poverty. Oups! Was created by George Pondy.

8. HACKER

Hacker is a comic that borrows heavily from the manga storytelling style. This story is set in Cameroon, at a time when society’s ills are at their worst. TEMDJIEU Frédéric Evrad, a young boy orphaned by a tragedy in Kumba, finds himself in Douala, where he must start a new life. Overcome by grief and despair, in a nation descending into chaos, he swears by only one thing: to work for change in this country. And so he begins a normal day-to-day life of odd jobs, he combines it with a dangerous activity that he pursues only at night – hacking, until the day everything turns upside down. This comic was created by Ludovic Tankeu and published by 3ag Edition.

9. TUMBU

This comic forms part of the trio that made up the first ever “Zebra Comics 3 in 1 magazine”. Side by side Aliya, and Totem from Zebra Comics, this comic came in to bring lightheartedness and fun to the others which already treat very serious themes. Tumbu is a satire which recounts the day to day ills which plague a typical Cameroonian society through the eyes of a young boy calledTumbu. As his name suggests, Tumbu (which means maggot in Cameroonian Pidgin) exposes all those who do crazy things like a maggot in a wound. This hilarious comic was created by EN Ejob and published by Zebra Comics PLC.

10. ANAKI

In the era of afrofuturism, Anaki stands out as the first afrofuturistic comic created and published in Cameroon. In this epic and action packed story, The union between randy gods and human women gives rise to the Balemba-kids with special gifts. The last of them, Anaki, struggles to survive in the face of the deadly Inquisition tasked with wiping out all evidence of the gods’ descendants. This comic presents beautiful art, great dialogue and memorable characters. Anaki was created by EN Ejob. It is available on the Zebra Comics app and website.

11. BLACKTREK MAGAZINE

Another comic which is highly influenced by Japanese manga, this magazine packs several stories created by writers and illustrators from the art group called Blacktrek. In its third edition, this magazine contains stories from talented creators like Martini Ngola, Yannick Obada and Objel Otou. Notable stories within this magazine include Helasteen, Kwap Be Zamba, Deratiseurs de Creatures Surnaturelles (DCS) and Deconfine. These stories treat themes which range from slavery, war and the future, to the covid pandemic and its effects.

12. AURION: Heritage of the KORI-ODAN

On the planet Aurioma, an energy called the Aurion only responds to those seeking answers to specific questions. The Aurion connects them to their ancestors. In the city of Zema, the king and queen, ENZO and ERINE KORI-ODAN, are crowned on their wedding day. Unfortunately, this happy day will be the beginning of their trials and their journey to find the true meaning of heritage. But above all, to find the true meaning of the KORI-ODAN heritage.

This is an African comic book adapted from the video game of the same name. Aurion is a comic-book-style collection of perfect anatomy and special-effects action. It was created and written by Olivier Madiba and illustrated by Georges Pondy.

13. NJOKU

On Mount Fako, somewhere in Buea, Cameroon, Efasa-Moto, the mountain God, rules. He is lord over the sugar cane plantations and elephants that flourish on these slopes. Humans can enjoy the sugar cane and the beauty of the mountain as much as they want. However, they are forbidden from venturing into areas which are reserved for the gods. Unfortunately, Axel Takam and his friends, hungry for adventure and oblivious of these rules, take a trip up the mountain without authorization from competent authorities and end up desecrating the holy lands reserved for the gods. The consequence; Alex Takam is obliged to choose between doing the bidding of the gods for mankind or saving himself and letting mankind perish. You’ll find this and more in the African fantasy title, NJOKU. This comic/Webtoon innovates on the superhero genre and comes loaded with a deep and entertaining story. It was created and written by NJOKA SUYRU, illustrated by ALONE LEGEND, coloured by JUDITH EBOGO and lettered by EN EJOB. NJOKU was winner of the Digital comics Prize awarded by Institut Francais Cameroon in 2021.

14. KAWANA

IKEI lives the life of a billionaire kid: chic apartment, celebrity boyfriend, loaded bank account and free cruises to exotic places. Curiously, she is doing all these while grappling with unvalidated courses at the University. The question now is: who sponsors this kind of lifestyle? Well, many think her numerous dates finance her escapades. No! She comes from a wealthy family that can afford anything she may desire. So, why does she choose this questionable path? The answer lies in a deeply dysfunctional family. This story was written by Franklin Agogho and illustrated by Beti Ophelie. It is available on the Zebra Comics app and website.

So, there you have it, fourteen high quality stories that will keep you entertained and provide you with a good idea of what creativity in comics from Cameroon looks like. There are certainly many more comics which deserve to be part of this list. Tell us about any other titles which deserve to be on this list and we will do our best to bring them to the limelight.

October 23, 2023

Making Comics for Print and Webtoon: Bridging the Digital and Traditional Divide

The Dual Nature of Webtoons

1. Do Webtoons Ever Get Printed?

Webtoons, a digital innovation that originated in South Korea, are inherently designed for online consumption. However, the transition from digital to print is not uncommon. While webtoons are optimized for vertical scrolling and vibrant colours, some creators choose to adapt their digital content for print. This transformation requires careful consideration of layout adjustments, panel arrangement, and colour optimization to ensure the visual narrative translates effectively to the printed page.

2. Webtoon Creators and Compensation

In the world of webtoons, creators have the potential to earn revenue through various avenues. Revenue streams include ad revenue generated by views, premium content purchases, merchandise sales, and crowdfunding. Webtoon platforms often provide compensation based on the popularity and engagement of the content. As webtoon creators gain a dedicated following, they can also explore collaborations, commissions, and partnerships, further expanding their income sources.

3. Ownership in the Webtoon Realm

Creators’ rights and ownership remain pivotal in the webtoon landscape. Most webtoon platforms acknowledge the creators as rightful owners of their content. However, understanding the terms of service and user agreements of each platform is crucial to safeguard intellectual property rights. As the digital medium empowers creators to share their stories with a global audience, it’s imperative to choose platforms that respect and protect creators’ rights.

Webtoons vs. Page-Based Comics

The distinction between webtoons and page-based comics extends beyond format. While webtoons are designed for a seamless vertical reading experience, page-based comics adhere to a traditional layout with panels arranged horizontally on pages. Webtoons utilize scrolling, allowing readers to absorb the narrative effortlessly, while page-based comics rely on page turns to reveal the story progression. Acknowledging these differences is crucial when adapting content for print or digital consumption.

Crafting a Unique Visual Identity

1. Tailoring Your Approach for Webtoons

Creating a webtoon involves adapting traditional comic storytelling techniques to the digital format. Key considerations include panel transitions that suit vertical scrolling, captivating visuals that command attention in a smaller digital window, and utilizing colors that enhance the reader’s experience. Webtoons grant creators the freedom to experiment with unconventional panel layouts, pacing, and visual effects that captivate and immerse the audience.

2. Embracing Tradition with Innovation

When crafting comics for print, the tactile experience plays a pivotal role. Exploring varied paper textures, optimizing page layouts, and leveraging the contrast between black and white or full-colour visuals contribute to the uniqueness of print comics. The physicality of a printed comic invites readers to engage with the story in a different manner, fostering a connection between the reader and the medium.

Navigating Both Worlds: A Confluence of Creativity

As the comic landscape expands to embrace both digital and print mediums, creators find themselves at a juncture where innovation and tradition intersect. By embracing the opportunities presented by webtoons and traditional print comics, creators can craft narratives tha t resonate with diverse audiences. The key lies in understanding the nuances of each platform, adapting storytelling techniques, and tailoring the visual experience to suit the chosen medium.

The Zebra Comics Platform

Zebra Comics is a dynamic platform that showcases a diverse array of African comics. It serves as a hub for digital content, offering creators the opportunity to reach a broader audience. Zebra Comics also acknowledges the significance of the digital landscape, ensuring creators can choose the medium that best suits their artistic vision.

In conclusion, the evolution of comics into the realms of webtoons and traditional print brings forth a dynamic interplay between digital innovation and timeless craftsmanship. Whether creators opt for the vertical canvas of webtoons or the tactile pages of print comics, the essence of storytelling remains unchanged. As creators explore the possibilities of both worlds, they contribute to a vibrant comic landscape that continues to captivate readers across continents.

Stay tuned to Zebra Comics, where the diverse spectrum of African comics thrives, representing a celebration of creativity and storytelling excellence.

September 28, 2023

The Contribution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to the Creation of Comics

A few years ago, the only digital tools which comics creators had access to were graphic design software like Adobe Photoshop, lettering software like Comic life, video streaming platforms like YouTube and search engines like Google where they could search for references and tutorials which could help them perfect their art. These tools, even though very basic today, were very important in the creation of comics digitally. Creators could easily illustrate and reproduce their works in a short time and get entire projects done in timeframes that were impossible to accomplish with traditional methods. Nevertheless, creators still had to possess a high level of skill and actually put in the work to create the comics. With artificial intelligence, this all changes as it ushers in a possibility of just imagining something and then getting it done with just a click of a button.

Artificial intelligence is defined as the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. Specific applications of AI include expert systems, natural language processing, speech recognition and machine vision. Amongst other things, artificial intelligence is used in everyday life for Voice Assistance, Personalized Marketing, Navigation and Travel, Self-driving Vehicles and Security and Surveillance.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the world, and the comic book industry is no exception. AI is being used to create comics in a variety of ways, from generating storylines and characters to creating illustrations.

One of the most promising applications of AI in comics is the creation of storylines and characters. AI can be used to analyze large datasets of existing comics to identify patterns and trends. This information can then be used to generate new storylines and characters that are more likely to appeal to readers.

For example, AI was used to create the comic book series “Cyberpunk: Peach John”. This series was created by the Japanese publishing house Shinchosha, and it is believed to be the world’s first complete AI-generated manga work. The series tells the story of a young woman who lives in a dystopian future city. The story was generated by AI by analyzing a large dataset of existing manga works.

AI is also being used to create illustrations for comics. AI can be used to generate realistic images of characters, backgrounds, and objects. This can be a valuable tool for comic book creators who want to create high-quality illustrations without having to spend a lot of time and effort.

For example, the company Graphiti Labs has developed an AI-powered tool called Deep Dream that can be used to create realistic images of characters and objects. Deep Dream was used to create the illustrations for the comic book series “The Adventures of Obadiah the Bold”. This series tells the story of a young Nigerian boy who travels back in time to the 19th century. The illustrations in the series were created by using Deep Dream to generate realistic images of characters, backgrounds, and objects from the 19th century.

AI is still in its early stages of development, but it has the potential to revolutionize the comic book industry. AI can be used to create comics that are more engaging, more realistic, and more accessible to a wider audience.

Here are some other ways that AI is being used in the creation of comics:

AI can be used to automate tasks such as lettering and coloring, freeing up human creators to focus on more creative aspects of the process.

AI can be used to generate suggestions for plot lines, character development, and dialogue.

AI can be used to translate comics into different languages.

AI can be used to create interactive comics that allow readers to make choices that affect the story.

There are still many frowns in the comic book industry as far as the usage of AI in the creation of comics is concerned. Many argue that using AI is cheating and does not make the user a true artist. Others state that AI-created comics do not look natural and so cannot express human imagination and art. Well, whatever side of the divide you fall on, it is certain that the use of AI in the comic book industry is still in its early stages, but it is clear that it has the potential to make a significant impact. As AI technology continues to develop, it is likely that we will see even more innovative and creative uses of AI in comics in the coming years.

September 25, 2023

Graphic novels vs Episodic comics: Which is better?

Comic books are a popular form of entertainment that has been around for decades. They are usually composed of sequential art and text that tell stories of various genres, such as superheroes, science fiction, fantasy, horror, and more. There are different variations based on style that stem from different parts of the world. Recently, there has been a particular surge in African comics. But comic books are not a homogeneous medium. There are different ways of presenting comic book stories, and two of the most common ones are graphic novels and episodic comics. This is true from all sides of the globe, including African comics.

Graphic novels are comic books that are published as a single, complete story, usually in a longer format than regular comic books. They can be standalone works or part of a series, but they have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Graphic novels often have higher production values, such as better paper quality, colour printing, and hardcover binding. Some examples of graphic novels are Watchmen, Mulatako, La Vie d’Ebène Duta, and The Sandman.

Episodic comics are comic books that are published in shorter installments, usually monthly or weekly. They are part of an ongoing series that may or may not have a definite conclusion. Episodic comics often follow a serialized format, with cliffhangers and subplots that span multiple issues. They are usually printed on cheaper paper, in black and white or limited color, and stapled together. Some examples of episodic comics are The Walking Dead, A Reverie With Nana, Kawana, and Saga.

Both graphic novels and episodic comics have their advantages and disadvantages, for comic book lovers. In this article, we will explore the similarities and differences between these two mediums and seek to decide which is better.

Similarities

One of the main similarities between graphic novels and episodic comics is that they both use the same language of comics: panels, balloons, captions, sound effects, etc. They both rely on the combination of words and images to create meaning and convey emotions. They both use the same techniques of storytelling, such as narration, dialogue, characterization, setting, mood, theme, etc. They both belong to the same tradition of comic book history and culture, and they both draw inspiration from various sources of literature, art, cinema, and more.

Another similarity between graphic novels and episodic comics is that they both offer a wide range of genres and styles for readers to choose from. Whether you prefer action-packed adventures, psychological dramas, humorous parodies, or anything in between, you can find graphic novels and episodic comics that suit your taste. You can also find graphic novels and episodic comics that cater to different age groups, from children to adults. You can also find graphic novels and episodic comics that reflect different perspectives and experiences, from diverse authors and artists.

Differences

One of the main differences between graphic novels and episodic comics is the length and structure of their stories. Graphic novels tend to have longer and more complex stories than episodic comics. They often deal with themes that require more depth and nuance than episodic comics. They also have more freedom to experiment with the form and layout of their pages than episodic comics. Graphic novels can be read as standalone works or as part of a larger series, but they always have a clear ending that wraps up the story.

Episodic comics tend to have shorter and simpler stories than graphic novels. They often deal with themes that are more immediate and relevant than graphic novels. They also have more constraints on the form and layout of their pages than graphic novels. Episodic comics are meant to be read as part of an ongoing series that may or may not have a clear ending. They often rely on continuity and references to previous issues to maintain reader interest.

Another difference between graphic novels and episodic comics is the availability and accessibility of their stories. Graphic novels are usually published as single volumes that can be easily found in bookstores or online. They are also more likely to be translated into different languages and distributed internationally than episodic comics. Graphic novels can be read at any time and at any pace by the reader.

Episodic comics are usually published as individual issues that can be harder to find in stores or online. They are also less likely to be translated into different languages and distributed internationally than graphic novels. Episodic comics have to be read in a specific order and at a specific frequency by the reader.

Which is better?

The answer to this question depends on the preferences and expectations of each reader. Some readers may prefer graphic novels because they offer longer and more complete stories that can be enjoyed at their own leisure. Some readers may prefer episodic comics because they offer shorter and more exciting stories that can be followed along with other fans. Some readers may enjoy both graphic novels and episodic comics because they offer different experiences and opportunities for comic book lovers. Additionally, with the growth of technology, webcomics have become a new player in the industry. One which African comic book creators such as Zebra Comics are embracing.

Ultimately, there is no definitive answer as to which is better between graphic novels and episodic comics. They are both valid forms of comic book storytelling that have their own strengths and weaknesses. They are both worth reading and appreciating by comic book lovers.

September 11, 2023

Comics and Novels Based Video Games Released in 2023

From the day the word “Geek” was created to this day, fantasy, science fiction, and superhero comics and novels have, and will always have, a special place in this world. These products of pop culture have put forth content that fans have not only enjoyed in their original format, but also in various other formats like movies, TV shows, animation and video games. Talking about video games, it is certainly no news that comics and novels have been a big inspiration for many of the most beloved video games out there. From Spiderman, passing through Batman, to The Witcher, comics and novels have been important as far as inspiration for top games is concerned.

In a previous article, we looked at the top video games based on popular comics characters out there. These have come and fans have enjoyed them, but pop culture continues to grow and so many more video game projects based on comics and novels are bound to see the light of day.

In this light, therefore, the year 2023 is shaping up to be a great year for book fans, with a number of highly anticipated games based on their favorite characters and franchises set to release. Here are a few of the most anticipated comic book based video games coming in 2023:

1. MARVEL’S SPIDER-MAN 2

The sequel to the critically acclaimed 2018 game, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 will see Peter Parker and Miles Morales team up to take on Venom and the Sinister Six. The game is being developed by Insomniac Games, and will be released for PlayStation 5.

2. HOGWARTS LEGACY

Set in the wizarding world of Harry Potter, Hogwarts Legacy is an open-world action RPG that will allow players to create their own witch or wizard and attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The game is being developed by Avalanche Software, and will be released for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

3. RESIDENT EVIL 4 REMAKE

Another game that has gained popularity due to its association with recollections from the past and feelings of nostalgia. Resident Evil 4 Remake is a recreation of the video game Resident Evil 4 from 2005. The game is a survival horror title that Capcom created and released. The game will be released on March 24, 2023. The PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox X/S would all support it.

4. ALAN WAKE

Inspired by Stephen King’s character, David Lynch, this is a sequel to “Alan Wake” released in 2010. This remake will be released in 2023 on PS5, Windows, and Xbox X/S. It is a survival horror game created by Remedy Entertainment and published by Epic Games.

5. SUICIDE SQUAD KILL THE JUSTICE LEAGUE

This game is incredibly popular, and not just fans of DC or Superhero Comics. Even casual gamers are crazy about it. It is the first game in the “Batman: Arkham” series to have no Batman. This game series has received positive reviews from critics and players in general, which has generated attention. Currently available on PS4 and Xbox One, the game will be made available for the PS5, Xbox X/S, and Windows soon.

Games and comics/novels have always enjoyed a wonderful relationship over the years. A game like Spiderman on Playstation has been rated as one of the best products the video game industry has seen. There will be many more video games based on comics coming in the years ahead. However, as far as 2023 is concerned, these are just a few of the many comic book based video games to be released within the 2023 window. With so many great games to choose from, comic book fans, without a doubt, are sure to have a lot to look forward to this year.

September 7, 2023

The Best Webtoon to Animation Adaptations

About a decade ago, if you typed the word “Webtoon” into any search engine, it probably wouldn’t have provided you with any results which could raise an eye. In other words, until the year 2018, webtoons were not very popular. Today, the story has changed completely. The comic format has moved on to be a global phenomenon, entertaining fans in different parts of the globe. It is now very common for comics fans to hear that they are reading a webtoon even in the most remote areas of the world, thanks to its accessibility.

With this increasing popularity in recent years, therefore, there has been growing interest from other segments of the entertainment industry. Film, animation and even video games have been created which are based on popular webtoons. Most prominent, though, are the webtoon to animation adaptations whose numbers have been growing incessantly. Some of these animations based on webtoons have even been published on the greatest video streaming platforms like Netflix. Some of these adaptations have even been met with critical acclaim, making them a staple in today’s entertainment world.

Before we look at the best webtoon to animation adaptations, let’s define what makes a good webtoon to animation adaptation.

Firstly, the adaptation should be faithful to the source material. This means that the characters, the story, and the tone of the webtoon should be preserved in the adaptation. Secondly, the animation should be high quality. The animation should be fluid and dynamic, and it should bring the webtoon to life. Thirdly, the story should be engaging. The adaptation should be interesting to watch, and it should keep viewers hooked from beginning to end.

So, which are some of these webtoon animated adaptations that are garnering so much attention? Here are some of them below:

1. TOWER OF GOD

Tower of God is a South Korean manhwa released as a webtoon written and illustrated by S.I.U. It has been serialized in Naver Corporation’s webtoon platform Naver Webtoon since June 2010, with the individual chapters collected and published by Young Com into thirteen volumes as of July 2023. Tower of God received official English translations by Line Webtoon beginning in July 2014.

In this webtoon, there is a tower that summons chosen people called “Regulars” with the promise of granting their deepest desires. Whether it be wealth, fame, authority, or something that surpasses them all—everything awaits those who reach the top. Twenty-Fifth Bam is a boy who has only known a dark cave, a dirty cloth, and an unreachable light his entire life. So when a girl named Rachel comes to him through the light, his entire world changes. Becoming close friends with Rachel, he learns various things about the outside world from her. But when Rachel says she must leave him to climb the Tower, his world shatters around him. Vowing to follow after her no matter what it takes, he sets his sight on the tower, and a miracle occurs. Thus begins the journey of Bam, a young boy who was not chosen by the Tower but opened its gates by himself. They call his kind “Irregulars”—beings that have shaken the very foundation of the Tower each time they set foot inside it.

It has received several mobile game adaptations and merchandise. In Japan, the web manhwa received an anime television series adaptation by Telecom Animation Film that first premiered on Naver Series On in South Korea, and aired in Japan immediately afterward. It originally aired from April to June 2020. Crunchyroll licensed and simulcasted the Japanese broadcast version of the anime for its streaming service. In August 2022, a second season was announced.

2. THE GOD OF HIGH SCHOOL

The God of High School is a South Korean manhwa released as a webtoon written and illustrated by Yongje Park. It has been serialized in Naver Corporation’s webtoon platform Naver Webtoon from April 2011 to December 2022, with the individual chapters collected and published by Imageframe under their Root label into four volumes as of January 2023. The God of High School received official English translations by Line Webtoon beginning in July 2014.

This action webtoon follows a high school student, Jin Mori, and his friends as they compete in an epic tournament in which they borrow the power directly from the gods. But not only that, along the way they uncover a mysterious organization who will grant any wish to the tournament’s winner.

It has received a mobile game and an original net animation short attached to the aforementioned game’s original soundtrack. An anime television series adaptation produced by MAPPA aired from July to September 2020.

3. NOBLESSE

Noblesse is a South Korean manhwa released as a webtoon written by Son Je-ho and illustrated by Lee Kwangsu. Noblesse was first posted on Naver Corporation’s webtoon platform Naver Webtoon in December 2007, and was concluded in January 2019; it was among the first webtoons to receive an official English translation at the launch of Line Webtoon in July 2014.

In this webtoon, a powerful noble, Cadis Etrama Di Raizel (referred to as Rai), has been asleep for 820 years with no knowledge of mankind’s advancement and scientific successes. At the start of the webtoon, Rai wakes up in an abandoned building in South Korea, and starts to get used to the modern world. He goes to a school, where he reunites with his loyal servant Frankenstein. With Frankenstein’s help, Rai enrolls into high school and inadvertently befriends athletic teenager Shinwoo, computer geek Ikhan, and Shinwoo’s crush Yuna, and a few others. Noblesse follows the group’s often dangerous adventures against a secret organization while uncovering Rai’s past.

It has been adapted into an aeni in 2015 and an original net animation (ONA) in 2016, and an anime television series by Production I.G aired from October to December 2020 on Crunchyroll.

4. LOOKISM

Lookism Is a Manhwa created in 2014 by former Ulzaang and author Taejoon Park. It was officially released in 2017 in English and other languages on the Line Webtoon App. Set in the outskirts of Seoul, Lookism is about a boy named Daniel Park (Park Hyungseok) who is bullied because of his looks. He decides to transfer schools, only to wake up in a new body. Throughout the story he witnesses multiple cases of ‘Lookism’, a form of discrimination based on a person’s attractiveness. As Daniel navigates this new life, he tries to uncover the mystery behind his second body. An animated adaptation by Studio Mir was released globally on Netflix in December 2022.

5. SOLO LEVELING

Solo Leveling is a South Korean web novel written by Chugong. It presents a world where hunters, human warriors who possess magical abilities, must battle deadly monsters to protect mankind from certain annihilation. In this context, a notoriously weak hunter named Sung Jinwoo finds himself in a seemingly endless struggle for survival.

It was serialized in Kakao’s digital comic and fiction platform KakaoPage beginning on July 25, 2016, and was later published in full by D&C Media under their Papyrus label on November 4, 2016. The novel has been licensed in English by Yen Press. A webtoon adaptation of Solo Leveling was first serialized in KakaoPage on March 4, 2018; it was illustrated by Jang Sung-rak (aka Dubu), the CEO of Redice Studio, who died on July 23, 2022, after suffering from a cerebral hemorrhage. The webtoon’s first season concluded on March 19, 2020, and its second season began on August 1, 2020, concluding in December 2021 with its 179th chapter. Its individual chapters have been collected and published by D&C Media into seven volumes as of February 2023. The webtoon has been licensed in English by Yen Press. A role-playing video game is in development at Netmarble. An anime television series adaptation by A-1 Pictures is set to premiere in Q1 2024.

6. KILLING STALKING

Killing Stalking is a South Korean manhwa written and illustrated by Koogi. It was published online in Korean and English by Lezhin Comics and won the ₩100,000,000 Grand Prize Award at the Second Lezhin World Comics Contest.

The story follows Bum, a young mentally ill man with a difficult past. After becoming infatuated with Oh Sangwoo, a peer from his time in the military who saved him from a rape attempt, he decides to enter Sangwoo’s home while he is out of his house. Bum finds a tied up, bruised woman in Sangwoo’s basement and before he is able to free her, he is discovered by Sangwoo, who is revealed to be a serial killer. Sangwoo then breaks Bum’s ankles and despite Bum’s previous love for him, Sangwoo puts Bum into a highly abusive and manipulative relationship until the very end.

The series has been licensed in English in print format by Seven Seas Entertainment.

Webtoons are a popular form of media, and they have a large and dedicated audience. Adapting a webtoon to animation can help to introduce the webtoon to a wider audience, and it can also help to generate new fans for the source material. Additionally, animation can bring a webtoon to life in a way that static images cannot. The animation can help to capture the action and excitement of the webtoon, and it can also help to bring the characters to life.

Overall, webtoon to animation adaptations are a great way to introduce webtoons to a wider audience. They can be faithful to the source material, they can have stunning animation, and they can tell engaging stories. Animation, therefore, is of capital importance to webtoon creators everywhere, especially African creators like Zebra Comics PLC, as it can help to grow the industry in ways that other methods cannot.

September 7, 2023

Working as a UX Designer in an African Comics Company: An Interview with Ejob Benjamin

The Zebra Comics app and website have been out in the wild for almost one year now and there has been huge interest around these platforms. As a new digital comics/ webtoon platform in a sea of comics platforms, our app and website stand out because they offer authentique stories based on untold African cultures and traditions. Telling authentic African stories to national and international audiences which changes the worldview of Africa has always been Zebra Comics PLC’s main mission. The real challenge has been to reach these audiences across the world with these stories, even though resources have always been very limited. To solve this problem, digital distribution was identified as a viable solution. This then led to the creation of a mobile application and website through which comics fans can access and read their best African comics wherever they are.

Out of the box, this sounds like a beautiful idea, but implementing it has not been a bed of roses. Creating the right quantity and quality of content has always been an issue, but creating the technology to adequately distribute this content has been a real headache too. The comics content may be excellent, but if the technology which enables users to access these comics does not work well, then the whole experience will be a negative one.

To ensure that the Zebra Comics app and website look, feel and work magnificently, the right people and processes needed to be implemented for great results. With hundreds of thousands of users already, one can say that the apps and website were well designed to meet consumer needs.

So, how was the technology side of things managed to give us what we have today? Well, let’s hear from Ejob Benjamin who is a UX Designer and Technology Officer at Zebra Comics PLC. He worked very closely on the Zebra Comics app and website and this is what he has to say.

Zebra Comics Blog: Who is Ejob Benjamin?

Ejob Benjamin: In simple terms, I’m a techie. But to be elaborate, I work as a technology officer at Zebra Comics PLC and I love everything tech.

Zebra Comics Blog: What does the job of a UX Designer look like on a daily basis?

Ejob Benjamin: Well, my daily tasks are varied. Amongst them are conducting user research, creating wireframes and prototypes, collaboration with engineers, iterating designs based on feedback, and ensuring the overall user experience meets business goals. In simple English, I create all the designs for the Zebra Comics app and website, work closely with developers to ensure that they bring my vision to life in the most accurate manner, gather feedback from users of these platforms and ensure that the development team implements them for superior customer satisfaction.

Zebra Comics Blog: What do you do concretely at Zebra Comics PLC?

Ejob Benjamin: As a product designer I strike the balance between user satisfaction and business goals by combining concept, aesthetics, functionality and feasibility, to ensure that the Zebra Comics products meet both the user needs and market demands. So, every time you open the Zebra Comics app or visit our website and you end up enjoying how a feature looks and feels on it, know that you are enjoying my work.

Zebra Comics Blog: How much work has been invested in building the Zebra Comics digital platforms so far?

Ejob Benjamin: When we look at the zebra platforms, from design, to functionality, to content, it’s only obvious that ‘so much’ in terms of time and manpower, to say the least, had to come together from a range of fields to make it happen. So, an unquantifiable amount has been put in to create the app and website you find today.

Zebra Comics Blog: How will you say the Zebra Comics app is different from other comics apps in terms of UX design?

Ejob Benjamin: Keyword – simplicity. We focused on making it easy for users to understand and navigate through the app. And designed a clean and somewhat minimalistic app that would combine the bright colors of the Zebra Comics African Art style to give an enjoyable user experience for users.

Zebra Comics Blog: Without spoiling anything, what should Zebra Comics fans expect to see on the app in terms of UX design in the coming months?

Ejob Benjamin: We pay close attention to user feedback and reiterate on concepts and functionality so as to reduce user pain points such as loading times. So the fans should expect their experience in the Zebra app to be smoother and better.

Zebra Comics Blog: Any advice for young people who want to venture into the field of UX Design?

Ejob Benjamin: UX design is continually evolving and is a multidisciplinary field. Network and connect with other designers, stay updated with trends, practice, practice and practice.

So, be rest assured that the Zebra Comics app and website was built with so much consideration for user satisfaction in mind. If you have not yet downloaded the app or visited the website, you can do so by clicking HERE.

Enjoy!

September 7, 2023

The Fate of Print Comics in the Face of the Digital Boom

Comics are a form of sequential art that combine images and text to tell stories. They have a long and rich history that spans different cultures, genres, and media. In this article, we will explore the origins and evolution of comics as an entertainment medium, the rise and impact of digital or webcomics, and the challenges and opportunities that print comics face in the digital age.

The Advent and Success of Comics

Comics as a print medium have existed in the United States since 1842, when The Adventures of Mr. Obadiah Oldbuck by Rodolphe Töpffer was published in hardcover, making it the first known prototype American comic book. However, the medium was initially developed through comic strips in daily newspapers, which became popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Comic strips featured characters such as The Yellow Kid, Little Nemo, Krazy Kat, Popeye, and Mickey Mouse, who became national celebrities and were subject to cross-media adaptation.

The first comic book that contained original material was Famous Funnies, which debuted in 1934. The true breakthrough of the comic book industry came in 1938 when Superman appeared in Action Comics #1, published by National Allied Publications (a predecessor of DC Comics). Superman launched the Golden Age of Comic Books, a period that saw the emergence of many superheroes such as Batman, Wonder Woman, Captain America, and Spider-Man. Superheroes dominated the comic book market during World War II, but after the war, other genres such as romance, horror, western, and science fiction also gained popularity.

Comic books faced a backlash in the early 1950s when they were accused of corrupting youth and promoting violence, crime, and immorality. A Senate subcommittee investigated the comic book industry and a psychiatrist named Fredric Wertham published a book called Seduction of the Innocent, which claimed that comic books were harmful to children’s mental health. In response to this criticism, comic book publishers formed the Comics Code Authority (CCA), a self-regulatory body that imposed strict guidelines on the content of comic books. The CCA effectively censored many comic books and eliminated some genres altogether.

The Silver Age of Comic Books began in 1956 when DC Comics revived its superhero line with new versions of The Flash, Green Lantern, and others. Marvel Comics also introduced new and popular superheroes such as Fantastic Four, X-Men, Hulk, Iron Man, Thor, and Avengers. The Silver Age lasted until the early 1970s when social issues such as civil rights, feminism, environmentalism, and anti-war movements influenced the stories and characters of comic books. The Bronze Age of Comic Books (from 1970 to 1985) also saw the rise of underground comics, which addressed more adult themes and followed a new distribution model.

The Modern Age of Comic Books began in the mid-1980s and continues to this day. This period is characterized by more diverse and complex stories and characters, as well as more artistic experimentation and innovation. Writers and artists such as Alan Moore, Frank Miller, Neil Gaiman, Grant Morrison, Brian Michael Bendis, Scott Snyder, Fiona Staples, and many others have redefined classic characters and created new ones. Some landmark publications such as Watchmen, The Dark Knight Returns, Sandman, Maus, The Walking Dead, Saga, and others have expanded the medium’s potential and appeal.

The New Trend of Digital Comics

Digital comics are comics that are released digitally, as opposed to in print. They can take various forms such as mobile comics, webcomics, or e-comics. Digital comics have become more prevalent with the growing use of smartphones, tablets, and desktop screen reading. Digital comics offer several advantages over print comics: they are more accessible, affordable, convenient, interactive, diverse, and environmentally friendly. They also allow more creative freedom for creators who can bypass editorial or publishing constraints.

Webcomics are a subset of digital comics that are published on websites or online platforms. They can be free or paid, serialized or standalone, professional or amateur. Webcomics have a history that dates back to the mid-1980s, but they became more popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s with sites such as Keenspot, Penny Arcade, SMBC Comics, Hark! A Vagrant, Oglaf, Gunnerkrigg Court, and many others. Webcomics cover a wide range of genres and styles, and some have been adapted into other media such as books, games, movies, and TV shows.

Digital comics have also reached African audiences and creators, who have embraced the medium as a way to express their stories and culture. There are several African digital comics publishers that produce original and diverse content for local and global markets. Some of them are:

Zebra Comics: Zebra Comics is a Cameroonian comic book publishing enterprise that publishes African stories in general, and Cameroonian stories in particular. Their goal is to export African stories and cultures to the world using the comic book medium. They publish new episodes of old and new comics daily on their website and mobile application. You can find some of their stories such as Kawana, Jemiro, Njoku, Mancraft, My Breakup Ended The World, Love At First Fight and many others.
Comic Republic: A Nigerian publisher that creates superhero comics with African themes and values. Some of their titles include Avonome, Guardian Prime, Ireti Bidemi, and Visionary. Their comics are available for free on their website.
Raptures: Also a Nigerian publisher that produces comics based on Mobile Comics of Black American, African & Arabian Origin. Some of the titles you’ll find on their platform are Jerusalem on High, Queen Iden, The Vengeance of Ekpo, The Chronicles of Sa-Ra and many more.
Vortex Comics: Another Nigerian publisher that focuses on sci-fi, fantasy, and horror comics inspired by African mythology and folklore. Some of their titles include OJuju, Spirit Wars, and Orisha R. Their comics are also available for free on their website.
Peda Entertainment: Peda Entertainment is a multi-media servicing company based in Lagos, Nigeria set out to create and publish African-inspired fantasy, sci-fi, action and drama. Some of their titles include Tek Kids, Olaju, Chayoma and Showdown. You can purchase print or digital versions of their comics on their website.
Etan Comics: An Ethiopian-American publisher that creates comics based on Ethiopian history and mythology. Some of their titles include Jember, Hawi, and Zufan. Their comics can be purchased in print or digital format on their website.

These are just some examples of the vibrant and growing African digital comics scene, which has a lot of potential to reach wider audiences and create more opportunities for African creators.

How Digital Comics Affect Print Comics

The rise of digital comics has inevitably affected the sales and consumption of print comics, both positively and negatively. On one hand, digital comics have increased the accessibility and visibility of comics as a medium, especially for new or casual readers who may not have access to or interest in physical comic book stores. Digital comics have also introduced more diversity and innovation to the medium, as well as more options for creators to distribute their work independently or through platforms such as Comixology, Zebra Comics, Webtoon, Tapas, or Manta. Digital comics have also created new revenue streams for publishers and creators through subscriptions, ads, merchandising, crowdfunding, or licensing.

On the other hand, digital comics have also posed some challenges and threats to the print comic industry. Digital comics have reduced the demand for print comics, especially among younger generations who prefer digital media over physical media. Digital comics have also increased the competition and fragmentation of the comic market, as well as the piracy and illegal distribution of comic content. Digital comics have also raised some issues regarding the preservation, ownership, quality, and authenticity of comic content.

The future of print comics in the face of the digital boom is uncertain, but not necessarily bleak. Print comics still have some advantages over digital comics, such as the collectibility, tangibility, nostalgia, and prestige of physical books. Print comics also have a loyal fan base that values the experience of visiting comic book stores, browsing shelves, interacting with staff and fellow readers, and supporting local businesses. Print comics also have a cultural and historical significance that cannot be easily replaced by digital media.

The relationship between print comics and digital comics is not necessarily antagonistic or mutually exclusive. Rather, it can be complementary or symbiotic, as both formats can coexist and benefit from each other. For example, print comics can use digital platforms to promote their titles, reach new audiences, or offer bonus content. Digital comics can use print formats to expand their distribution channels, increase their legitimacy, or offer physical rewards. Both formats can also collaborate or cross-pollinate to create hybrid or transmedia products that enhance the comic experience.

Conclusion

Comics are a dynamic and diverse medium that has evolved over time to adapt to changing technologies, markets, and audiences. Digital comics are the latest manifestation of this evolution, which offer new possibilities and challenges for the medium. Print comics are still an important part of the comic culture and industry, but they need to find ways to coexist with digital comics in order to survive and thrive in the digital age.

August 22, 2023

Category: All

1.The rise of digital comics

2. The growing popularity of African comics

3. The increasing diversity of African comics

4. The influence of other cultures

5. The influence of other media

Conclusion

1. Carefully Design your Business Model

2. Provide High Value with World Class Comics

3. Partnerships with Valuable Partners

4. Market! Market! Market!

2. ALIYA

3. CATY (Cellule anti-terroriste de Yaoundé)

4. ANDROID NIGHT

5. TOTEM

6. DJO’O BAR

7. OUPS!

8. HACKER

9. TUMBU

10. ANAKI

12. AURION: Heritage of the KORI-ODAN

13. NJOKU

The Dual Nature of Webtoons

1. Do Webtoons Ever Get Printed?

2. Webtoon Creators and Compensation

3. Ownership in the Webtoon Realm

Webtoons vs. Page-Based Comics

Crafting a Unique Visual Identity

1. Tailoring Your Approach for Webtoons

2. Embracing Tradition with Innovation

Navigating Both Worlds: A Confluence of Creativity

The Zebra Comics Platform

Similarities

Differences

Which is better?

1. MARVEL’S SPIDER-MAN 2

2. HOGWARTS LEGACY

3. RESIDENT EVIL 4 REMAKE

4. ALAN WAKE

5. SUICIDE SQUAD KILL THE JUSTICE LEAGUE

1. TOWER OF GOD

2. THE GOD OF HIGH SCHOOL

3. NOBLESSE

4. LOOKISM

5. SOLO LEVELING

6. KILLING STALKING

Zebra Comics Blog: Who is Ejob Benjamin?

Zebra Comics Blog: What does the job of a UX Designer look like on a daily basis?

Zebra Comics Blog: What do you do concretely at Zebra Comics PLC?

Zebra Comics Blog: How much work has been invested in building the Zebra Comics digital platforms so far?

Zebra Comics Blog: How will you say the Zebra Comics app is different from other comics apps in terms of UX design?

Zebra Comics Blog: Without spoiling anything, what should Zebra Comics fans expect to see on the app in terms of UX design in the coming months?

Zebra Comics Blog: Any advice for young people who want to venture into the field of UX Design?

The Advent and Success of Comics

The New Trend of Digital Comics

How Digital Comics Affect Print Comics

Conclusion