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  • African Comics Festivals You Can Attend this Summer

    African Comics Festivals You Can Attend this Summer

    Yay! The Summer holidays are here! It is time to have fun.

    No matter which region of the world you come from, if you are a student or pupil or just someone who prioritises summer holidays, then this is a time when you will be looking for something exciting to do. Between travelling to exotic places, hanging out with family and friends and just being by yourself, enjoying any form of entertainment, there are many things that you can do this summer holiday. In between these different escapades, you can do something which is both exciting and didactic – attend comic book festivals taking place this summer.

    Ok, let’s be clear here; the recommendations on this article concern those who live in the African countries where these events will be held. It is understandable that many others would like to know what is happening in every part of the world as far as comic book events are concerned. However, our focus here is on promoting events which are not well-known in Africa and through this effort, promote creations from African creators who live and work on the continent. That said, let’s see why you should attend comic books events in the first place.

    Comic book and geek events, like any other event out there, are avenues for interesting encounters. In these events, comic book, movie, TV show and video game fans, and just curious individuals alike get to meet with comic book creators, film producers, video game manufacturers and even representatives from merchandize companies. At the same time, they get to discover new comics, games, movies, TV shows and merchandise which will be of great interest to them. Added to these, visitors can also attend conferences, masterclasses and other training which will provide them with a deeper insight on the industry. It is therefore very exciting to meet with creators, see new products, learn new things and just have fun with whatever is on display.

    This is even very exciting when it concerns African comics. African comics are relatively new and quite different to comics from other parts of the world. The culture, storytelling and setting therein make the stories quite different from what you will find in superhero comics from the United States, Franco-Belgian comics and Japanese Manga. It is therefore very exciting to go to comic book and geek events and find African comics and their creators.

    To be able to enjoy these experiences, therefore, here are some events you can attend this summer holiday.

    1. LAGOS COMIC CON

    Ok, technically, by the time Lagos Comic Con will take place, many youngsters would have been back in school. However, this mega event still counts as it happens in Summer. The Lagos Comic Convention is the largest comic book festival in Africa. For an event that holds for just a single day, it successfully pulls crowds that easily surpass the 10,000 visitor mark. Added to this, it successfully attracts participants from other countries like Zebra Comics PLC from Cameroon. On its menu are exhibitions, panel discussions, video game contests, video reveals, cosplay, comics sales and award of prizes. This year’s edition of the event will take place at the Landmark Centre, Water Corporation Drive, Annex, Nigeria on September 23. If you are a lover of comics, movies, video games and all that is geek culture, and you are based in Nigeria, you should not miss this event for anything on earth.

    2. COMIC CON AFRICA

    If you are in South Africa and wondering if you will ever experience the thrill of comic conventions in North America like the San Diego Comic Con, then you can stop worrying – Comic Con Africa is right here for you. Comic Con Africa is the Ultimate Pop Culture & Gaming Festival in Africa, a platform for both local and international Entertainment and Pop Culture, including some of the world’s biggest in the Film, Gaming, Comics, Collectibles and more! FOUR days of complete AWESOMENESS! 2022 was the convention’s first show after the pandemic and they have learnt a few things. First things first, they will be capping their tickets daily to manage capacity and to ensure an amazing experience for all their fans! This year’s event will take place between the 22nd and 25th of September at the JHB EXPO CENTRE in Cape Town, South Africa.

    3. KIDSCON BY NAICCON

    Started in 2014, the Nairobi Comic Convention, also known as Naiccon, is a geek festival that takes place in Nairobi, Kenya. So far, Naiccon has successfully held seven pop culture events, with over 6000 enthusiastic, artists, illustrators, comic book lovers, animation artists, youtubers, cosplayers, gamers, Digital content creators and movie lovers attending through the years. The convention organises other events like the Nairobi Comic Convention (NCC), Mombasa Comic Convention (MobCon) and Kids Convention (KidsCon). Like every other geek event, it is an opportunity for geeks and fans of everything around comics to celebrate comics, games, movies, exhibitions and cosplay. Even though the main event (Naiccon) isn’t taking place during summer, they have another event which comes up in August and which will interest kids – KIDSCON. This event is geared towards youngsters and a platform for them to enjoy all of the aforementioned goodies. It will take place on August 19 this year.

    4. K-MER OTAKU FESTIVAL

    K-Mer-otaku-festival-on-the-Zebra-Comics-blog

    This is for all fans of Japanese Geek culture out there – The K-mer Otaku Festival is here for you. This is an event geared specifically towards celebrating Japanese manga, animation, games and all other merchandise derived from this very popular market. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy exhibitions, games, karaoke, drawing sessions and much more. It is open to people of all ages and it takes place on August 5 at the “Hotel de Ville” premises in Yaounde, Cameroon.

    5. THE GEEK BOWL

    The Geek Bowl by Japanimes is an exciting gathering that brings together lovers of the arts for entertainment (comic strips, animated films and series, video games, etc.), and will be held in Yaounde. It is the biggest gathering of its kind in Cameroon. The special feature of the event is that it brings together consumers and producers of these artistic domains. From 2013, fans of Japanese manga, Franco-Belgian comics, American comic books and video games from all over the world had been able to come together as one, under the Japanimes umbrella to share their passions at an event called the Nimes Party, while at the same time discovering local producers, who have had the opportunity to introduce the general public to rising African comics, local video games and more. The first event which was called Nimes Party, was born in 2014, and was organised every year until 2019, by a group of enthusiasts, all members of the Japanimes association. The association will return this year, following a three-year hiatus, to organise a new event called the Geek Bowl. In one day, activities such as drawing, video gaming, cosplay, karaoke and exhibitions will be carried out. Also, there will be workshops around the creation of Origamis, kanjis, comic book writing and illustration, magic and much more. Apart from these activities, there will be exhibitions by several partners, and all round entertainment and excitement for visitors. The Geek Bowl will take place on August 12 this year.

    If you are an African fan of comics, video games, movies, animation, merchandise and anything around comics, you have a lot to do this holiday. There are a ton of events to partake in which should help keep the geek in you alive.

  • The Five Most Popular African Comics Characters

    The Five Most Popular African Comics Characters

    In the world of entertainment, especially in the domain of books and comics, one of the most difficult things to do is to determine which piece of content is the best. Best here could mean anything – best story, best art, best cover etc. Irrespective of what particular aspect of books or comics we are looking at, coming up with a “best of” list is always a daunting task. And why is it so? Well, the reason is simple; human beings have varying tastes and what appeals to one man may be complete thrash to another. Identifying what is better in any scenario where we need to compare two things or a set of things is therefore an entirely subjective affair. And this can cause many people to be more emotional than they should normally be. Ok, we get that, we will be careful with our list.

    On a more precise note, this article focuses on the most popular African comics characters and not on the best. We guess it should be common knowledge by now that in this era of social media and smartphones with cameras, being popular is far from being the same thing as being the best. Still, in this case, there is bound to be some disagreement. This is especially true for African comics as getting access to data is usually difficult and so knowing for sure which comic is the best is always a difficult thing.

    Nevertheless, for the sake of this article, we made use of a number of criteria which we think should provide a good idea on which African comics characters are most popular out there. Amongst these criteria are publication outlets, articles published on these characters or works where they exist, adaptation into other media like animation and following on social media. With these, we were able to come up with the following characters as the most popular as far as African comics are concerned.

    1. Guardian Prime

    Created by Jide Martin, CEO at the Nigerian Comic Book company, Comic Republic, Guardian Prime is the flagship character of this company that just celebrated its ten years of existence. Guardian Prime, whose real name is Tunde Jaiye, was born in Lagos, Nigeria,to Nigerian parents. He is the son of Danjuma Jaiye,a military general, and Evelyn Jaiye, a businesswoman. From a young age, Tunde has lived a sheltered life, but nevertheless,has always believed in being compassionate and protecting the weak. When he becomes an adult, he finds out that he is a Guardian. Guardians are special humans tasked with protecting the Human race, and they are ordained by Gaia, the Goddess of the Earth. Every 2000 years,a new guardian is born into the world.Depending on the state of the world, some guardians live out their entire lives without ever knowing who they really are, as their powers never manifest until they are needed most. With the world in turmoil and with his newfound powers and abilities, Tunde Jaiye sets out to save the world as Guardian prime.

    As a superhero character, he is described in the Comic Republic series as “Man, the way his creator intended him to be” and “The fifth element, one of the five essential elements for life to exist on Earth (Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Man-to stand guard over the others)”. He has invulnerability, super strength, flight, speed, enhanced senses, ability to intensify his body heat, and the ability to temporarily pass his invulnerability to any object he touches. Guardian Prime has immense strength. His notable feats of strength include carrying an Airbus aeroplane, ripping a helicopter into two, and he is so strong that he has even been seen as being able to carry an asteroid. Guardian Prime can fly at supersonic speeds, his most notable feat of speed is that he was able to fly from the sun back to the Earth in fifteen minutes. He can survive in space without the use of any breathing equipment. He can intensify his body heat and create fire. Gaia once said that he “can burn brighter than a blue star.

    Thanks to the fact the company publishes its comics digitally on their website and android, fans across Africa and the world have been able to experience the exploits of this African comics character, making him one of the most popular African characters out there.

    2. Malika

    Created by Roye Okupe, Malika is one of the greatest (if not the greatest) female African comics protagonists of all time. Her story, Malika: Warrior Queen, is so intriguing that YouNeek studios, the comic’s publisher, was able to host several successful crowdfunding campaigns on kickstarter and make it possible for so many fans across Africa and the globe to experience her story.

    Malika is the queen and military commander of the empire of Azzaz. She inherited the crown from her father in the most unusual of circumstances, splitting the kingdom of Azzaz in half. After years of civil war, Malika was able to unite all of Azzaz, expanding it into one of the largest empires in all of West Africa. But expansion would not come without its costs. Enemies began to rise within her council, and Azzaz grabbed the attention of one of the most feared superpowers the world has ever known: the Ming Dynasty. As Malika fights to win the clandestine war within the walls of her empire, she must now turn her attention to an indomitable and treacherous foe with plans to vanquish her entire people. Apart from being a master swordsman, Malika is a brilliant military strategist. And she was at her best with her cavalry unit. Led by their queen, the Azzazian cavalry is one of the most deadly military units ever.

    Malika is so popular that the comic Malika: Warrior Queen has been published by Dark Horse comics. Fans can also find digital copies of the comics on the YouNeek Studios website.

    3. Aya

    Aya of Yop city is one of the most popular African comics out there. This is not just because of the fact that it has been adapted into an animated feature film, but also because the story is downright entertaining. Aya, the protagonist of the book,s a sweet and humble girl who is connected to every character in some way. Aya helps out the entire community in several ways. She is supportive of her friends and family and is always willing to help others. Although she is very young, the audience gets a glimpse of different problems and situations that are common in African culture through her.

    Aya of Yop City is a series of seven bande dessinée comics written by Marguerite Abouet and drawn by Clément Oubrerie. The original French albums were published by Gallimard between 2005 and 2010. The first six volumes have been translated into English by Drawn & Quarterly. Although not entirely autobiographical, the story is based on the author’s life in Côte-d’Ivoire. Aya of Yop City is the second of three books in the Abouet’s Aya series, each based on the same characters. All three of the books in the series have been illustrated by the author’s husband, Clément Oubrerie. The authors adapted it for an animated film of the same title, which was released in 2013.

    4. Shakes

    Shakes is a fictional character and the main protagonist in the comic and TV series, Supa Strikas. He is the head striker in Supa Strikas FC, although this is often disputed by El Matador. Shakes is from Doha CIA CITY and grew up with his mom and sister, Nandi. He is the son of the previous football player for Supa Strikas, Jomo, who disappeared in Mt. Kilimanjaro when Shakes was young. Shakes was also friends with Spenza and Skarra, AND KING MALEK although his relationship with the latter later soured.

    This exciting character brought a lot of flair, action and, consequently, entertainment to the Supa Strikas series. His charm and his wonderful football skills make him a fan favourite. Thanks to him, alongside other very interesting characters, the Supa Strikas comics knew great success and went on to be the greatest African comic book TV show adaptation of all time.

    5. Ikei

    Ever since the Zebra Comics App was launched in September 2022, there is one comic that has thrilled fans endlessly; that comic is KAWANA. Kawana is a romance and slice of life comic which mirrors the lives of university students and youngsters in a typical Cameroonian setting. And what makes this comic particularly intriguing is its protagonist – Ikei.

    Ikei is a young, recalcitrant youngster who seeks love in the most questionable of places. By day, she is a university student and by night, she serves as an escort in chic hotels in the city of Buea. One may think that her involvement in such ‘scandalous’ activities is tied to her quest to satisfy her lack of financial resources. However, Ikei comes from a family that is a reference as far as wealth is concerned, so the inability to provide for herself is amongst the least of her problems. Why is she leading this kind of disastrous life then? Well, she is trying to fill a void, searching for a father’s love which is completely absent from her life. Throughout this comic, we see Ikei getting involved in one disastrous relationship after another, sinking deeper into emotional trenches which complicates her life even more.

    Kawana was published on the Zebra Comics app and website and since then hundreds of thousands of people have read it, making Ikei, its main protagonist, one of the most popular African comics characters in  2023.

    Yes, we know, there are many other characters who could make this list. It is worthy of note that the list was generated based on criteria stated above. Added to that, and as we already mentioned, getting adequate data about the performance of African comics is hard. Nevertheless, this list will continue to evolve as we get new data on African comics. For now, we assure you that the characters mentioned are great and worth checking out.

  • What Will the Future Look Like for African Comics?

    What Will the Future Look Like for African Comics?

    Let’s state this from the start: the future of African comics is brighter than it has ever been imagined to be. From its humble beginnings to present day, African comics has seen growth that has been slow but steady. Actually, this slow rise in interest and consumption of African comics began to fade away when the internet showed up. With many more people owning digital devices like smartphones, PCs and tablets, and the deep penetration of the internet on the African continent, African comics have seen better days, reaching audiences which were impossible to reach before.

    Now, all of the above sounds nice and cosy, but the state where African comics finds itself is not all roses and perfumes. To get into perspective, African comics still sit at the bottom of the podium when compared to comics from North America, Europe and Asia. Sales numbers are still considerably lower, production quality is not yet at its best, production quantities are still small and distribution is still a headache. Yes, it is true that African comics have come a long way and are doing better than ever, however, there are still a lot of things to be done to ensure that African comics reach their full potential and bring to the continent what it should normally bring.

    So, yes, African comics can do much better than it is doing now. Even though African comics publishers are getting publishing deals with larger corporations and adaptation deals with media houses, African comics can do much more. There is much more terrain to cover and with the opportunities that are now available to African comics, the future cannot be anything else but bright.

    So, what will the African comics market look like in the future? Here are some predictions for you.

    1. Creation of new ‘African’ Art Styles

    Japanese manga art style on the zebra comics blog

    As you may already know, there are three art styles which have dominated the world of comics; American realism, Franco-Belgian style and Japanese Manga style. Yeah, we know there are a myriad of variations and art styles out there. However, these comic book art styles are developments from any of the aforementioned styles. This is the same story for Africans, mostly. Generally, Japanese manga has been a huge influence on comic book art in Africa. At the same time, though, we see a lot of influence from American and Franco-Belgian comics. In anglophone Africa, Japanese manga and American comics are highly appreciated. Franco-Belgian art styles add to the above in Francophone Africa. These influences are so strong that many artists find themselves virtually drawing characters that look like Japanese. This has been an issue for some time and it could be seen as one of the main reasons why African comics do gain the same attention and success as their western and eastern counterparts. Much of what is created to look like Japanese Manga usually drowns in the ocean of top Japanese creations, giving these comics little chance of emergence because they are not unique and authentic. The great thing at this point is that African creatives are learning and for some time, they have been working hard on bringing innovation and authenticity to their works. The future of African comics should therefore see the emergence of new ‘African’ art styles which will render African comics even more unique and authentic, and therefore attract many more consumers from across Africa and the world.

    2. Increase in the number of comic book publishers from Africa

    One of the biggest problems plaguing the comic book industry in Africa is publishing. There is a lot of talent on the content, however, most of that talent dies out due to the shortage or inadequacy of publishing houses. In some cases, creators cannot find the right publishing house on the continent to publish their works and get them to creators. The situation gets worse when we look at the real publishing capacities of these publishing houses. Many of them cannot ensure quality printing, others cannot print large quantities to meet large market demands and, above all, all of them usually do not have access to well-developed distribution networks that will help disseminate these books. Thank God, the internet is here. The future of comic book publishing will see the emergence of new publishers who will enable many more African comics to reach large audiences. This will also be the case for traditional publishers who will continue popping up to contribute their own quota to this anticipated growth of the African comics market.

    3. Rise in the number of Comic book creators and creations

    Log in to Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest, search for African comics, and you will discover a ton of African comic book creators out there. Today, the number of comics creators from Africa is growing. Interest in the artform is rising and many more Africans are getting interested. The problem, however, is that these creators do not end up publishing their creations for a wider audience to consume. It is true that some of them make use of social media to publish their comics, but except they have thousands of people following them on these platforms (which many don’t), their works will never reach larger audiences. As stated above, in the future, we will witness a growth in the number of comic book publishers from Africa. This will happen both in traditional publishing and in digital publishing. This increase in the number of publishers will provide more avenues for African creators to publish their work and encourage many others to create African comics.

    4. Creation of more stories based on African history, culture and traditions.

    Girls cultural dance troupe in Nigeria and African culture on the zebra comics blog

    Comics have usually been about superheroes, fantasy worlds, romance and contemporary life. This has influenced African comics creation so deeply that many African creators find it difficult to create anything new, even when there is a lot around them which can serve as inspiration. This is not to say that there is a problem with doing superhero, science fiction or fantasy comics. The issue here is that comics are a veritable platform for promoting cultures and ways of life, but many African creators do not take that opportunity to promote their own cultures. In the end, we witness so much creative potential being buried in reproducing what comic book enthusiasts have already seen over and over again. However, side by side with this trend, there is a rising consciousness of the need to tell original, authentic and undiluted African stories through different mediums, including comics. It is thanks to this consciousness that comic book companies like YouNeek Studios, Kugali Media and Comic Republic have been able to get the attention of mega production companies and sign important deals with them. This consciousness will only continue to grow and the future will see African creators making more use of African history, culture and traditions to create comics that sell Africa to the world in interesting ways.

    5. Making a living through comics creation and publishing

    The interest in comics will continue to grow, the need to tell authentic African stories will grow even more and this will culminate in African creators and publishers making more money from their respective activities. Today, there are a myriad of ways to monetize comics and so, much more money will be made. From subscriptions (both physical and digital), to digital coins, to monetizing with ads to adaptation deals, African comics will see brighter days in the future, and enable creators and publishers to make a decent living from their work.

    6. More Adaptation Deals.

    Iyanu child of wonder African comics and animation on the zebra comics blog

    Adaptation into other entertainment formats is a big deal in the comic book industry. Adaptations into animation, video games, movies and merchandise always bring more consumers, exposure and revenue to comics. In the future, African comics will see more of this because many more comics from the continent will provide very interesting stories, characters and worlds that are excellent for adaptation into the aforementioned formats. This is already happening today with comic book companies like Comic Republic, Kugali Media and YouNeek Studios, and the trend will only continue to grow.

    It is true that African comics are not yet witnessing the kind of growth that comics from the United States, France, Belgium and Japan are witnessing. However, African comics are gaining more and more attention and market share as days go by. Yes, shortcomings still exist that make things difficult for African comics to emerge properly. This has made it difficult for creators to create great comics and publishers to generate the kinds of revenue they should normally be generating. Nevertheless, with growing consciousness in the need to create content based on all that is Africa, the availability of new ways to distribute and monetize, and interest from production partners from across the world, the future of African comics looks brighter than it was ever imagined to be.

  • What African Comics Companies Should Learn from Franco-Belgian Comics

    What African Comics Companies Should Learn from Franco-Belgian Comics

    The world of comics today is really an exciting one. Besides the deeply intriguing and interesting stories that comics provide to global audiences, they also provide interesting characters and unique worlds that can be used to create more stories and adapt them into different media. Today, comics have grown in popularity in different parts of the world. The internet has also brought about the creation of new formats like webtoon, making it even more accessible and popular. This popularity is true for American comics, Franco-Belgian Bande Dessinee, Japanese manga, webcomics, webtoons and even African comics. However, the level of success that African comics are witnessing on the global market is by far lower than what others witness, and so there is a need to provide ideas on how to help African comics garner better attention and eventual success.

    In previous articles, we looked at what African comics can learn from webtoon and Japanese manga to be able to get the kind of success that these comic formats are getting. In these articles, the problems which plague African comics, preventing it from growing as fast as those from other parts of the world, were highlighted. Low production levels, poor production quality, inadequate tools, inadequate distribution channels and poor marketing were amongst some of the issues which African comics face, preventing them from growing as fast, and as big as comics from other parts of the world. So, we will continue to look at what successful comics formats are doing so as to make recommendations that African comics publishers can take into consideration to grow their businesses.

    In this article therefore, we will look at Franco-Belgian comics and see what African comics can learn from them to get the kind of success that they enjoy.

    Franco-Belgian comics, also known as bande dessinée (BD), are comics that are originally published in French or Dutch and created for readership in France and Belgium. These countries have a long tradition in comics, separate from that of English-language comics. Belgium is mostly a bilingual country, and comics originally in Dutch (stripverhalen, literally “strip stories”, or simply “strips”) are culturally a part of the world of bandes dessinées; these are translated to French and concurrently sold to the French-reading audience, and vice versa.

    Franco-Belgian comics are typically characterized by a more realistic art style than American comics, which are often more stylized. Franco-Belgian comics also cover a wider range of genres than American comics, which tend to focus on superheroes and action. Franco-Belgian comics can be about anything, from adventure to humor to drama.

    Franco-Belgian comics are typically published as hardcover albums, while American comics are typically published as single issues or trade paperbacks. Franco-Belgian comics are also typically aimed at a wider audience than American comics, which are often aimed at children or young adults.

    Spirou comics on the zebra comics blog

    Some of the most famous Franco-Belgian comics include: Tintin by Hergé, Asterix by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, Lucky Luke by Morris and René Goscinny, The Adventures of Blake and Mortimer by Edgar P. Jacobs, The Smurfs by Peyo, and Spirou and Fantasio by Rob-Vel and André Franquin.

    Franco-Belgian comics have had a significant impact on the world of comics. They have inspired many other comics creators, and they have been translated into many languages and published all over the world.

    In recent years, there has been a growing interest in Franco-Belgian comics in the United States. This is partly due to the success of the movie The Adventures of Tintin, which was directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 2011. The movie was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to introduce Franco-Belgian comics to a new generation of American readers.

    There are many reasons to enjoy Franco-Belgian comics. They are well-written, well-drawn, and often deal with complex and challenging themes. They are also a great way to learn about French and Belgian cultures. If you’re looking for new and exciting comics to read, I encourage you to check out some Franco-Belgian comics.

    Largo Winch comics on the zebra comics blog

    With this rich background, African comics companies can learn a lot from their Franco-Belgian counterparts. Here are a few things that they should learn from Franco-Belgian comics:

    1. Focus on quality.

    Franco-Belgian comics are known for their high quality. They are well-written, well-drawn, and well-edited. African comics companies should focus on producing high-quality comics that will appeal to a wide audience.

    2. Diversify your genres.

    Franco-Belgian comics cover a wide range of genres, from adventure to humor to drama. African comics companies should also diversify their genres in order to appeal to a wider audience.

    3. Tell stories that matter.

    Franco-Belgian comics often tell stories that are relevant to the lives of their readers. African comics companies should also tell stories that matter; stories that will resonate with their readers.

    4. Build relationships with international publishers.

    Franco-Belgian comics are published all over the world. African comics companies should build relationships with international publishers in order to reach a wider audience.

    5. The importance of collaboration.

    Franco-Belgian comics are often created by teams of writers, artists, and editors. This collaborative approach helps to ensure that the comics are of the highest quality. African comics companies should also embrace collaboration in order to produce the best possible comics.

    6. The importance of marketing and promotion.

    Franco-Belgian comics are marketed and promoted extensively. This helps to ensure that they reach a wide audience. African comics companies should also invest in marketing and promotion in order to reach a wider audience.

    By learning from the success of Franco-Belgian comics, African comics companies can help to grow the African comics industry and create a more vibrant and diverse comics culture on the continent.

  • Moments in African History that are Great for Comics Creation

    Moments in African History that are Great for Comics Creation

    For as long as storytelling has existed, history has always been a mine from where storytellers can draw inspiration for their stories. From television to film passing through literature and music, history has always been a place of choice when it comes to creation of stories and entertainment. History recounts past events and these events are sometimes so far in the past that people get intrigued when they are put on the table. Who wouldn’t want to know how his or her great great great grandmother met their great great great grandfather? Who wouldn’t be intrigued to find out how their forebears actually fought against western imperialism or how medicine was discovered and managed back in the day? Many of these things exist today, but how did they happen in the past? This quest to know the past is always intriguing and this is what gives appeal to great entertainment based on history.

    Like other forms of entertainment mentioned above, comics have also explored history in a myriad of ways. American comics, Franco Belgian comics and Japanese manga have all made use of history to tell deep and entertaining stories. Even new artforms like webtoon feature stories which are based on historical events. Some of the greatest comics out there are even based on history. Great examples of comics or manga based on history include: Maus by Art Spiegelman which is a laureate of the prestigious Pulitzer Prize, They Called Us Enemy, Phantoms of the Louvre, Vagabond, American cult, 300, Vinland Saga, Asterix and the Roman Agent, Burma Chronicles, Persepolis, Tintin in Tibet, The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Kingdom, and Emma. This list is the tip of the iceberg as far as comics and manga based on history are concerned. There is such a long list of them that one article will never be enough to list them all. This is a testament to the fact that history is a heavily prized spot from where great stories are mined.

    maus_covers on the zebra comics blog

    In Africa, history also plays a great role in storytelling. Movies, television shows, novels and even comics have been inspired by African historical events. Africa, like many parts of the works, has a history that is so diverse that it makes for a great resource for the production of entertainment products. However, it should be noted that, compared to the west, African entertainment producers haven’t made as much use of African history in their productions. Fingers can be pointed in several directions as the reasons for this slow use of African history in entertainment. Of these issues include; the domination of western media which has set a standard for historical fiction and made many feel like African history cannot be as entertaining, the shortage of research sources from where to get authentic information on a past which was mostly passed on generation to generation orally, regulations and laws which prevent creators from exploring certain periods in African history freely and a shortage of financial resources to be able to adequately adapt African history into different entertainment media.

    Despite all these shortcomings, however, African content producers like Nollywood have still gone ahead to produce entertainment products based on African history. Resources are usually in very low supply, but they have managed to use these limited supplies to create content which has been appreciated across the world.

    This is very true of African comics. Many African comics creators do not usually have resources for research like their counterparts from the west, but they have made use of what they have to create some very interesting comics. Some notable African comics based on history include Malika: Warrior Queen, SHAKA – Limited Series Comic, L’odyssée De Mongou, Les Dogues Noirs De L’empire, Totem and Sector. There are many more African comics based on African history, but these comics have not started scratching the surface of the potential of what African history offers them.

    totem african comics on the zebra comics app

    The question we should ask in the face of the above, therefore, is; what are these aspects of African history that African comics creators can explore to produce awesome and groundbreaking comics for the continent and for the international market? Well, we did some research and came up with the following.

    1. the pre-slave trade era

    For most of us who went to school and studied history, African history usually begins from the time of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade and moves on to our modern day. In other words, the African history which was written down and not transmitted orally starts at the time when European powers came in direct contact with Africans. Everything before that era is deep darkness to many Africans and people from the rest of the world. However, before the Europeans came, African lived, formed families, traded with each other and had established political systems. These alone should point to the fact there was African history before the Europeans initiated the slave trade. This history which was championed by powerful Kingdoms, Chiefdoms and Fondoms from across the continent need to be revisited. This will inevitably make for exciting pools from where to draw inspiration for stellar storytelling. Some examples that need to be explored include the story of Mansa Musa (the richest man who ever lived), the Moors and the countless tribal conflicts and wars which took place during this time. African comics creators therefore have a lot of work to do to capture this era.

    2. The Slave Trade Era

    So much has been written, staged and said about this era in African history. Mostly, African novelists, poets and playwrights have written about this painful moment in African history. However, much of what we have as entertainment products based on this era still comes from the west. Hollywood has determined the way the era is presented for so long that we have the impression that that is all there is to it. African comics creators can take this opportunity to create stories which are unique. Who were the Africans involved in the slave trade? How did African families survive the loss of a dear one sold into slavery? How did African freedom fighters navigate this tough time? There is still so much to explore about this era and African comics creators can take the lead in doing so.

    3. The Colonial Era

    This is also another era which has been explored plentifully. However, there exist a plethora of stories which can be told about this time. Love, interracial children in this era, family bonds and sheer history of not so talked about places are areas which can be explored by African comics creators for stellar storytelling.

    4. The World Wars Era

    The world wars in Africa on the zebra comics blog

    The west has explored and still continues to explore the history of this era in film, TV and novels endlessly. The proliferation of these Western productions has made it seem like the two world wars were only fought in Europe and by Americans or Europeans only. However, there is a deep history of African involvement and contribution to first world war and second world war efforts. Africans fought in the war and lost as much or even more than the west. All of these need to revisited by African comics creators so as to create stellar stories.3

    5. The Independence Era

    Colonialism was bad, that’s a fact, and it took so much courage and engagement for Africans to fight for their freedom from western imperialists. This fight, inevitably, was not easy. Many great figures were murdered, many more lost their most precious belongings and entire countries even went to wars and coup d’etats before independence finally came knocking on their doors. These were dark times, but also interesting times as African nations finally gained their independence. This era, also, has been explored severally in other media, but there is still space for African comics creators to create comics based on the history of this time.

    6. The Post Independence Era

    Post Independent Africa on the zebra comics blog

    Independence was sweet. Many African nations now managed their affairs and were ‘free’ from western tyranny. Nevertheless, this did not usher in immediate peace and prosperity. Tyrannical leaders and governments stuck their heads out of water, civil unrest ensued, nations changed their systems of government, TV and radio came into play, liberalization followed suit and multiparty politics saw the light of day. These and many more form a plethora of historical events which happened across the content which should serve as inspiration for African comics creators to create stellar comics.

    History poses as the point where the present meets and communes with the past. It has been used severally by creators and entertainment producers across the world to produce stellar stories. Even today, the bulk of history that we watch on TV, read in books and enjoy in cinema halls come from the west, making it look like Africa has no interesting history to explore. African creators, especially African comics creators, therefore need to step up and take the responsibility of digging deep into Africa history and bringing out those historical gems which will not only entertain but will educate in ways which have not even been imagined before. And they can do all these despite the myriad of difficulties which inundated the creative process.

  • Top 5 Read Comics on the Zebra Comics App in May 2023

    Top 5 Read Comics on the Zebra Comics App in May 2023

    The  Zebra Comics digital platform user base continues to grow as the months pass by. In April 2023, the Zebra Comics app had over 60 thousand downloads and over 30 thousand active users less than 6 months after its release. During the month of May, the number of downloads rose to 70 thousand. New episodes of popular comic books on the platform were released while a few new stories were added to the catalogue which comic book fans can explore on the app or website.

    The following are the five highest-read comics on the Zebra Comics app in the month of May 2023:

    1. Kawana

    Kawana Flyer on the Zebra Comics Blog

    Synopsis

    At the top of the table is Kawana. This beautifully written contemporary story riddled with twists and turns continues to hold the top spot on the table for 3 months in a row. Kawana or Kauna, means “love” in Hausa. The story revolves around Ikei whose parents are constantly fighting, and she has never felt loved or supported by them. She has turned to relationships and material possessions to fill the void in her life, but these things have only brought her more pain. She is now at a crossroad, and she must decide whether she wants to continue down this destructive path or try to find true happiness.

    Ikei’s story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of materialism and the importance of family. It is also a reminder that even the most privileged people can suffer from emotional pain.

    Credits

    Kawana was written by  Franklin Agogho, a Cameroonian author with several works under his belt such as the poetry anthology “Crossroad of Dreams” which he co-authored. He was also the pioneer laureate of the short story prize organised by Cameroon’s Ministry of Arts and Culture in 2016.

    Concept: E.N. Ejob
    Illustrations: Beti Ophélie
    Colours: Achidi Ajaga
    Cover art: Maitre Show
    Lettering: Tamunjoh Azushi

    2. City Blues

    City Blues Flyer on the Zebra Comics Blog

    Synopsis

    Another story that has maintained its position is City Blues. It is two months in a row that City Blues has been second. City Blues tells the story of Malika and Ade, a young university couple who face challenges and are divided by peer pressure and devious forces. Malika, a devout lover who stays focused and perseveres despite all the temptations around her, is pushed to the edge of compromise when something happens that threatens her reputation. Her problems interfere with her relationship with Ade as she struggles to resist the advances of rather…persistent admirers. It is not often easy to stay true to your values when life throws you curveballs, but Malika’s resolve is tested as she faces situations that challenge her values. It seems like no one is there to help her until Dijki comes into her life. But whether he is a sheep or a wolf remains to be seen.

    Credits

    City Blues was written by Cameroonian author, Ejob Nathanael Ejob. Despite his background in Law, EN Ejob now spends his time creating comic books of various genres. You can find other comic books by his hand on the Zebra Comics mobile app or website. Illustrations: Maitre Show
    Colours: Achidi Ajaga
    Lettering: Tamunjoh Azushi

    3. Anaki

    Anaki flyer on the Zebra Comics Blog

    Synopsis

    Coming in third place is the afrofuturistic gem, Anaki. It is about a witch tortured by the past of her forebears and hunted by a powerful religious inquisition. An ambitious project which brings you a piece of African Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Afrofuturism in ways which you haven’t seen before. It is easy to see why Anaki stands amongst the top 3 highest read comics of May.

    Anaki is a powerful witch, yet she is also a young woman who is trying to find her place in the world. She is haunted by the memories of her ancestors, who were killed by the Inquisition. She is also struggling to control her powers, which are often unpredictable and dangerous.

    Anaki is a complex character who is both strong and vulnerable. She is determined to find her place in the world, but she is also afraid of what she might become. She is a survivor, but she is also a victim.

    Credits

    Anaki is another piece from Ejob Nathanael Ejob. Anaki has seen three successful Kickstarter campaigns. All credits, including writing, illustration, colouring and lettering, go to E.N. Ejob. You can also find it on the Zebra Comics mobile app and website.

    4. Njoku

    Synopsis

    One of the surprises of this month was Njoku. With barely a few weeks after release, the stunning comic book took the place of Kush and occupied the fourth place.

    Njoku tells the gripping tale of Axel Takam and his companions embarking on an illicit journey up Mount Fako, known as the Chariot of the gods. Unknowingly, Axel desecrates the sacred land, angering Epasa Moto, the mountain deity, who seeks revenge by cursing Axel.

    Meanwhile, a gathering of gods convenes, dismayed by humanity’s abandonment of sacred traditions. They decide to punish mankind by pitting them against each other. The gods handpick a group of mortals through whom they will unleash their wrath, seizing the opportunity presented by Axel’s transgression.

    Within this chaotic backdrop, a power struggle ensues among the gods, with conflicts of interest and betrayal surfacing. Our protagonist, burdened by his curse, must make a difficult choice between self-preservation and championing humanity’s cause.

    As Axel embarks on his quest to right the wrongs of humanity, he discovers that he is not alone in the struggle against the gods’ machinations. Allies and adversaries alike are entangled in this divine stalemate, adding complexity and depth to his journey.

    Credits

    NJOKU was written by Cameroonian author and translator, Njoka Marvin. He has written other literary works such as “A Dame for Three and Other Short Stories”, which he co-authored with An Nina (AKA Athena) under the pseudonym Nsai Shiyki. You can find other comic books by his hand on the Zebra Comics mobile app or website.

    Illustrations: Alone Legend
    Colours: Coeurtys Minko
    Lettering: Tamunjoh Azushi

    5. Kush

    Synopsis

    Dropping down to fifth place is the historical fiction Kush which explores the intriguing life of Queen Amanirenas. With the empire of Rome constantly seeking to conquer her realm and Amanirenas facing great personal loss, she had to become more than just a queen. Her only choice was to become a warrior.

    As a child, she was a member of the royal family of the Kingdom of Kush. The gods favoured Amani when he was a child, especially Sobek, the Nile’s crocodile god. Yet certain forces in the dark sought to usurp her position as Kandake (Queen) of Kush. Despite having Sobek on her side, it is not enough to counter the deep political machinations that move against her. Against these crushing forces, she must either seek assistance from an enemy in Kemet (Egypt) or confront them alone.

    Credits

    Yet another piece by E.N. Ejob. However, there were other creatives who contributed their talents to bring this story to life.

    Illustrations: Maitre Show
    Colours: Coeurtys Minko
    Lettering: Tamunjoh Azushi

    Conclusion

    As we go through the midpoint of the year (June), comic book fans and lovers of African storytelling should expect more from Zebra Comics as releases of new episodes of their favourite stories as well as entirely new stories are unveiled. The five comics mentioned above are just a few examples of the many great African comics that fans will find on the Zebra Comics mobile app and website.

    Comics are a great way to relax and escape from the stresses of everyday life. They can also be a great way to learn about new cultures and perspectives. If you are in the mood for a fun and engaging read, I would strongly suggest checking out some of these comics. There are different genres of comics available, so there is sure to be something for everyone.

  • Children Characters as Role Models in African Comics

    Children Characters as Role Models in African Comics

    Comics are a popular form of entertainment and storytelling that appeal to people of all ages and backgrounds. Comics can also be a powerful medium for conveying messages and values that can inspire and motivate readers. We will explore how children characters in African comics can serve as role models for young audiences and promote positive social change. But first…

    What are African Comics?

    African comics are comics that are created by African artists or that feature African themes, settings, and characters. African comics can be found in various formats, such as print, digital, and webtoon. Some examples of African comics are:

    1. Zebra Comics: A Cameroonian comic publishing company that produces comics for all ages. They have a platform where they publish digital comics. Some of their titles include Kawana, Njoku, Wrong Dial, Beasts of Tazeti and Anaki, just to name a few.
    2. Kugali Media: A platform that showcases comics and animation from across Africa and the diaspora. Some of their titles include Ndaw, Kokou, Nani, and Razorman.
    3. YouNeek Studios: A comic studio that creates stories inspired by African history, culture, and mythology. Some of their titles include E.X.O., Malika, WindMaker, and Iyanu.
    4. Comic Republic: A Nigerian comic studio that aims to create diverse and inclusive superheroes for Africa and the world. Some of their titles include Avonome, Guardian Prime, Eru, and Hero Kekere.

    Why are Children Characters Important?

    Children characters are important because they can represent the hopes, dreams, and challenges of young readers. Children characters can also help readers to relate to the stories and empathize with the characters. Children characters can also serve as role models for young readers by demonstrating positive traits and behaviours, such as courage, kindness, creativity, and resilience.

    Role Models in African Comics

    Children characters in African comics can be role models in various ways:

    1. Showing diversity and representation

    African comics often prioritize diverse and inclusive storytelling, featuring characters from different ethnicities, backgrounds, and abilities. By showcasing the diversity and richness of African cultures and identities, these comics challenge stereotypes and prejudices. For example, Comics Republic’s Hero Generation introduces readers to a group of teenagers from different ethnic groups in Nigeria who use their powers to fight crime and corruption, highlighting the strength of unity and collaboration.

    2. Promoting social justice and activism

    Comics are powerful tools for advocating social justice and inspiring activism. Young readers can be encouraged to take action by reading about issues affecting African communities and the world at large. For instance, Kugali’s Lake of Tears is a story of captivity and redemption told through the eyes of three teenagers who meet on Lake Volta. It is an ode to the plight of many children who are trafficked and forced to work in Ghana’s hazardous inland fishing industry, emphasizing the importance of tackling all actions that violate the rights of children through individual and collective action.

    3. Creativity and innovation

    Young readers are often inspired to explore their own talents and passions by African comics which celebrate creativity and innovation. Creating opportunities, thinking out of the box, and solving problems are the things they inspire readers to do. In YouNeek Studios’ Iyanu: Child of Wonder, the story follows Iyanu, a teenage orphan girl with no recollection of her past who suddenly discovers that she has hidden powers that rival the Divine Ones themselves. The story is set in a world that is inspired by the history, culture, and folklore of the Yoruba people. This creates a world that is familiar to young readers, yet new in many ways. Without a doubt, such creativity and innovation will inspire them to do the same. Or raise the bar.

    4. Overcoming adversity and challenges

    Children can learn resilience and determination from African comics by seeing characters who face adversity and challenges head-on. These characters demonstrate the importance of perseverance and provide valuable lessons on coping with difficulties. These comic book characters embody resilience and determination, showing that setbacks and obstacles can be overcome. Through their stories, young readers learn the importance of resilience, courage, and perseverance. They see that it is okay to make mistakes, as long as they learn from them and grow stronger. Zebra Comics’s Beasts of Tazeti, a young boy goes through several challenges in order to redeem his father’s name, offering young readers a source of inspiration and guidance when navigating their own struggles.

    5. Promoting Education and Intellectual Curiosity

    African comics often integrate educational elements, imparting knowledge and fostering intellectual curiosity among young readers. Children characters in these comics engage in adventures that involve history, science, culture, and more. They inspire young readers to explore and learn about the world around them. By combining entertainment with education, African comics encourage a love for learning and expand young readers’ horizons.

    6. Building Strong Moral Values

    Children characters in African comics serve as moral compasses, teaching young readers important values and principles. They demonstrate honesty, integrity, respect, and compassion in their interactions with others. These characters make choices that align with their values, inspiring young readers to do the same. Through their actions, children characters in African comics help shape the moral compasses of young readers, guiding them towards becoming responsible and ethical individuals.

    Conclusion

    Children characters are important because they can represent the hopes, dreams, and challenges of young readers. Children characters can also help readers to relate to the stories and empathize with the characters. They can provide a sense of identification and inspiration, showing young readers that they, too, can be heroes and make a positive impact in the world.

    As the African comics industry continues to evolve, it is crucial to support and uplift the voices of African comic book creators. By doing so, we can foster a vibrant and diverse comic culture that reflects the rich tapestry of African experiences and inspires generations to come. African comics have the power to shape the future and tell stories that resonate with readers around the world.

  • What Makes African Comics Unique?

    What Makes African Comics Unique?

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

    1. African Tropes

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

    A. African mythology and folklore

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

    B. History and Politics

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

    C. African aesthetics and styles

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

    2. African Languages

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

    3. African Platforms

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

    Conclusion

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

  • New Trends in the Comic Book Industry

    New Trends in the Comic Book Industry

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

    Digital Tools

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

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

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

    Digital publishing

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

    webtoon logo on the zebra comics blog

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

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

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

    African Comics

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

    Zebra Comics app flyer

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

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

    Independent Comics

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

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

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

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

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

    Conclusion

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

  • Sex In African Comics

    Sex In African Comics

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

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

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

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

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

    Ok, that’s enough for the moral lesson.

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

    1. LES DESSOUS DE POINTE-NOIRE by KHP

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

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

    2. OUPS! by GEORGES PONDY

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

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

    3. MULEMA by SHOWBIZ

    Mulema Legend Arts African comics on the Zebra Comics blog

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

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

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

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

    5. ANAKI by E.N. EJOB

    Anaki African comics on the Zebra Comics Blog

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

    6. PALABA by HUGHES BERTRAND BIBOUM

    Palaba African comics on the Zebra Comics Blog

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

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

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