All – Page 9 – Premium storytelling in African comics, manga and webtoon

The Zebra Comics Expo at the University of Douala

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 9, 2023

Slice of Life Comics from Africa

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

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

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

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

1. LA VIE D’EBÈNE DUTA

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

2. JUNGLE URBAINE

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

3. LES TRIBULATIONS D’ALPHONE MADIBA DIT DAUDET

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

4. MOTO-TAXIS (Zémidjans)

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

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

5. HAWKER

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

6. THE INITIATION

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

7. THE APARTMENT IN BAB EL LOUK

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

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

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

8. ON EST ENSEMBLE !!!

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

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

9. TUMBU

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

10. OUPS!

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

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

June 7, 2023

African Comics Creators in the Diaspora whose Works Honor Africa

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

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

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

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

1. NNEDI OKORAFOR

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

2. ROYE OKUPE

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

3. MARGUERITE ABOUET

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

4. JUNI BA

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

5. ALAIN MATA MAMENGI aka AL’MATA

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

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

6. ANNICK KAMGANG

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

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

7. PETER CHIZOBA DANIEL

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

8. MARCELO D’SALETE

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

9. MARTIN OKONKWO

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

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

June 7, 2023

The Place of Religious Comics in the Comic Book Market

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

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

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

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

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

Other great examples of successful religious comics include:

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

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

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

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

June 1, 2023

7 Comic Books-Inspired TV Shows

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

1. The Sandman

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

2. Invincible

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

3. Sweet Tooth

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

4. Y: The Last Man

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

5. The Umbrella Academy

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

6. The Boys

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

7. Locke & Key

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

June 1, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

Unique Art Style

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

Wide Range of Genres

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

Captivating Stories

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

Strong Sense of Community

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

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

May 31, 2023

What African Comics Companies Should Learn from Webtoon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. PROVIDE FREE CONTENT AND DIVERSIFY MONETIZATION

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

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

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

May 30, 2023

The Five Highest-Read Comics on the Zebra Comics App in the Month of April 2023

Introduction

Zebra Comics is a digital platform that publishes African comics. The app was launched in 2022 and has since become one of the most popular platforms for African comics. 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. The following are the five highest-read comics on the Zebra Comics app in the month of April 2023:

1. Kawana

Synopsis
Kawana, or Kauna, means “love” in Hausa. Ikei’s 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 crossroads, 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. Kawana has been sitting at the top of the charts for over 3 months now!

Lessons
Kawana teaches readers about the importance of family love. It shows the importance of parental love and how the absence of it can destroy a family.

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 organized 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

Synopsis
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.

Lessons
City Blues teaches readers about the importance of friendship, courage, and self-acceptance. It also brings out the ills of succumbing to peer pressure and the consequences it can result to.

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

Synopsis
Anaki is an Afrofuturistic comic book series 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.

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.

Anaki is a powerful witch, but 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 and compelling character, and her story is one of hope, resilience, and the power of the human spirit.

Special Features:

A powerful and original story about a young witch who is trying to find her place in the world.
Stunning artwork that brings the world of Anaki to life.
A unique blend of African Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Afrofuturism.
A must-read for fans of science fiction and fantasy.

Lessons
Anaki teaches us about survival, resilience, and never giving up. The protagonist’s resolve and struggles teach us that although the journey may be tough, there’s hope at the end if we keep fighting.

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

4. Kush

Synopsis
Once in the kingdom of Kush, arose a Queen called Amanirenas. After facing great personal loss, and with the empire of Rome constantly seeking to conquer her realm, Amanirenas had to become more than just a queen. She had to become a warrior. This story is largely based on real events.

She grew up as royalty in the Kingdom of Kush. As a kid, Amani became a favourite of the gods, especially Sobek, the crocodile god of the Nile. But that did not stop certain forces in the dark from trying to usurp her position as the next Kandake (Queen) of Kush. Despite having Sobek on her side, it is not enough to counter the deep political machinations that move against her.

In this pit of turmoil, she must either solicit the help of an enemy in Kemet (Egypt) or face the crushing forces coming against her alone. She must become the Queen that Kush needs to survive.

Lessons
Kush is a story of courage, determination, and the power of faith. It is a story about a young woman who must overcome all odds to save her kingdom. It is a story that will inspire readers of all ages.

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

5. The Pharmacist

One of the surprises in the month of April was The Pharmacist which falls under the category Slice of Life. The Slice of Life category in the Zebra Comics digital platform contains very short thought-provoking tales. It can be likened to flash fiction in written storytelling.

Synopsis

“The Pharmacist”, is a hilarious short comic book that will have you in stitches with its comedic take on a young man’s pursuit of love. Meet Suyru, a penniless guy who encounters a major problem – a serious case of diarrhoea. In desperate need of medication, he heads to the neighbourhood pharmacy and meets the stunning pharmacist. Unfortunately for him, his quest for love is complicated by his ongoing stomach issues.
“The Pharmacist” is a short, lighthearted comedy that will take you on a journey filled with laughter and mishaps. Watch as Suyru tries his best to impress the pharmacist and win her heart, all while battling the unpredictable nature of his gastrointestinal system. This hilarious tale of love and digestive issues will leave you cheering for Suyru and his never-ending pursuit of happiness.

Lessons
The pharmacy teaches us to choose our timing carefully. If you know what I mean.

Credits
The Pharmacist 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

Conclusion

The five comics mentioned above are just a few examples of the many great African comics that are available on the Zebra Comics mobile app and website. If you are looking for a fun and engaging read, I highly recommend checking out some of these comics.

May 20, 2023

The Comic Book Landscape in Cameroon

Like many places in Africa, the creation of comics in Cameroon dates as far back as the 1960s. By then, there weren’t necessarily any comic books which were filled with well thought out stories and super powered characters who chased bandits in the hot neighbourhoods of Cameroon. What was available were newspaper publications which carried satirical comics strips. These strips were usually satirical pieces of happenings within the country, political and otherwise. And many people enjoyed these pieces, providing the basis for the continuous creation of these pieces.

The post-colonial history of Cameroonian comics began with the adventures of Sam Monfong, a fearless policeman. His adventures were published in La Gazette, under the brush of the cartoonist Thomas Durand Kiti. This was the first comic book hero in Cameroonian history. But Kiti had previously published the country’s first comic strip in the same newspaper in 1974. Afterwards, he worked as a journalist for the Cameroon Tribune, the only authorised daily newspaper in the country and the quasi-official organ of the government at the time. Kiti was the first cartoonist to caricature the then President of the Republic, Amadou Ahidjo, in the newspaper Cameroun Sports in 1982. In 1986, Kiti created the African Centre for Studies and Research on Comics and Cartoons. Without financial support, the centre was closed. Other series appeared in 1975, like Le grand duel, scripted and published by Macus, in about fifty issues between July 21 and September 25 1975. Although he was one of the precursors of the national 9th art and author of the first series, Macus remains relatively unknown to the Cameroonian public.

Other artists who laid the foundation for comics in post colonial Cameroon include Lémana Louis Marie, Janvier Mana and Jean Florent Goawé (Go’away). Lémana Louis Marie created the series Pep’s ballon, which tackled various social ills of the time (corruption, the place of women, etc.) in a humorous way. Later, he animated the page Les petits desseins du sourire for ten years, undoubtedly one of the most talented cartoonists in the country. After him came Janvier Mana, then in 1988 Jean Florent Goawé (Go’away), who developed a mischievous line in a column entitled Le sourire du jour. These cartoonists laid the foundations for press cartoons and comics in the country, before the liberalisation of the press in the early 1990s.

This way of creating and distributing comics persisted right into the nineties when a unique satirical comics based newspaper was launched. LE POPOLI was unique and remains unique to this day because it was a newspaper that disseminated news exclusively with caricatures and in the form of comics. Due to its dark humour and its focus on depicting political and social figures as caricatures, the newspaper gained a lot of success from the thousands of readers it garnered during its years. Naturally, it faced reprisal from the government, but it persisted.

At the same time, the first specialised publishers of comics in Cameroon, Editions Akoma Mba, saw the light of day. They came in to fill a void in the literary landscape that was already asking for more African and Cameroonian comic books. Until now, all of what people consumed as comics came from the United States, France and Japan. Marvel comics and DC comics like Spiderman and Batman, Franco Belgian comics like Blek Le Roc and Zembla, and Japanese manga like Dragon Ball were the only comics available to Cameroonians. There were one or two comics publications about Africa like Kouakou and L’Histoire du Cameroun, but these comics were created and published by Europeans. Editions Akoma Mba therefore came in to fill a void that had been existing for quite a while.

Between the nineties and the early 2000s, there was a slowdown in the comic book production and publishing landscape in cameroon. There weren’t many creators around and publishing was still very minimal. Then, Le Collectif A3 came around. Made up of passionate youngsters who were ready to make a life out of comics, this association began creating their own comics and selling at very affordable prices to comics lovers across the country. Members like Christian Bengono, Charles Patrice Afane, Noutchaya Herve, Georges Pondy and Yannick Deubou created comics like Vie de Jeune and Bitchakala magazine. Creators like Yannick Deubou even participated in international projects like “Visions d’Afrique”, which brought together adaptations of poignant works on colonisation, published in 2010 by L’Harmattan. Also, based on a script by Jean-François Chanson, Yannick Deubou Sikoué adapted the short story “An Outpost of Progress” by Joseph Conrad which garnered so much attention on his person.

Side by side all of these, newspapers like Cameroonian Tribune and Le Popoli, and magazines like 100% Jeune continued to publish comic strips. However, the most prominent action which gave new energy to the Cameroonian comic book industry and encouraged many more creators and publishers to emerge was the Mboa BD Festival. This is a comic book and geek event created by Le Collectif A3 and aimed at promoting all that is Cameroonian comics and geek culture. The first edition of this festival took place in 2009 and since then, it has helped Cameroonians, Africans and visitors from across the world to discover new talents and awesome projects from Cameroon and beyond.

Awesome comic books and magazines like CATY by George Pondy, La Vie d’Ebene Duta by Elyons, Zebra Comics Three in One (Aliya, Totem and Tumbu), Blacktrek Magazine, Mulatako by Reine Dibussi, Djo’o Bar by Hughes Biboum, Anaki by Ejob Nathanael Ejob, Android Night by Cedric Minlo, Mulema by Maitre Show and Le Mpoue by Martini Ngola all got the chance to see the light of day and get proper exposure thanks to the Mboa BD festival. New publishers also emerged like Waanda Comics, Zebra Comics PLC and 3AG Edition, evidence that the festival brought about real rejuvenation in the comic book sector in Cameroon.

With the advent of the internet, many more comic book creators are encouraged to create and share their works with the world. On social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, it is common to see creations by young Cameroonians and they increase by the day. Many of them have been published locally and internationally and some are also exploring new comic book formats like webtoons.

Today, publishers like Zebra Comics PLC have gone even further with using the digital sphere to create and promote their works. The company has developed a subscription based android and iOS application, and a website, and they are investing heavily in the creation of digital comics and webtoons which are based on African cultures and traditions. Users of their platforms are therefore assured constant supply of original African comics, manga and webtoons on their digital platforms.

With growing interest in African comics and content from across the world, many more Cameroonian comic book creators will emerge. There will be a visible increase in the quality of productions (both in storytelling and art) and many more people will be interested in comics from Cameroon. So, if you were wondering if Cameroonian comics were any good, you can now be assured that they are actually great. And if you are looking for where to start reading and enjoying Cameroonian comics today, you can just start HERE.

May 18, 2023

Comics and Education

Every comic book reader understands the power of a good story. But did you know that comics can be used for more than just entertainment? Comics have been proven to help children learn and retain information better in educational settings. In fact, research has found that using comics as an educational tool helps increase student engagement and comprehension while also boosting motivation levels!

In recent years, educators have begun to recognize the potential of using comics as instructional tools in classrooms. Comics provide students with a fun way to explore new topics or ideas without feeling overwhelmed by dense text. Comics provide students with visual representations of complex concepts, allowing them to better understand difficult material while having fun at the same time. The use of visuals such as illustrations and panels makes it easier for students to comprehend these concepts quickly, which increases their interest in learning more about the topic at hand. This is especially helpful when introducing young learners to difficult subjects like math or science! By leveraging familiar characters from popular titles like Marvel or DC Comics, teachers can make learning more enjoyable for their students while helping them retain information more effectively than traditional methods alone could achieve.

For older students who may struggle with reading fluency or literacy skills, incorporating graphic novels into lesson plans can make it easier for them to grasp key concepts without feeling embarrassed about needing extra help understanding written material. Additionally, many educators believe that teaching through visual storytelling is beneficial because it encourages critical thinking skills from an early age—something essential for success later on in life!

Additionally, comic book stories often feature protagonists who face challenging situations – making them perfect vehicles for teaching valuable life lessons such as problem-solving skills without being overly didactic or preachy. With its combination of visuals and narrative storytelling techniques, reading comics can help foster creativity among young minds by encouraging kids, and adults alike, to think outside the box when it comes to tackling tough problems they may encounter throughout their lives!

The above looks all rosy and full of praise. However, let’s be fair, the picture is not always entirely gleeful. Using comics for educational purposes can have its downsides, making it not always suitable for the classroom. The following are therefore some inconveniences one can experience when using comics for educational purposes.

Comics contain violence or mature content which could be inappropriate for younger audiences or certain classroom settings where such topics should not be discussed openly due to school policies or age appropriateness considerations. Additionally, graphic novels can sometimes contain language unsuitable for children, making it important that educators carefully vet any materials before introducing them into their lesson plans.

Although there are certainly benefits from using comic books in education – such as fostering creative thinking skills – these advantages might only apply if students actively engage with the text instead of simply skimming through pictures without taking time to absorb what they ‘re seeing. If this happens, then just like any other type of reading assignment, students won’t get full benefit out of studying comic book materials.

While there may still exist potential benefits from utilizing comics within academic curriculums, educators need to consider both positive and negative aspects before doing so to ensure the best possible learning environment for their pupils. Nevertheless, Comics are not only great sources of entertainment but they’re also powerful tools when used correctly within an educational setting! So if you’re looking for ways to spice up your lesson plan this year then consider adding some comic books into the mix—you won’t regret it!.

May 17, 2023

Category: All

1. NNEDI OKORAFOR

2. ROYE OKUPE

3. MARGUERITE ABOUET

4. JUNI BA

5. ALAIN MATA MAMENGI aka AL’MATA

6. ANNICK KAMGANG

7. PETER CHIZOBA DANIEL

8. MARCELO D’SALETE

9. MARTIN OKONKWO

1. The Sandman

2. Invincible

3. Sweet Tooth

4. Y: The Last Man

5. The Umbrella Academy

6. The Boys

7. Locke & Key

Conclusion

Unique Art Style

Wide Range of Genres

Captivating Stories

Strong Sense of Community

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

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

3. PROVIDE FREE CONTENT AND DIVERSIFY MONETIZATION

Introduction

1. Kawana

2. City Blues

3. Anaki

4. Kush

5. The Pharmacist

Conclusion