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  • The Best Free African Digital Comics that You Can Enjoy Now

    The Best Free African Digital Comics that You Can Enjoy Now

    There should be a law in physics (or something) by now that states that every human being likes free stuff. That irrefutable fact should be hailed as one of the fundamental truths of human existence – the truth that everyone and anyone enjoys owning or consuming stuff that they did not work for or pay for. Well, whether that is good or bad, the fact remains that despite how funny it may look or sound, people will hop on the next free thing once it is made available to them.

    This is particularly true for lovers of comics whose appetites for the entertainment medium never dies. A new comic is always good news for comic book fans. This even gets better when the content is free. A rare commodity like African comics will therefore garner even more attraction when it is free to read. This is particularly great at a time like this when many comics lovers are looking for what to occupy their minds with during these summer holidays.

    If the above matches your profile, then you are in the right place. There are few places where you can find great African comics and there, they will be completely free. The following, therefore, are platforms where you can get these comics.

    1. ZEBRA COMICS

    Zebra Comics is a Cameroonian digital comics platform where comic fans can find original and authentic African stories. Like many digital comics platforms out there, Zebra Comics packs a list of varied genre comics that are bound to satisfy comics fans from different horizons with different tastes. Afrofuturism, fantasy, romance and slice of life are amongst the comics genres that you will find on the platform. The peculiarity of this platform, however, lies in the stories that are hosted there. From the first panels, anyone can easily notice that the stories are deeply rooted in African cultures, traditions and way of life. This makes the platform unique and provides great value for anyone who wants to escape life’s daily hurdles with quality entertainment.

    The Zebra Comics platforms comprise an Android and iOS app, and a website. African Comics fans have the possibility to enjoy comics on this platform for free, and this will last for as long as comic books are still a thing.

    2. COMIC REPUBLIC

    Comic Republic is a Nigerian comic book publisher that just celebrated its tenth year of existence. For the last decade, this company has been publishing comics, mainly online, for African and international audiences alike. Comic Republic is mostly known for its focus on creating African Superhero characters for comics fans who are looking for something different from mainstream superhero propositions. In a world where Marvel Comics, DC Comics and Japanese Manga still dominate in terms of superhero stories, Comic Republic is a real breath of fresh air to comic fans. Their superheroes are African and their stories are based on African cultures, traditions and ways of life. This makes them very unique in the superhero space.

    You can access and consume Comic Republic’s comics on their website and android app. This is high quality content for you, and it is all FREE.

    3. VORTEX CORP

    Like Comic Republic, Vortex Corp is a Nigerian digital comics platform which focuses on publishing African comics. There is a great variety of comics on the platform and you can access it with a PC, smartphone or tablet wherever there is an internet connection. The difference between this platform and the other two on this article is that not every comic book on this platform is free. The available free comics are just the first episodes of IPs available on the platform. Nevertheless, comics fans still have the opportunity to discover African comics on this platform with the availability of Free episodes. Vortex Corp content can be accessed via their website.

    4. YOUNEEK STUDIOS

    Again, this another Nigerian digital comics platform. Just like the others on this list, YouNeek Studios creates and distributes high quality African comics. Some of their iconic titles like EXO and Iyanu: Child of Wonder have even garnered adaptation deals from mega houses like HBO and Cartoon Network. This is evidence that the content on this platform is indeed great. On the downside, not everything here is free, so you will have to buy some content. Nevertheless, this platform offers a ton of content of their stellar African comics for free, enabling fans to be able to have a taste of what their stories, characters and worlds really are.

    5. RAPTURES IO

    Again, like many of the propositions on this article, Raptures IO is a Nigerian digital comics platform. Focusing on publishing comics in the webtoon format, Rapture IO’s android and iOS app offers a ton of original African comics created by African comics creators recruited by the company. The content is original and you can read a lot of content for free. However, not everything is free on the platform. Like Vortex Corp, you have access to a few episodes of existing comics for free, but will have to pay to continue reading the rest of each story.

    These days, it is by far easier to find and consume African comics than it was some years ago. With the availability of the internet, things have become easier, as African comics creators and publishers just need to publish their comics online and reach millions of fans across the world. And as icing on the cake, there is so much Free content online in terms of African comics today. So, if you have been looking for how to get into African comics, just check the platforms mentioned above and you will be thrilled.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • African Comics Creators in the Diaspora whose Works Honor Africa

    African Comics Creators in the Diaspora whose Works Honor Africa

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

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

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

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

    1. NNEDI OKORAFOR

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

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

    2. ROYE OKUPE

    Roye Okupe African comics creator on the zebra comics blog

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

    3. MARGUERITE ABOUET

    Marguerite Abouet African comics creator on the zebra comics blog

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

    4. JUNI BA

    Juni Ba African comics creator on the zebra comics blog

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

    5. ALAIN MATA MAMENGI aka AL’MATA

    ALain Mata african comics creator on the zebra comics blog

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

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

    6. ANNICK KAMGANG

    Annick Kamgang African Comics Artist on the Zebra comics blog

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

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

    7. PETER CHIZOBA DANIEL

    Peter Chizoba Daniel African comics creator on the Zebra Comics blog

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

    8. MARCELO D’SALETE

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

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

    9. MARTIN OKONKWO

    Martin Okonkwo African comics creator on the zebra comics blog

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

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

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