A Year Defined by Progress, Not Noise
2025 was not a year of shortcuts or sudden miracles for Zebra Comics. It was a year of deliberate progress, steady expansion, and strategic positioning. While many creative initiatives struggle to survive beyond their early momentum, Zebra Comics focused on building something durable: a platform, an ecosystem, and a long-term vision for African comics.
This year marked a shift from experimentation toward consolidation, from visibility toward legitimacy, and from ambition toward execution.
Growing the Zebra Universe
One of the most visible achievements of 2025 was audience growth. Zebra Comics welcomed thousands of new users into its ecosystem, bringing together readers discovering African comics for the first time and long-time fans returning daily to follow their favorite stories.
Throughout the year, new episodes of fan-favorite series were consistently published, reinforcing reader habits and community engagement. Stories were not just released; they were followed closely, discussed across social platforms, and binge-read within the app. This consistency proved that African comics can sustain loyal readerships over time.In parallel, Zebra Comics expanded its catalog with new titles, including Class Ordeals. These new releases pushed creative boundaries and broadened the range of genres and narratives available to African audiences.
A Global Milestone: DC Comics on Zebra
In 2025, Zebra Comics reached a significant milestone with the release of a new DC Comics project, Superman: The World. This collaboration represented more than a prestigious partnership. It demonstrated that African platforms can operate at a global publishing standard while remaining rooted in local audiences.
The project positioned Zebra Comics as a credible bridge between global intellectual properties and African readers, reinforcing its role as a serious distribution and publishing platform.
Strengthening International Presence
At the beginning of the year, Zebra Comics participated in the Angoulême International Comics Festival in France, one of the world’s most important events for comics and graphic storytelling. This presence placed African comics within global industry conversations, not as emerging curiosities, but as confident creative outputs.
Through meetings and exchanges with international creators, publishers, and partners, Zebra Comics strengthened relationships that will continue to shape its future publishing and distribution strategy.
Investing in Local Foundations
While expanding internationally, Zebra Comics remained deeply committed to local impact. In 2025, the company organized Comic Book Days at the University of Douala, in partnership with the institution. These events introduced comics into academic spaces, sparked dialogue around storytelling and creativity, and inspired students to see comics as a legitimate cultural and professional field.
Zebra Comics also launched and expanded the Creator Focus Program, welcoming creators like Georges Pondy, Jevic Otili, Yanmife, Cedric Minlo, Timothy Makafui, Maiko Yang and a host of many others from Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Congo Brazzaville, Kenya, and India. This diversity of voices reinforced the platform’s commitment to openness, experimentation, and cross-cultural collaboration.
Cultural Recognition and Institutional Partnerships
2025 marked a turning point in cultural recognition for African comics. Zebra Comics partnered with the Institut Français in Douala and the American Embassy in Yaoundé to launch a new DC Comics anthology. These events brought together fans, institutions, and cultural leaders, signaling a growing recognition of comics as an important cultural medium.
African comics were not only consumed by audiences; they were formally acknowledged by international cultural institutions.
Supporting Creators Beyond Publication
Creator sustainability remained a central focus throughout the year. Zebra Comics secured representation with Aegitna and the African Literary Agency, opening doors to rights protection, international exposure, and future adaptation and licensing opportunities for creators on the platform.
In addition, Zebra Comics facilitated art training sessions at the Institut Français in Douala, investing directly in skill development and professional growth. These initiatives reflected a broader commitment to ensuring that creators benefit from their work beyond immediate publication.Sometimes, the impact was also deeply personal. Hosting a devoted Zebra Comics fan at the company’s offices and sharing conversations around Sugar Daddy Desires served as a reminder that stories build real connections between people.
Showing Up Across the Continent and Beyond
Throughout 2025, Zebra Comics maintained a strong presence at major cultural and creative events. The company participated in Kmer Otaku Festival in both Yaoundé and Douala, engaged audiences at Création Africa as a focus company, and attended the Sharjah Publishers Conference to connect with global publishing leaders.Zebra Comics was also present at Bilili BD Festival in Congo and partnered with CANIMAF Animation Festival, contributing to the growth of Africa’s animation and visual storytelling ecosystem. Each appearance reinforced Zebra Comics’ role as a consistent and reliable actor in the creative space.
An Ecosystem Taking Shape
Beyond measurable achievements, 2025 revealed a broader shift within the industry. More creators, publishers, and studios are entering the African comics space. New platforms are emerging. New ambitions are forming.
Zebra Comics does not claim ownership of this movement. However, through persistence, visibility, and long-term commitment, the platform has contributed to an environment where building in this industry feels possible.
Looking Toward 2026
As Zebra Comics moves into 2026, the company does so with clarity. Challenges remain, but they are clearly identified. The focus now is on consolidation, execution, and strengthening the systems that support creators, readers, and partners.
Zebra Comics is not stepping back.
It is stepping forward with intention.
And the work continues.
Article written by Franklin Agogho
Great work guys!