The African Comic Industry is on the March: and the Lagos Comic-Con is leading its Charge!
Not long ago, I read a piece on The Guardian News, about comic creators who are beginning to shapen the comic landscape of Africa. And it gives me much pleasure to introduce to you these avant-garde African comic creators: Ayodele Elegba of Vortex Comics and Spoof Animation; Roye Okupe of YouNeek Studios; and Jide Martin of Comic Republic.
I must say that this is a great news for the African continent, especially the African comic community. As Africa has long been wrongly portrayed and stereotyped in comics made in the US comic industry. And it is clearly high time we change the narrative to what it really is.
Little wonder, Marvel Comics' African American comic artist, Afua Richardson wasn't happy with the way Africa has been portrayed in US produced comic books and strips. For her, portraying Africa as a place of starving, and warring wastelands or as a mosquito and reptile ridden jungle in the Congo, is just so demeaning.
And I deem it fit to say that Afua's anger is not misplaced at all. Anyone from the Western world who has visited Africa today, will discover to his or her chagrin that Africa is actually more of a concrete jungle strewn with suited suitcase-carrying commuters, than some insect and disease infested jungle where tribesmen and warlords abound. To start with, there are no tribes in Africa, what we have here are ethnic groups. So, it is really high time the Western world stops putting Africa in a box. There’s more to Africa than actually meets their eyes. Especially the eyes of the Americans.
All that being said, I am truly overjoyed that the African comic industry is picking up speed. And if the momentum is consistently revved up, then the sky would be the starting point for us. And it would also do a whole world of good to Africa's already bruised and battered image.
With the likes of African American writers such as Ta-Nehisi Coates, being brought on board by Marvel, to write the stories for the Black Panther comic book and probably the movies too, things are certainly looking up for the Africa and African American comic industry.
The African comic creators have not rested on their oars either, as they have gone on to create their own superheroes. With Ayodele Elegba’s Vortex creating "Strike Guard"; Roye Okupe's YouNeek Studios creating "E.X.O"; and Jide Martin's Comic Republic creating "Guardian Prime", it is clear that Africa has arisen to take up the gauntlet and fight to clean and clear its image of as much dent and dirt as possible. And the African comic industry is leading the charge in this fight.
And one of the arsenals in the weaponry of the African comic creators is the annual Lagos Comic-Con. It is the biggest gathering of the African comic community and industry at large. The Lagos Comic-Con is convened by Ayodele Elegba. Think the San Diego Comic-Con, think the Lagos Comic-Con. Last year's edition, Lagos Comic-Con 2016, was simply full of fireworks! From comic books sales, to film screenings, to the Comic Panel Awards; it was just freaking awesome! I can't wait for this year's edition which is coming up sometime in September (actual date TBA). The venue is NECA House Alausa, Ikeja. So watch this space for more information, as the D-day approaches. This year's edition is certainly going to live up to and exceed its hype!
I must say that this is a great news for the African continent, especially the African comic community. As Africa has long been wrongly portrayed and stereotyped in comics made in the US comic industry. And it is clearly high time we change the narrative to what it really is.
Little wonder, Marvel Comics' African American comic artist, Afua Richardson wasn't happy with the way Africa has been portrayed in US produced comic books and strips. For her, portraying Africa as a place of starving, and warring wastelands or as a mosquito and reptile ridden jungle in the Congo, is just so demeaning.
And I deem it fit to say that Afua's anger is not misplaced at all. Anyone from the Western world who has visited Africa today, will discover to his or her chagrin that Africa is actually more of a concrete jungle strewn with suited suitcase-carrying commuters, than some insect and disease infested jungle where tribesmen and warlords abound. To start with, there are no tribes in Africa, what we have here are ethnic groups. So, it is really high time the Western world stops putting Africa in a box. There’s more to Africa than actually meets their eyes. Especially the eyes of the Americans.
All that being said, I am truly overjoyed that the African comic industry is picking up speed. And if the momentum is consistently revved up, then the sky would be the starting point for us. And it would also do a whole world of good to Africa's already bruised and battered image.
With the likes of African American writers such as Ta-Nehisi Coates, being brought on board by Marvel, to write the stories for the Black Panther comic book and probably the movies too, things are certainly looking up for the Africa and African American comic industry.
The African comic creators have not rested on their oars either, as they have gone on to create their own superheroes. With Ayodele Elegba’s Vortex creating "Strike Guard"; Roye Okupe's YouNeek Studios creating "E.X.O"; and Jide Martin's Comic Republic creating "Guardian Prime", it is clear that Africa has arisen to take up the gauntlet and fight to clean and clear its image of as much dent and dirt as possible. And the African comic industry is leading the charge in this fight.
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| Comic enthusiasts, at Lagos Comic-Con 2016 |
And one of the arsenals in the weaponry of the African comic creators is the annual Lagos Comic-Con. It is the biggest gathering of the African comic community and industry at large. The Lagos Comic-Con is convened by Ayodele Elegba. Think the San Diego Comic-Con, think the Lagos Comic-Con. Last year's edition, Lagos Comic-Con 2016, was simply full of fireworks! From comic books sales, to film screenings, to the Comic Panel Awards; it was just freaking awesome! I can't wait for this year's edition which is coming up sometime in September (actual date TBA). The venue is NECA House Alausa, Ikeja. So watch this space for more information, as the D-day approaches. This year's edition is certainly going to live up to and exceed its hype!
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