Over the years they’ve produced a number of films including The Wedding Party. But as a fan of action, one thing I’d like to see in short or animated form are adaptations of numerous Nigerian publishers’ comic books.
Nigeria: A Different History
Nigeria unlike most countries’ comics didn’t have time for local satire. There were too many political situations like the need for independence from Britain. Well… except a comic called Powerman (retitled Powerbolt to avoid confusion with Luke Cage). It was created by two Englishmen and a Nigerian advertising company to promote literacy throughout the country. Unfortunately due to the writer and artist’s unfamiliarity with Nigeria; and the fact that the simple stories were not very compelling, the comic stopped publishing after three years.
By the time the Nigerian civil war starts, there are already comic books from around the globe. Why would retailers waste money on unknown local successes when they could just import or rely on TV? Just imagine the military influence and officials during this time. But as the motto states “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress” Nigeria became a nation and an economic power. By 2014 and onwards it is the largest economy in Africa and a stable democracy.
Thanks to modern technology, Nigeria actually produces and distributes rather than just receive; thanks in no small part to the country’s supply of petroleum. The economy grew so much the entertainment industry begins to include cinema that earns its place in history. As for what this has to do with comics, well why waste paper when people can rely on digital formats?
Establishing the Nigeria Trend
For many creators, there was a distinct lack of Nigerian characters in media. You have African characters like the Black Panther; but he’s more fantastical unlike to the more grounded land of Lagos and the rest of Nigeria. In fact most Nigerian characters are usually extensions of more popular franchises like the X-Men or Overwatch; or characters by the actor Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje. Enter arguably the most recognizable Nigerian creators Roye Okupe, Jide Martin, Somto Ajuluchukwu, and several others. These creators strive to have characters who people could look up to as heroes for Nigeria and across the globe. But with nary a presence, they had to build themselves up.
Not Just Faces in a Crowd
For Okupe he becomes an artist originally applying for animation. But with no major companies willing to take the risk, he takes to crowdfunding creating E.X.O. – The Legend of Wale Williams. But not willing to stop Okupe pitches his Kickstarter and message to major news sites. Wall Street is surprisingly eager to jump on the inclusion of an African man making comics to garner attention. It takes a few tries but it pays off. YouNeek Studios gets its recognition across the globe. Okupe goes on to create more projects such as Malika that publishes an issue in 2018’s Free Comic Book Day. By the 2020s, his company has an app, an animated version of Malika, and a partnership with Dark Horse Comics for reach American audiences easier.
Let Art Create More Art
Jide Martin and his associates start off as artists for hire to fund most of their projects; allowing for the creation of the Comic Republic. This company is arguably the most famous comic publisher in Nigeria, enough to get sponsorship deals.
Faith Has a New Face
Some characters include Guardian Prime. At first glance, he is a Nigerian Superman and that’s not far off. He’s got very a similar wardrobe and power set to the Man of Steel, and they’re patriots of their home-countries. But what makes Guardian Prime so compelling is his power source.
One of my favorite scenes with Guardian Prime is in Guardian Prime Genesis issue 3. Rather than leave people to their fate in a shuttle about to crash; an awakened Guardian recounts a similar incident. To save people including his sister from a plane crash he recounts the need for faith. The present day has him ask the people in the shuttle the same in order to live; by creating a protective shield around them. With it the scientists inside the shuttle survive and more of Prime’s past as Tunde reveals.
All the Others
The world of the republic continues to grow with the reincarnating demigoddess Ireti and the teenage heroes of Hero Generation. Since its inception Comic Republic has become a Nigerian mainstay, complete with sponsors by a major Nigerian theater company. More titles such as Beatz and Metalla spring up as well. Yet the company’s wishes remain true to its ideals. That is to spread compelling stories about their homeland and its beliefs without big rewards. Several of the company’s partnerships have a reputation for corporate social responsibility. It is for that reason that Comic Republic stepped out of a Panel Reward during 2016 Lagos Comic Con.
No Stopping this Storm
A few other comic companies in Nigeria include Vortex Comics founded by Somto Ajuluchukwu. Vortex features titles like Strike Guard where a guy gets powers from a battle hungry deity. Now he must protect his loved ones while learning to master his great power. Vortex seems to have a focus on the more spiritual aspects of Nigerian culture, at least according to Spirit Wars.
But Wait, There’s More
A few other comics had jumped on the opportunity such as Peda Comics; with its flagship series New Born Saga and several other comics along with it. Even today there are projects that support the spread of Nigerian comics to a broader audience. Kugali for example is an anthology for all to see and enjoy Africa’s finest.
Feel the Nigeria Comics Wave
If anything this all says that the world is ready for representation; and to tell its own stories to the world at large. While not every country has the long history of culture; comics are still the most efficient way of reaching out to new and potential fans. A Comic Con Lagos also came in and became the go to place for fans and these companies to flourish. Not to mention Comic Connect Africa.
No Longer Just Superheroes
In more recent times, Nigeria opens its comics to more genres and experiences. Because like all trends or media, they have to keep up with the times. From superheroes and afro-futurism comes the epic fantasies detailing Nigeria’s ancient history. While the references to the warrior queen Amina are well and good, culture and myth surround the land. Then there are times when you just need to laugh at life through webcomics. And if you want, there’s plenty of purely educational African content on Panaramic Online. Of course, just having a good with anything like Legend of Yasuke or Danfo is fine too.
But the ink’s not dry yet, so there’s more to come. Thanks for coming and remember to look between the panels.