Drawing Power: Africa’s Comic Book Renaissance
In a world dominated by Marvel and DC, one might assume that the superhero and comic book genre belongs exclusively to Hollywood. But across Africa, an exciting creative revolution is unfolding. Local comic book creators are using bold visuals, layered storytelling, and cultural heritage to reshape how Africa is represented on the page—and on screen.
These creators are not just entertaining—they’re educating, decolonizing, and inspiring. With pencils, digital pens, and publishing grit, they are putting Africa on the global comic book map.
Why Comics? Why Now?
Comics are an ideal medium for modern African storytelling. They combine visual power with narrative freedom, offering an accessible platform for discussing everything from history and mythology to contemporary social issues. They resonate with youth, require relatively low production costs, and travel well across borders.
More importantly, comics provide cultural ownership. For too long, African characters in global comics were sidekicks or caricatures. African creators are now telling their own stories—with authenticity and pride.
Leading Comic Creators and Studios You Should Know
1. YouNeek Studios (Nigeria/USA)
Founder: Roye Okupe
Flagship Titles: Malika: Warrior Queen, Iyanu: Child of Wonder, E.X.O.: The Legend of Wale Williams
YouNeek Studios is arguably the most globally visible African comic brand. It has successfully raised over $100,000 via Kickstarter and signed a deal with Dark Horse Comics for wider distribution.
Malika is a fierce 15th-century warrior queen navigating empire politics.
E.X.O. is an Afro-futurist superhero saga set in a tech-advanced Lagos.
Iyanu is a magical coming-of-age story inspired by Yoruba mythology, now being developed as an HBO Max animated series.
2. Comic Republic (Nigeria)
Founder: Jide Martin
Popular Titles: Guardian Prime, Avonome, Hero Kekere, Eru
Comic Republic focuses on African superheroes grounded in modern urban settings. Their digital-first strategy has garnered readers from over 30 countries.
Guardian Prime is the face of justice in Lagos.
Avonome blends supernatural elements with soul-searching journeys.
Eru channels ancient terror and tribal spirits.
Why they stand out: Clean, high-quality digital art and consistent Afrocentric storytelling.
3. Vortex Comics (Nigeria)
Founder: Ayodele Elegba
Key Titles: Strike Guard, Mumu Juju, Lake of Tears
Vortex pushes boundaries with titles that mix horror, humor, and cultural commentary.
Strike Guard fuses Yoruba gods with a college-age hero’s life in Lagos.
Mumu Juju is a satirical series involving two bumbling ghost hunters.
Lake of Tears sheds light on child trafficking through fantasy metaphors.
Impact: Vortex has expanded into animation, games, and art workshops for youth.
4. Leti Arts (Ghana/Kenya)
Founder: Eyram Tawia
Projects: Africa’s Legends, Ananse, The True Ananse
Leti Arts is a pioneer in using African mythology and folklore in digital comics and mobile apps. Their Africa’s Legends series features heroes inspired by real legends and historic figures.
Vision: Pan-African, educational, and accessible.
5. Kayin and Abeni (South Africa)
Creator: Loyiso Mkize
Known for Kwezi, South Africa’s first mainstream comic hero, Mkize is building a visually stunning world around Kayin and Abeni, exploring spiritual realms, ancient power, and modern conflict.
Themes in African Comics
Mythology & History: Ancient kingdoms, gods, and oral stories reinterpreted for modern readers.
Politics & Identity: Comics often address corruption, colonial legacies, gender roles, and generational struggles.
Fantasy & Futurism: Alternate realities where African innovation leads the way.
This blend creates a powerful counter-narrative to the West’s depiction of Africa as war-torn or underdeveloped.
Breaking Into Global Markets
African comics are now:
Featured in global conventions like San Diego Comic-Con and MIP Africa.
Distributed digitally on platforms like Webtoon, ComiXology, and Amazon Kindle.
Winning awards, such as the NOMMO Awards for African Speculative Fiction.
Studios like YouNeek and Leti Arts have also partnered with international publishers and animation companies.
Challenges Faced
Funding limitations slow down print runs and distribution.
Piracy makes monetization difficult.
Access to global audiences still relies heavily on crowdfunding or diaspora support.
Yet the industry’s resilience and passion continue to fuel its momentum.
Final Word
African comic book creators are doing more than telling stories—they’re restoring voices, reinventing history, and reimagining the future. They’re building worlds where African characters are kings, queens, heroes, and rebels.
So the next time you walk into a comic store or browse digital shelves, look beyond Gotham and Wakanda. Look for Kwezi, Guardian Prime, Iyanu, and Malika. They’re putting Africa on the map—one panel at a time.
143. Social Media Trends That Started in Africa
From Lagos to the World: African Trends That Went Global
Africa isn’t just participating in digital culture—it’s shaping it. From viral hashtags to fashion challenges, African social media users are creating trends that ripple across continents. Driven by mobile-first usage, youthful populations, and cultural dynamism, Africa has become a digital trendsetting powerhouse.
Let’s explore some of the social media trends that were born in Africa but have since taken the world by storm.
1. #JerusalemaDanceChallenge (South Africa)
What began as a fun video by Angolan dancers quickly spiraled into a global sensation. Powered by the infectious beat of Master KG’s Jerusalema, the dance challenge swept across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
It transcended race, religion, and borders—performed by healthcare workers, monks, police officers, and celebrities worldwide.
Impact:
Showcased South African house music globally
Positioned dance as a tool for unity during the pandemic
Boosted tourism interest in South Africa
2. #OgaAtTheTop (Nigeria)
This 2013 interview moment where a government official couldn’t confidently name his agency’s website turned into a viral meme. “My Oga at the Top” became shorthand for bureaucratic confusion and shifting responsibility.
Why it resonated:
It mirrored everyday frustrations with leadership—packed with humor.
Legacy:
Still used today to satirize clueless leaders in Nigeria and beyond.
3. #IfAfricaWasABar (Pan-African)
This 2020 Twitter trend imagined African countries as quirky bar patrons, offering humorous takes on national stereotypes, politics, and culture.
Example:
“Ghana shows up early, dressed nicely, orders water, and lectures everyone about colonialism.”
Why it worked:
It turned geopolitics into accessible, creative content—sparking laughter and pan-African engagement.
4. #CongoIsBleeding (Democratic Republic of Congo)
This 2020 Instagram trend went viral globally as African youth used social media to draw attention to human rights abuses and mineral exploitation in Congo.
Tools Used:
Instagram infographics, Twitter threads, TikTok explainers.
Impact:
Educated millions
Forced mainstream media to cover the crisis
Proved that African youth could shape global narratives
5. #SoroSoke (Nigeria)
During the 2020 #EndSARS movement, this Yoruba phrase meaning “speak up” became a rallying cry for youth-led activism.
Why it mattered:
It captured a generation’s frustration with police brutality, injustice, and silence.
Global Reach:
Used by diasporan communities, civil rights groups, and even in music and art installations.
6. #KenyansOnTwitter (KOT)
KOT is not just a hashtag—it’s a movement. Known for witty responses, strategic trolling, and international clapbacks, Kenyans on Twitter have trended globally on topics ranging from politics to pop culture.
Why they matter:
They turn Twitter into a political and cultural weapon—mobilizing support, sharing news, or calling out injustice in real time.
7. #TryMeOh (Ghana)
Sparked by Ghanaian singer Yaa Jackson, this phrase became viral shorthand for confidence with sass. It's now a regular expression in memes, TikTok voiceovers, and tweets.
What Makes African Social Media Trends Unique?
Linguistic fusion: Trends often mix Pidgin, Swahili, Hausa, French, and local dialects with English.
Vibrant visuals: Fashion, dance, and food are integral to expression.
Cultural ownership: Africans are not copying global trends—they’re originating them.
Social Media as a Mirror
African trends often reflect deeper realities:
Frustrations with governance (#SoroSoke)
Joy and resilience (#Jerusalema)
Identity and pride (#IfAfricaWasABar)
They combine humor with depth, making content both engaging and thought-provoking.
Brand & Influencer Economy
These trends have also birthed digital economies:
Influencers launching fashion lines or music careers
Brands collaborating with creators for campaigns
NGOs using viral content for awareness
Social media isn’t just about vibes—it’s a marketplace of influence.
Final Word
African social media isn’t just catching up with the world—it’s setting the pace. From Lagos slang to Nairobi hashtags and Cape Town dances, African voices are now shaping what’s trending online.
The next global sensation? Chances are, it’s already viral in Africa.
