Think that #ReadingAfrica means just traditional novels? Not even a little! In addition to all of the great novels out there, you can also get your African literature in the form of comics and graphic novels. We’ve got a few suggestions for some you may want to add to you TBR list.
The Aya Serieswritten by Marguerite Abouet illustrated by Clément Oubrerie, translated by Helge Dascher. Loosely based on the author’s life in Cote d’Ivoire, these stories focus on 19-year-old Aya and her friends as they navigate life in Yop City in the 1970s.
The Kwezi Series by Loyiso Mkize, Clyde Beech and Mohale Mashigo. Love superheroes? Then this is a great pick. Set in the fictional South African locale, Gold City, nineteen year old Kwezi discovers he has superpowers, but he also discovers that those powers come with a great responsibility. Is he up to the challenge? Read an interview with the comic’s creators here.
We’re big fans of comics and graphic novels here, so of course we’d include some in our own catalog. For young adult readers, check out Shaka Rising and its sequel King Shaka: Zulu Legend by Luke Molver. These books take a look at the rise and fall of legendary Zulu leader, Shaka. And for adults, we’re excited to release Madame Livingstone by Barly Baruti and Christophe Cassiau-Haurie, translated by Ivanka Hahnenberger, a historical-fiction graphic novel set in the Congo during World War I.
Lake of Tears by Setor Fiadzigbey and Kwabena Ofei. Set in Ghana, this Nommo-award-winning book shines a light on child trafficking and forced labor. It was made in partnership with Ghana’s Challenging Heights, an organization dedicated to ending child trafficking and protecting children’s rights.
Not a book, but a great read nonetheless: Africa in Words has an article about the history of African superhero comics in the 1970s and 1980s, part of a longer series, “What is an African superhero?” For another in-depth look at the history of African comics, check out this article at Tor on the legacy of Captain Africa.
The Solar Grid by Ganzeer. Egyptian artist Ganzeer’s serialized graphic novel takes place a thousand years after a global flood has forever transformed Earth. A dystopian sci-fi story exploring colonialism, race, environmentalism, and corporatism.
Comic artist Bill Masuku, author of Captain South Africa, has a piece at Squid Magazine looking at the African comic book scene as a whole.
You should also check out Kugali, a media company using comics to tell stories of Africa’s past, present, and future. Start exploring by taking a look at some of the free comics they offer to readers.
