Nigeria: The Comic Explosion Movement
Nigeria, the most populous and active country on the continent of Africa. Many people see parts of Nigeria through movies including Lagos during Captain America: Civil War; which kicks off the rest of the events. When it comes to movies, Nigeria has its own form of cinema the public at large like to call Nollywood. Because apparently, places like India and Nigeria have a funny way of saying "I haul wood". 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 the numerous comic books that spring up in the last couple of years.
Nigeria: A Different History
Compared to other comic book industries that originate from the need to spread information; Nigeria didn't have the decades of history to tell its story. Not to mention due to various political circumstances like trying to establish its independence from Great Britain; there was no time for local satire. 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. In fact by the time the Nigerian civil war starts; there are already comic books around the globe that retailers would just import from 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 as a stable democracy. Thanks to modern technology, Nigeria actually produce and distribute 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 particularly 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.
Let Art Create More Art
Jide Martin and his associates take to being artists for hire to fund most of their projects; allowing for the creation of the Comic Republic.
Faith Has a New Face
Some characters include Guardian Prime. At first glance, he is a Nigerian Superman; and to a degree they are right. At least in regards to wardrobe, power sets, and patriotism. What makes Guardian Prime so compelling comes with the fact that despite his great powers; Prime is still human making him prone to his emotions. And with a power set like his, he had to learn how to make it work throughout his life.
Remember Nigeria's motto I mentioned earlier? Well Prime derives his powers from faith and he essentially embodies that motto. For Prime to do any of his great feats he needs to not only believe in himself; but also have a clear head while doing it. Faith is something a lot of people need; Guardian Prime might look like a flying savior but he is still just a man. A man who reminds the people around him to have faith; if not in themselves or him but a better outcome than the uglier ones they have accepted. 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. To spread compelling stories about their homeland and its beliefs and to accept no reward. 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 June XII, a spirit who compared to Guardian Prime is more of an entity who exists to serve justice and equality to the people of Nigeria. As an ever present force, the corrupt fear him and represents a need for change; not unlike how his name is Nigeria's election day starting 2019 after its first official democratic election from 1993. And then there's Strike Guard where a guy has to learn how to use his powers to protect his loved ones; including his girlfriend who has trouble going her way. All the while speaking to a battle hungry deity. Vortex seems to have a focus on the more spiritual aspects of Nigerian culture; especially in regards to the local religions and faith based in Yoruba spiritualism and Christianity.
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
This new wave of Nigerian comic culture was so big, it affects actions in Marvel comics. Nigerian-American writer Nnedi Okorafor creates a story surrounding a young Nigerian athlete who loses her legs, gained the Venom symbiote, and becomes the new Black Panther after (an alternate) T'Challa dies in battle. The Black Panther movie also involves a few Nigerian artists and actors. This all helps make the setting Wakanda feel so alive and vibrant. Safe to say it's one of the reasons the movie got so many awards. 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. This movement can lead to a lot of developments; including animation where some companies and businesses are not as willing to make the risks. But the ink's not dry yet, so there's more to come. Thanks for coming and remember to look between the panels. References http://viciousimagery.blogspot.com/2007/02/28-days-of-2000-ad-24-brian-bolland-pt.html https://www.independent.co.uk/news/long_reads/marvel-black-panther-africa-comic-books-nigeria-lagos-new-gotham-a7973871.html http://www.designindaba.com/articles/creative-work/nigerian-writer-ziki-nelson-his-upcoming-comic-book-featuring-15-african