Must-read African comic books to explore this Year

The African comics industry is replete with fresh stories, bold illustrations, and diverse plots that are changing the global comics industry. From superhero sagas to sci-fi adventures, these comics seamlessly blend African culture, mythology, and modern storytelling in a way that is unique and unparalleled. There are many comics and graphic novels written for an African audience.

Whether you’re a long-time comic book fan or a newcomer to the field, here are five must-read African comics that deserve a place on your shelf.

Top 10 African comic books to check out

1. Olila Origins by Daniel Muli, Mutendei Nabutete, Alex Lielacher & Olila Lielacher

The idea of creating a superhero story for African children emerged at the end of 2020, when Alex Lilacher, co-author and publisher of Olila Origins, sought superheroes who would represent his son, Oli. Since there were almost no black superhero children at that time, he decided to bring them to life and, together with his son, began to invent a story that later became known as Olila Origins.

Once the original story was completed, the father-son duo joined forces with Nairobi-based writer Mutendei Nabutete and illustrator Daniel Muley to turn it into a children’s comic.

The story of Olila’s origin centers around Olila and his sister Wughanga, who, after a mysterious encounter with ancient ancestral stones, discover new powers that help them become the next generation of Valinzi — the chosen defenders of their community.

Under the guidance of wise Elder Babu, who knows more about their transformation than he lets on, Olila and Vuganga must learn how to use their new abilities. But when an unexpected rival appears, Olila begins to realize that being a hero is more than just having strength—it’s courage, character, and responsibility.

2. Shadow Walkers by Mutendei Writes and Point Blank Evumbi

How to embody the history, fantasy lore, and mythology of African cultures, pre-colonial civilizations, and legendary rulers?

Don’t worry. Shadow Walkers does this for you, portraying the gods and goddesses of Africa as a unified pantheon that heads the global hierarchy of supernatural deities.

The Shadow Walkers represent a pantheon at odds with itself, divided into two factions: the Azuni and the Okuzuni. Their conflict overlaps with the history of Africa, as well as other underestimated and distorted cultural histories.

The reality that formed the basis of the name “Shadow Walkers”, given the cultural history and truth of Africa, is that they walk in the shadow of mass consumption.

3. Kwezi by Loyiso Mkize

“Kwesi” is a comic strip created by Loyiso Mkize in 2016. The plot of “Mkize” is set in a modern environment, where Kwesi, a narcissistic superhero, utilizes his abilities to elevate his social status.

He then embarks on a journey to find out who he is, after three other people with superpowers track him down. But is he ready to leave his aimless life behind? Read the book to find out.

“Kwesi” also features great artwork and dialogue, and readers can easily find common ground with the characters.

4. Aya of Yop City by Marguerite Abouet, Clement Oubrerie

Aya of Yop City is not a graphic novel about superheroes. Instead, it narrates the daily lives of 19-year-old Aya, her friends Adjoua and Bintou, and their obtrusive relatives and neighbours. The book is loosely based on the life of the author, Marguerite Abouet.

The setting of Aya of Yop City is Ivory Coast, Côte d’Ivoire, in 1978. The book was originally published in 2005. Additionally, the book comprises a series of six comics, all written in French and subsequently translated into English. Moreover, an animated French film adaptation of this book was released in 2013.

Aya of Yop City has won several awards, including the Children’s Africana Book Award, the Glyph Award, and the Best First Album award at the Angoulême International Comics Festival.

5. Razor-Man by Bill Masuku

Razor Man is an African comic book series written and designed by Bill Masuku. Ijeoma Ossi created the colors.

The action takes place in Harare, Zimbabwe, where corruption is rampant. Lovemore Garve loses his father and takes to the streets under the name Razor Man to investigate his death. Fulfilling his mission, the Razor Man uncovers the dark secrets of the city.

6. Lake of Tears by Setor Fiadzigbey and Kwabena Ofei

Lake of Tears is one of the must-read African graphic novels that talks about the threat of child labor and child trafficking. The action unfolds against the backdrop of the fishing industry in Ghana, where, by fate, the paths of Kiya, Aya, and Anima intersect. They then work together to save other victims of this dangerous industry.

The Lake of Tears features stunning illustrations, and the story is fascinating. The book won the Nommo Award for Best Graphic Novel in 2018.

Setor Fiadzigbey and Kwabena Ofey published the book in 2017. In addition, the authors worked in partnership with the organization Challenging Heights, which aims to eradicate child trafficking and child slavery.

7. Malika: Warrior Queen by Roye Okupe

Malika is a graphic novel set in 15th-century West Africa. It tells the story of Malik, the queen and warlord of the kingdom of Azzaz. After she inherited the crown from her father under unusual circumstances, the kingdom split, leading to a civil war. Will the Warrior Queen be able to unite the kingdom again? To find out, read the book.

Roy Okupe is the author of this animated series, first published in 2015. The editor is Ayodele Elegba, and the illustrators are Cima Kalou and Rafael Kazim.

8. EL3OSBA by John Maher and Maged Raafat

El3osba is an Egyptian comic book that tells the story of six superheroes who fight corruption and crime in modern Egypt. Among the superheroes are Horus, a reincarnated Egyptian god; Mariam, a microbiologist who can heal people; a werewolf bus driver named Microbusgi; a reformed terrorist, El Wahan; Kaf, a secret intelligence officer who can cast spells; and Alpha, a being from a higher world who united them all.

El3osba means “League” in Arabic. The first of the four issues is available in English. The creators of the comic book released it in 2015. They include authors John Maher and Maged Raafat, as well as illustrator Ahmed Raafat.

9. Karmzah: The Unleashing by Farida Bedwei

“Karmza” is a fascinating story of a superhero with disabilities. The author, Farida Bedway, stated in an interview that she wrote this comic because she had rarely seen superheroes with disabilities in comics.

“I realized that superheroes with cerebral palsy are not represented. However, many children and adults do not recognize how their disability is reflected in the world of cartoons and comics. […] As a child, I loved comics, but I never felt that they were represented. So I decided to do something about it,” she said. Bedway has cerebral palsy.

In Morov’s book, Ajay is an archaeologist with cerebral palsy. During excavations in Mali, she discovers an ancient vessel. Unfortunately, she breaks it and frees the witch doctor, who has been trapped inside for 5,000 years. Then the shaman gives her superpowers and sends her on a rescue mission.

Bedway published the book in 2019, and the illustrator is Leti Arts. Also in 2018, a film adaptation of this comic book was released.

10. Wana Wa Magere by Avandu Studio

Wana wa Magere Chapter 1: Umati is yet another excellent read from Nairobi-based Avandu Studio, published in 2023. When youth start disappearing in town, descendants of the great Luanda Magere, Neema and Jawar, begin to investigate the matter when asked by their grandmother, whose friend’s grandson has gone missing.

On their journey to uncover the cause of the disappearance, they discover that they must use an ancient lost artefact to find a solution to the evil that has befallen their community.