South Africa has become a powerful force in the global comic book community, making its mark with its distinctive cultural perspective and impressive storytelling skills. Although comic books have a long-standing history in the country, there has been a recent surge in creativity and acknowledgment, pushing South African comics to the forefront of the international scene. Talented creators from diverse backgrounds are lending their voices to the medium, infusing it with new perspectives and captivating narratives that connect with audiences worldwide. In this article, we’ll explore the South African comic books that are leaving a significant impact on a global scale.
Kwezi: Teaching Teenagers Responsibility
Created by designer and illustrator Loyiso Mkize, Kwezi focuses on the story of a 19-year-old South African boy that gains superhuman abilities. Kwezi lives in a fictional town modeled by real-life Johannesburg that isn’t without flaws. Kwezi means star in Xhosa and Zulu languages, which could hint at the origin of his superpowers. The energetic characters, mysterious villains, and immersive action brought popularity to the South African comic book.
Numerous youngsters find the Kwezi character relatable, and the comic book enjoyed a massive online following. The story even contains a twist, as Kwezi starts as a bit of an anti-hero by wanting to stay true to cultural roots but finds it difficult with the appealing big city life. Everything changes when he discovers he has superpowers and realizes the social responsibility that comes along.
Sector: Pirates in a Cyberpunk World
An extraordinary team created another exceptional comic book from South Africa. You’ll find Sci-Fi themes, spine-chilling horrors, and everything in between. The first issue immerses readers in a world filled with wit and clever sarcasm that doesn’t lack violent scenes. The comic books tell the story of a crew embarking on a quest to find a long-lost treasure. Everything happens in an underwater city, and the fictional characters seek the way to fortune. The sector uses a unique approach by creating an anthology that explores multiple genres, including cyberpunk.
In South Africa, the cyberpunk genre has been making waves across many media forms including movies and video games These games are becoming some of the most-played online games in South Africa, alongside other popular games like online casino games, World of Warcraft, and League of Legends. Their cutting-edge graphics and gripping narratives have captivated adult audiences worldwide, offering a unique and immersive gaming experience.
Zana
Set in a dystopian South Africa where apartheid never ended, Zana is a comic book that tackles the country’s tumultuous past. Still, the comic uses unique elements to tell the tale of Zana. It’s set in 2084, and the entire continent is still divided into a three-class system. Jean Baker does a great job of describing how the future could’ve been if apartheid continued to be a thing. Zana is a mixed-race teenage girl living in a district controlled by the white “Royals.”
At the age of 16, Zana finds herself facing difficulties within her own community, leading her to make the brave decision to escape the oppressive system. With her best friend from the village by her side, she embarks on a journey where they both have the opportunity to grow and understand each other better. The strong bond that forms between these characters as they seek a new life mirrors the importance of friendship for South African teenagers navigating challenging situations. The comic book also touches upon a poignant moment when Zana is subjected to ridicule by her black classmates due to her mixed-race background, shedding light on the cruelty that teenagers can display and the struggles contemporary kids face in the country.
Gofu
Written by Deon de Lange, Gofu is a comic book that was initially intended to be a part of DC’s Zuda in 2009. Unfortunately, the entire project halted before he even had the chance to finish the comic. So, after abandoning the idea for a while, Deon returned to it and updated the comic book for the 2013 Open Book Comics Fest.
Gofu enjoyed a warm welcome from the fans and critics at the fest, so de Lange transformed it into a six-part miniseries. The comic book follows the story of a friendly behemoth searching for a new home. He has to tackle an unknown world to avoid extinction while being accompanied by his only friend, Tatsu.
Final Thoughts
As the South African comic book scene evolves, it promises to produce even more remarkable works that appeal to fans beyond its borders, solidifying its place in the global comic book community. These comics not only entertain, but also provide readers with unique insights into other cultures, experiences, and futuristic worlds that captivate and inspire readers all around the world.
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