10 African Comics for Children to Discover

calendar_today Sep 01, 2023
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Do you read comic books? Comic books are perfect for all kinds of readers as they can be easier to read than regular books. Comics are particularly engaging for children who do not have a huge interest in reading.

For those young minds yearning for exciting stories and vibrant visuals, comics provide a captivating gateway into the world of literature. This week, we've set our sights on a particular genre that not only thrills but also introduces young readers to African culture and storytelling.

So, grab your capes, masks, or just a comfortable spot to sit because we're about to dive into the dynamic realm of African comic books. These aren't your everyday comics; they're windows into diverse worlds and imaginative narratives that will have kids and adults alike flipping through their pages with enthusiasm.

In this exploration of African comics, we'll unearth tales of heroes, legends, and everyday adventures that resonate with readers of all ages. Whether you're a seasoned comic enthusiast or just looking to kindle a love for reading in your child, these African comic books have something special in store for you.

But our journey doesn't end here. If you're interested in empowering children through literature, don't miss our blog posts on empowering African children's books for boys and girls. And if you want to discover the voices shaping African literature, check out our spotlight on African children's book authors you should know. Plus, for a deeper dive into children's books dedicated to African history and culture.

Without further ado, let's embark on an adventure like no other. Join us as we uncover the magic of African comic books, where imagination knows no bounds!

	Akissi: Tales of Mischief Poor Akissi! The neighborhood cats are trying to steal her fish, her little monkey Boubou almost ends up in a frying pan, and she's nothing but a pest to her older brother Fofana. But Akissi is a true adventurer, and nothing scares her away from hilarious escapades in her modern African city. Jump into the laugh-out-loud misadadventures of Akissi in these girls-will-be-girls comics, based on author Margeurite Abouet's childhood on the Ivory Coast. Recommended Age: 8 - 12 years
	Aya of Yop City The original Drawn & Quarterly volume of Aya debuted last year to much critical acclaim, receiving a Quill Award nomination and praise for its accessibility and for the rare portrait of a warm, vibrant Africa it presents. This continuation of the dynamic story by Marguerite Abouet and Clément Oubrerie returns to Africa’s Ivory Coast in the late 1970s, where life in Yop City is as dramatic as ever. Oubrerie’s artwork synchronizes perfectly with Abouet’s funny and lighthearted writing, which together create a spirited atmosphere and scenarios that, however unique to the bygone setting, remain entirely contemporary in their effect. The original cast of characters is back in full force, with a case of questionable paternity fanning the flames of activity in the community. The new mother Adjoua has her friends to help with the baby, perhaps employing Aya a bit too frequently, while a new romance leaves Bintou with little time for her friends, let alone their responsibilities. The young women aren’t the only residents of Yopougon involved in the excitement, however; Aya’s father is caught in the midst of his own trysts and his employer’s declining Solibra beer sales, and Adjoua’s brother finds his share of the city’s nightlife. Recommended Age: All Ages
	Karmzah - The Unleashing Where it all began…Morowa Adjei is an archaeologist with cerebral palsy, who gets superpowers from an ancient Juju man, thus becoming a superheroine. When Morowa accidentally breaks a jar discovered in an excavation in Mali, she inadvertently frees a medicine man who has been trapped there for over 5,000 years. He bestows upon her superpowers through her crutches and sends her to rescue an oil magnate’s son who has been kidnapped whilst holidaying with friends. Recommended Age: 8 - 15 years
	Kwezi Where it all began…Morowa Adjei is an archaeologist with cerebral palsy, who gets superpowers from an ancient Juju man, thus becoming a superheroine. When Morowa accidentally breaks a jar discovered in an excavation in Mali, she inadvertently frees a medicine man who has been trapped there for over 5,000 years. He bestows upon her superpowers through her crutches and sends her to rescue an oil magnate’s son who has been kidnapped whilst holidaying with friends. Recommended Age: All Ages
	Lake of Tears Lake of Tears is a story of captivity and redemption told through the eyes of three teenagers who meet on the Lake Volta. It is an ode to the plight of many children who are trafficked and forced to work in Ghana’s hazardous inland fishing industry. Recommended Age: 10+ years
	Malika: Warrior Queen Growing up as a prodigy, Malika inherits the crown from her father in an incredibly unusual way, splitting the kingdom of Azzaz in half. After years of civil war, Malika finally unites all of Azzaz, expanding it into one of the largest empires in all of West Africa--but expansion will not come without its costs. Enemies begin to rise within her council, and Azzaz catches the attention of one of the most feared superpowers the world has ever known: the Ming Dynasty! As Malika fights to win the clandestine war within the walls of her empire, she must also turn her attention to an indomitable and treacherous foe with plans to vanquish her entire people. Recommended Age: 10+ years
	Marwe: Into the Land of the Dead From an East African village, into the Land of the Dead: Marwe lives in a village where food is scarce. She tries to be obedient, but it’s hard to spend every day working in the fields. When her carelessness ruins the village’s crops, she’s too scared to face her angry family and runs away—to the strange Land of the Dead. Marwe knows she doesn’t belong there. But can she find the right sort of courage to return to the land of the living? Recommended Age: 9 - 14 years
	Princess Princess Ever After When the heroic princess Amira rescues the kind-hearted princess Sadie from her tower prison, neither expects to find a true friend in the bargain. Yet as they adventure across the kingdom, they discover that they bring out the very best in the other person. They’ll need to join forces and use all the know-how, kindness, and bravery they have in order to defeat their greatest foe yet: a jealous sorceress, who wants to get rid of Sadie once and for all. Join Sadie and Amira, two very different princesses with very different strengths, on their journey to figure out what “happily ever after” really means—and how they can find it with each other. Recommended Age: 9 - 12 years
	UKPANG The son of the Nigerian Ambassador to Japan, Tunji, is thrust into a world of chaos when he has his old life taken from him one fateful night. He now follows the path of the sword laid out before him by his instructor and teacher, Koenma. Gripped with a new purpose, Tunji returns to his mother country, Nigeria, where his painful past resurfaces. Recommended Age: 12+ years
	Yawa The Adventurer Yawa The Adventurer Issue is an original, funny, 28-page all-ages action-adventure comic series with an African twist featuring Yawa, a 13-year-old near genius with a knack for getting into trouble! It is the first-ever comic to blend fact, fiction, history, culture, and modern living from a variety of African countries. If you're a fan of adventures like Indiana Jones, silliness like Scooby-Doo or Dumb or Dumber, or international mystery and mischief like Tintin, then this is the comic for you! Each issue explores different countries in Africa through Yawa's adventures - their history and culture and includes pages of facts and easter eggs that you are guaranteed to not know about! Perfect for comic lovers, young AND old! Recommended Age: All Ages