If you are a lover of cartoons, then there is every chance that you may have read at least one of the Superman or Batman series with both Superheroes pulling one stunt or the other.
Now, a Nigerian comics startup has created its own version of African Superheroes, which is mainly for Africans but is also gaining mileage beyond the continent.
Comic Republic, a Nigerian comics startup based in Lagos, is creating a universe of superheroes for Africans and black readers around the world.
The cast of characters—”Africa’s Avengers” according to some fans—ranges from Guardian Prime, a 25-year old Nigerian fashion designer by day who uses his extraordinary strength to fight for a better Nigeria, to Hilda Avonomemi Moses, a woman from a remote village in Edo state who can see spirits, and Marcus Chigozie, a privileged but angry teenager who can move at supersonic speeds.
The startup may be a sign that comics are having a moment on the continent as well as in a market once said to lack interest in African-inspired characters.
The nine-person team has seen downloads of its issues, published online and available for free, grow from a couple hundred in 2013 to 25,000 in its latest release last month as the series has become more popular.
Comic Republic plans to make money from sponsorships and advertisers.
