Graphic novels – comics, superheroes and African stories come to Newtown
JOBURG – The South African Book Fair promises a thought-provoking and entertaining weekend.
There has been a growing interest in African storytelling and African superheroes following Black Panther’s phenomenal success.
South Africa is home to amazing young local writers and illustrators who are bringing powerful and vibrant African superheroes to life as their creations continue to gain traction.
“There is a large number of young authors coming to the fore and proving themselves determined to shape their future and change their surroundings,” said Elitha van der Sandt, CEO of the South African Book Development Council.
The development council conducted a National Reading Study that found that only 14 per cent of South Africans identify as book readers and 58 per cent of SA homes do not read for leisure. The organisation said that these figures necessitate the need to support young local authors and sharing African stories through the #OurStories theme at this year’s South African Book Fair in September in Newtown.
The fair is slated to host the likes of Loyiso Mkize, Benoit Knox and Bontle Senne where they will engage in a session titled, Graphic Novels.
Created by Loyiso Mkize, Kwezi is one of the country’s most popular superhero comic books and follows the life of a teenage boy in a fictional city modelled on Joburg, who discovers that he has superpowers.
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Senne has written an Afrocentric fantasy series called Shadow Chasers while Knox is well-known for his comic-like magazine, Supernova, which covers topics related to science, technology, the environment, world cultures, sports, the arts and social issues
“Since before I could read, I’ve loved comics. Though I used to read superhero stories growing up, my favourite comic heroes mostly don’t include people with superhuman powers. The best comics for me are those of ordinary people,” said Knox.
The South African Book Fair promises a weekend of thought-provoking, entertaining and robust discussions on books that tackle mental health, politics, gender disparities, queer issues and children’s issues, among others.
