An Afrofuturism comic book showcases African faces in the sci-fi genre.

We love this comic science fiction book series, Iwájú, as it marks a new genre in global storytelling. The Afrofuturism comic book is a Disney-Kugali collaboration, first announced in 2020, but is now setting scenes on the continent. Check out why this comic, voiced by Ziki Nelson, plays 'Mr. Overlord Tolu Foyeh as, ‘The Ambassador and Hamid Ibrahim as "The Machine" are a testament to Africa's rich storytelling potential.   

These storytellers noticed that African characters were often left out of science fiction stories, as if "there were no black people in the future." As a result, they decided to create their comic sci-fi series Iwájú, changing how we see sci-fi by adding African perspectives and stories. And we love to see this.   

What makes this comic sci-fi series different from anything the world has ever seen in sci-fi storytelling is the use of traditional and cultural props such as African huts, the assegai (African spare) as well as Senegalese fishing boats (Pirogues). Adding African elements shows how creative Africans are and that we're part of the future, too. Even though sci-fi productions usually have futuristic props like beam deflectors or starships, the storytellers did not conform to the usual.    

The Afrofuturistic comic series is the product of African #narrativechangemakers who are retelling the African story in this production- bringing the faces of Africans into the sci-fi scene. In this series, they show what it is like to own our stories because "most of what is being told about Africa is by non-Africans." This Disney-Kugali collaboration places Africa at the forefront of global storytelling and changes how we think when we imagine sci-fi.    

The series is set to launch on 28 February. Check out the trailer.  

We love to see African storytellers use their skills to change the continent’s narrative. Calling for more storytellers to reclaim the African story and showcase Africa's perspectives to the world. #betterreporting