African comics have never been stronger. In one year, searches for African comics in the United States grew more than fivefold, and new graphic novels are arriving from Kinshasa, Lagos and Abidjan. Here are the African comic books to read in 2027, from the Congolese Katiomics saga to West African classics and the new wave of African superheroes.
1. Zaiire: The Prince of Kongo and The Necklace of Destiny (Congo)
The first book of the ISOLELE Universe by HRM King Kufulula: a young prince of Kinshasa discovers that the blood of the Kongo kings runs in his veins. Drawn by Congolese artists, it reached the bestseller shelf at Nuria Bookstore in Nairobi. Discover the book.
2. Zaiire, Chapter II: The Sacred Flame (Congo)
The second book takes Zaiire back to June 30, 1960, the day of Congo’s independence, where he meets Mwindo Lumumba, Kimpa Vita and Simon Kimbangu.
3. Shango and Zaiire: A Letter from a Father to His Son (Congo)
A full-color graphic novel in which Shango, master of storms and rains, writes to the son he left behind. A story of fatherhood in its rawest, most ancestral form. Discover the book.
4. Aya de Yopougon by Marguerite Abouet and Clément Oubrerie (Côte d’Ivoire)
The beloved series about a young woman in 1970s Abidjan, full of humor and heart. One of the most famous African comics in the French-speaking world.
5. Akissi by Marguerite Abouet and Mathieu Sapin (Côte d’Ivoire)
The funny adventures of a little girl in Abidjan, a perfect African comic for young readers.
6. Iyanu: Child of Wonder by Roye Okupe (Nigeria)
A Yoruba-inspired fantasy about a girl with mysterious powers, from YouNeek Studios, one of the leading African comic book studios.
7. E.X.O.: The Legend of Wale Williams by Roye Okupe (Nigeria)
An African superhero in a futuristic Lagos-inspired city, and a landmark of the Nigerian superhero wave.
8. Malika: Warrior Queen by Roye Okupe (Nigeria)
An epic about a queen and military commander, inspired by the history of West African kingdoms.
9. Mandrill by Barly Baruti and Frank Giroud (Congo)
An adventure series co-created by Barly Baruti, one of the masters of Congolese comics, and a must for anyone exploring the Congo’s comic book tradition.
10. The Guardians of Kongo: Okapi & Opa (Congo)
ISOLELE’s adventure for young readers: a young okapi of the Ituri forest and Princess Opa set out to protect the memory of Ôta Benga.
Where African comics are going in 2027
African comic books are moving from the margins to the center: Disney’s Iwájú with the Lagos studio Kugali, the Nigerian superhero wave, and the Congolese Katiomics genre. The next great comic book universe may well come from Africa. Explore our list of 30 African superheroes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best African comic books to read in 2027?
Zaiire: The Prince of Kongo, Shango and Zaiire, Aya de Yopougon, Iyanu: Child of Wonder, E.X.O. and Malika: Warrior Queen are among the best African comic books to read in 2027.
Are there Congolese comic books?
Yes. The Congo has a long comic book tradition, from Barly Baruti to the ISOLELE Universe and its Katiomics genre, made in Kinshasa and Bukavu.
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