At 2024 Lagos Comic Con, Attendees are Optimistic About the Future of African Representation

More than anything though, Lagos Comic Con is providing a multi-generational platform for African comic publishers to thrive and for their readers to see themselves reflected in their published works. As some of the attendees told OkayAfrica, Lagos Comic Con provides a safe, judgment-free space for people with shared interests to revel in and freely discuss their interests. Although Comic Conventions are a great way for animation and comic book lovers to meet their favorite voice-over actors as well as the writers and publishers of their beloved comic books, these events have almost always been out of reach for Africans — with Lagos Comic Con, animation and comic book lovers on the continent can be a part of a strong community that appreciates their interests.

At this year’s event, OkayAfrica spoke with some of the attendees, asking them what they love about attending this year’s event, their favorite African comic characters and what authentic African representation looks like to them.

Davina

OkayAfrica: Who are you cosplaying at this year’s Lagos Comic Con?

Davina: My name is Davina and I am cosplaying as Harley Quinn.

How long did it take you to put your cosplay together?

There was the mental planning of seven months, then I just did the actual costumes in two weeks.

What African mythology or historical figure deserves to have comic books written about them?

Moremi sounds cool.

What does African representation in gaming and comics look like to you?

I’d like to see more diverse characters, storylines seem so shallow and generic but we need to make it something that everybody in the world will enjoy.

Esther

What are your favorite African comics?

Esther: I like TAG Comics, the publishers of Dafe and Friends. I also liked Supa Strikas.

What do you like about this year’s Lagoc Comic Con

This is the biggest Lagos Comic Con I’ve been to, and it’s my third time coming. It has grown so much bigger, it’s a chance to meet other cosplayers, and a chance for us to connect and do the thing we love and have fun. It’s also a chance for collaborations and awareness of African comic books and animation.

What African mythology or historical figure deserves to have comic books written about them?

I would like to see Oya. She is basically like Katara (from Avatar: The Last Airbender) but older and wiser.

How long did it take you to put your cosplay together?

It took the whole year; there was the planning stage, the sourcing for material and then putting them together.

Peephunkey

How well would you say the animation/comic industry on the continent is doing?

Peephunkey: I’ve seen a lot of African stuff [at the Lagos Comic Con], it’s been impressive. Back then I just knew a few things, but now there is a lot of stuff [coming] up.

What would you like to see when it comes to African representation in comics/animation?

So far, I think we’re doing well, but I know we can do better. We have a culture that we can sell. We should be having more of our stuff not just here [in Africa] but in places like Japan. For instance, I saw some guys from Japan here and they recognized my One Piece cosplay. We should have Sango as our own Thor out there. It seems like within the comic space we are still trying to create characters that are more foreign, but let’s sell our culture.

What do you enjoy the most about cosplaying?

Cosplaying a [beloved] character and people recognizing you off the bat is really fun.

Kelechi

How long have you been cosplaying?

Kelechi: I started last year. Bringing characters to life is not easy but it’s fun when you do it.

What African comic/animation character is most notable for you?

[Akintoba Kalejaye’s] comic book about the god of thunder Shango. [It] was interesting when I saw [Shango] was made into a comic and not just the European gods.