TVC E, MOVIES – Jide Martins is on a mission to promote a comic-reading culture in Africa and introduce young people to the continent’s superheroes.
Martins’ company Comic Republic has created an ensemble known as ‘African Avengers’ who fight for a better Nigeria.
The artist’s production outfit targets online users and wants to rival the long line of western iconic comic superheroes like Superman and Spiderman, by carrying stories that the African reader can relate to.
The legal practitioner turned comic illustrator’s first creation — Guardian Prime is already popular in the country, he has been built as the perfect man who can do anything, a fashion designer by day and superhero by night.
The company is also behind female superheroes like Ireti – a mighty warrior who is an expert at battle, conquering kingdoms and protecting her people.
The 37-year-old artist always had a passion for comics. He established his company in 2013.The online start-up has had over 20,000 app downloads since their latest release in January. Martins works with a team of young illustrators. Together they have created nine characters.
Akintoba Kalejaiye the content director of Comic Republic says that apart from entertainment, the superheroes are also meant to educate and inspire young readers.
Comic Republic has already produced six titles and thirteen editions which are available for free online.
