- Children of Captain Africa is a new 53-minute documentary airing October on TNT Africa
- Directed by Xavier Fournier and Frédéric Ralière, it explores Africa’s homegrown superhero universe
- Pays tribute to Ghana’s Captain Africa, one of Africa’s first comic book icons
Long before Wakanda became a global sensation, African storytellers were already crafting their own superhero worlds—stories deeply rooted in ancestral knowledge, urban realities, and mythic strength. From Captain Africa to Kwezi and Mighty Man, these local heroes have represented the continent’s vast cultural diversity while challenging outdated colonial narratives.
Now, a new documentary titled Children of Captain Africa, directed and produced by Xavier Fournier and Frédéric Ralière, shines a spotlight on the visionary creators behind Africa’s rising comic book scene. The 53-minute film premieres this October on TNT Africa.
The documentary takes viewers across Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and beyond, introducing the illustrators, writers, and publishers who are redefining what it means to be a hero on African soil. The title pays homage to Captain Africa, one of the continent’s earliest comic book icons, created in the 1980s by Ghanaian artist Andy Akman.
“While it’s important to explain who some of these African superheroes are, we didn’t want this to just be a catalogue of characters,” says Fournier. “We wanted to explore why they matter—by talking to the people who care about them most.”
From the busy streets of Lagos to the creative districts of Johannesburg, the film captures the pulse of a movement reclaiming African identity through comics.
In Cape Town, award-winning writer Mohale Mashigo shares her approach to storytelling, while in Rustenburg, South African siblings Omphile and Phemelo Dibodu, co-founders of Rainbow Nation Comics, recount how their character Young Nelson was designed to inspire local youth.
“Being part of Children of Captain Africa is an honour,” says Phemelo Dibodu. “Through Young Nelson, we’re giving African youth a relatable, modern voice and helping shape the continent’s comic storytelling future.”
In Zimbabwe, Bill Masuku—the mind behind Captain South Africa—describes the documentary as a long-overdue spotlight on Africa’s comic pioneers and new talents.
“It’s a powerful and heartfelt reflection on the journey of African creators—past, present, and future,” Masuku says. “We’re no longer walking alone but forging diverse paths towards the same goal.”
In Nigeria, the scene is thriving. Jide Martin, founder of Comic Republic, is a leading voice in Afrocentric comic publishing.
“Comic Republic was founded on the belief that African stories and heroes deserve a global stage,” says Martin. “This documentary affirms that vision—it’s a milestone in our journey and a tribute to a legacy we’re proud to be part of.”
Also featured are fellow Nigerian creatives: Toyin Ajetunmobi (animator and colourist for YouNeek Studios and Etan Comics), Emmanuel Ezeabiama (co-founder of Epoch Comics), and illustrator Agu Ekene Polycarp (known as APE) of Animation Peda Entertainment.
“The idea of transmission is central,” adds Fournier. “That’s why we didn’t just list names and dates—we wanted to hear from creators of all backgrounds and ages, across different countries, all united by a shared passion. That’s the real legacy: the stories passed down and the futures they inspire.”
