So far, companies have asked Comic Republic to create comics for their products and NGOs have asked for help illustrating public health risks like malaria. The head of one of the country's largest e-commerce outfits, has asked for a portrait of himself rendered as a superhero. The story of one the characters, Aje—Yoruba for "witch"—may be made into a movie by a local filmmaker. Another edition of Guardian Prime's story is scheduled for this month.
The startup is part of what some say is a renaissance of made-in-Africa music, literature, and art that resonate beyond the continent. Over half of Comic Republic's downloads are from readers in the United States, the United Kingdom, and a scattering are from other countries like Brazil and the Philippines. About 30% come from Nigeria, according to Martin. Lagos now hosts an annual Comic Con for the comic and entertainment industry. Kenya hosted one for the first time in 2015.
Beyond battling evil and saving the day, the comics are meant to show how individuals can come together to provide for a "better safer Africa," chief operations officer, Tobe Ezeogu said in November.
That message appears to be getting across to some readers. One fan wrote on Comic Republic's Facebook wall of its flagship character, Guardian Prime, "My favorite quote [by him]: 'All it takes for evil to succeed is for good men to stand by and do nothing. I won't stand by. I am Nigerian.' I'm not Nigerian, but heroes are going to help the youth and stimulate patriotism."
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