Many comic book and animation fans grew up admiring the likes of Stan Lee and Jim Lee, enjoying iconic works such as Batman, Superman, and Spider-Man. In Africa, we often hear names like Ayodele Elegba and Ejob Nathaniel. This has led to the widespread assumption that the comic and animation industries are male-dominated spaces. However, this article seeks to challenge that perception and shed light on the remarkable women shaping Africa’s comic book and animation landscape.

Below is a non-exhaustive list of female creators and leaders who have made significant contributions to the industry.

Marguerite Abouet

Born in 1971 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Marguerite Abouet grew up during a time of great prosperity in the West African nation. At the age of twelve, she and her older brother moved to Paris to live with their great-uncle and continue their education. After establishing herself as a young adult novelist, Abouet felt drawn to telling stories that reflected her childhood memories of Ivory Coast. This inspired Aya de Yopougon (published in North America as Aya), a graphic novel illustrated by Clément Oubrerie. The book captures the humour and vibrancy of life in 1970s Ivory Coast, depicting the experiences of young people in a thriving society.

Omotolani Oluwafunmilayo

Omotolani Oluwafunmilayo always aspired to be part of the animation industry. Her journey began in February 2021 when she secured a scholarship at Spoof Academy. Initially starting with illustration, she soon discovered her passion for animation. Just four years later, she progressed beyond animating to become the Animation Supervisor at SPOOF! Animation, where she breathes life into stories through movement and emotion.

She has played a pivotal role in projects such as Ajaka: Lost in Rome and Hero Corps: Deep Genesis (Episodes 1 & 2). To Omotolani, animation is more than a profession—it is a powerful medium for storytelling, particularly in showcasing African narratives that deserve global recognition.

Appolonia Otam (An Nina)

Appolonia Otam, also known as An Nina, is a Cameroonian writer whose contributions have significantly impacted the African comic book industry. A founding member of Zebra Comics PLC, she developed a passion for comics early on and honed her storytelling skills over the years.

She is the creator of Aliya, a comic about a young woman who works as a translator by day and transforms into the incarnation of a goddess by night. When she is not writing comics, An Nina works as a translator, making African comics more accessible to Francophone audiences worldwide.

Confidence Elochukwu

Confidence Elochukwu is a writer and storyteller with expertise in IT, social media management, and design. As the writer of Mmanwu and other compelling narratives, she weaves African folklore, sci-fi, and deeply human experiences into immersive comic stories.

She is dedicated to fostering new voices in the industry, ensuring that diverse perspectives thrive in the African comic space. Currently, she is developing an exciting new project that promises to push the boundaries of storytelling.

Akosua Hanson

Known as the 'Queen of Evening Radio' in Ghana, Akosua Hanson is the host of Y FM’s long-running show The Lounge, which highlights urban music and pop culture. Beyond radio, she is a feminist activist, writer, and actress passionate about youth development and social change.

She is the creator of Moongirls, a Ghanaian graphic novel series that follows African queer superheroes fighting against corruption, patriarchy, and the lingering effects of colonialism. Hanson also founded Drama Queens, a grassroots organisation that uses the arts as a tool for activism.

Julie Ako

Julie Ako is a filmmaker and comic book writer who draws inspiration from authentic human experiences and her African heritage. Alongside Nikita Mokgware, she co-founded Albantsho in 2020. Ako has worked on films such as Aso Eégún (2022), Bride Untangled (2021), and KM17 (2024). In the comic space, she is the scriptwriter and story lead for Vortex’s Dreamweaver series, which reimagines Africa through bold, innovative storytelling.

Cassandra Mark

Cassandra Mark is a Nigerian writer, comic book creator, and anime enthusiast. She is the author of Tatashe, published by Comic Republic. Her portfolio includes collaborations with major brands like Disney, UNESCO, and Dark Horse Comics. In addition to writing, she is an avid gamer, a yoga practitioner, and an explorer of African spirituality.

Zainab Fasiki

Zainab Fasiki, born in 1994, is a Moroccan graphic artist, feminist activist, and mechanical engineer by training. She is renowned for addressing gender taboos and patriarchal norms in the MENA region through her art. In 2018, she founded Women Power, a feminist and queer art collective. Her graphic novel Hshouma, Corps et Sexualité au Maroc has been translated into multiple languages.

Damilola Solesi

Damilola Solesi is an Animation Director, Producer, and Writer, as well as the Creative Director and CEO of Smids Animation Studios.

Her critically acclaimed works including Boxed, Uyi, and the award-winning short film Hadu have garnered international recognition. Hadu has won prestigious accolades such as Best Animation at both the Fak'ugesi Festival and the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF). Her projects have also been featured at major global festivals, including the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR), NollywoodWeek Film Festival, New York International Children's Festival, FESPACO, ANIMAGE Festival (Brazil), Silicon Valley African Film Festival (USA), and CINANIMA International Animated Film Festival (Portugal).

Damilola’s dedication to pushing creative boundaries is evident in her role as a Juror for the International Emmy Awards (2020–2022) and her recognition as MIPTV’s Producer To Watch in both 2020 and 2022. She remains committed to elevating African narratives and driving innovation in the animation industry worldwide.

Comfort Arthur

Comfort Arthur is a British-born Ghanaian animator, illustrator, and visual artist. She studied at the Royal College of Arts before moving to Ghana, where she established The Comfy Studio. Her short film Black Barbie has been screened at over 50 film festivals worldwide, earning numerous awards. She is also the first Ghanaian animator to win the African Movie Academy Award for Best Animation. Passionate about education, she teaches animation workshops for African women in collaboration with the Ladima Film Academy.

Joëlle Epee Mandengue

Joëlle Epee Mandengue is the founder and director of Billi BD, the Republic of the Congo’s premier comic convention. She is the author of La Vie d’Ebène Duta and has co-curated the South African virtual exhibition Afropolitan Comics. With a master’s degree in comic arts from the University of Lyon, she has created works that reflect Cameroonian culture, publishing in various countries across Africa and Europe.

These are just a few of the talented women shaping the African comic book and animation space. Who else would you add to the list? Let us know!

Sources: Goodreads, Vortex, SPOOF!, Africa No Filter, Zebra Comics, Squid Mag