The history of Nigerian comics is a scattered puzzle, its pieces lost in the fleeting nature of social media posts, forgotten web archives, and the memories of a few dedicated enthusiasts. The industry has seen a decade of rapid growth, yet much of its past remains undocumented, leaving new creators without a clear lineage to build upon. Recognising this, CuisEl J. Peach, a comic book professional, embarked on an ambitious mission to change the narrative—thus, Comic Bus Stop was born.

In an industry still fighting for recognition, the absence of proper documentation presents a significant problem. Nigerian comics have flourished, yet many titles, events, and creative contributors risk fading into obscurity. “Most information about them only exists in the memories of a few, and that shouldn’t be so,” CuisEl explains.

Platforms such as Lagos Comic Con—a flagship event in the space—regularly clear their social media pages, making it difficult to trace past editions and the contributions of various artists and publishers. Similarly, numerous comics once hosted on now-defunct platforms have vanished without a trace. Without proper documentation, the industry risks losing not just records but also the ability to measure its own growth and impact.

Comic Bus Stop seeks to solve this problem by serving as a central archive of Nigerian comics. A valuable addition to this effort is the collaboration between TheACE and Bookause on the first Nigerian Comic Book Industry Report, which aims to provide structured insights and historical context, further strengthening the documentation of the industry. The Comic Bus Stop platform is designed to document and track past and present comic book releases, record accolades, and catalogue major industry events. Though still in its infancy, it already offers a database of Nigerian comic book releases from the past ten years, highlighting creative teams and milestones. It also records major comic book events, offering insights into the industry's evolving landscape, and has plans to profile Nigerian comic book creators, ensuring that their contributions receive the recognition they deserve.

Recognising that no single person can piece together an entire industry’s history alone, CuisEl has opened the process to the public. Fans, creators, and collectors are encouraged to contribute missing details, filling in the gaps one story at a time. Beyond nostalgia, documentation has practical implications for the industry’s growth. Investors, both local and international, rely on industry records to gauge market viability. Aspiring creators benefit from studying past successes and failures. Fans deserve a place where they can trace the evolution of their favourite characters and publishers.

“If creators and investors see that there is a repository of information available, where they can learn the history of the industry and see its growth, it will help change mindsets and open doors for greater things to come,” says CuisEl.

Comic Bus Stop is not merely a tribute to the past—it is a guide for the future, laying a foundation upon which new generations of Nigerian comic creators can build. Looking ahead, CuisEl envisions the platform growing into a fully comprehensive historical and creative resource. Expansions in the pipeline include a dedicated section for Nigerian comic book creatives, ensuring that individual artists and writers receive recognition. A blog will document industry events in real-time, offering a continuous and reliable historical record. There are also discussions about potential partnerships with other comic book platforms and media organisations to enhance the archive’s scope and reach.

Building history is never easy, but with determination and a community-driven approach, Comic Bus Stop is ensuring that Nigeria’s comic book industry will not be forgotten. It is an act of defiance against obscurity, a commitment to storytelling not just in comics, but in the very history of those who create them.

For those eager to explore Nigeria’s comic book history or contribute to its documentation, Comic Bus Stop is the go-to platform. Visit comicbusstop.wordpress.com or connect with CuisEl on Instagram (@cuisel.creator) and Facebook (CuisEl Josh’u-a Peach).

The future of Nigerian comics is still being written—but thanks to Comic Bus Stop, its past will never be erased.

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