[Updated January 15, 2024]

We know we’ve been quiet for a while, and we deeply regret leaving our cherished audience, TheACErs, without notice. Rest assured, our absence wasn’t permanent—we simply took some time off during the holidays to recharge. However, the same cannot be said for our founder, who has been working tirelessly to compile the much-anticipated industry report.

Now that we’re back, let’s get up to speed with some of the exciting developments we might have missed during our brief hiatus.

The African Comic Industry is About to Get Flippin’ Kool

The African comic book industry is on the cusp of a revolution with the launch of Flippin’ Kool, a subscription-based platform designed to transform how African comics are distributed, consumed, and monetised.

This ground-breaking initiative is the brainchild of Adedayo Adeoye, a visionary Afrocentric comic artist and a pioneer in the creative space. Known for founding Comic Con Ibadan and Comics Archive Africa, Adedayo has consistently championed the growth of Nigerian and African comic book creators. Through Flippin’ Kool, he is tackling longstanding challenges in the industry, such as limited distribution channels, monetisation difficulties, and the struggle to grow loyal readerships.

“Flippin’ Kool is more than a platform; it’s a dream. Our mission is to not only achieve our own goals but also fulfil the aspirations of countless artists, creators, publishers, and authors,” Adedayo passionately shared.

While the platform’s core focus is on comics, Flippin’ Kool also plans to expand into the literary world, providing budding authors with an outlet to share their stories. Central to this vision is Adedayo’s partnership with Trevor Job, a seasoned software engineer and programmer, who joins as Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer. Trevor’s expertise ensures that Flippin’ Kool leverages cutting-edge technology to serve creators and audiences alike.

Flippin’ Kool is poised to usher in a new era of Afrocentric storytelling, amplifying African voices and redefining the industry’s future.

Spoof! Animation Announces Big Plans for 2025

Spoof! Animation is looking ahead to 2025 with optimism and creativity after a challenging year for Nigeria and the global animation industry.

Reflecting on the trials of 2024, CEO Ayodele Elegba expressed gratitude to fans for their unwavering support. Elegba highlighted the successful Kickstarter campaign for the Blood Wars comic series (animated short), which has now achieved full funding.

The studio has ambitious plans for 2025, starting with a new short film titled Call. Meanwhile, production on the beloved series Becky will begin in earnest, supported by a dedicated 3D animation team. Spoof! Animation also plans to revamp its YouTube channel into a dynamic platform reminiscent of a TV station, catering to diverse audiences with a range of new content.

Fans can look forward to fresh additions to the Area Daddy franchise, including new comedy content and a 3D short film set to premiere at film festivals. Additionally, Spoof! Animation is reviving the Ajaka character in a new webcomic series aimed at expanding the universe of this iconic figure.

To nurture emerging talent, Spoof! Animation has also launched an apprenticeship programme, offering 20 aspiring animators three months of practical experience.

With a packed agenda for 2025, Spoof! Animation continues to lead the charge in Nigeria’s animation industry, proving that creativity and resilience can overcome any challenge.

Comic Con Ibadan Teases Third Edition

The city of Ibadan is set to host another thrilling celebration of creativity and pop culture as Comic Con Ibadan teases its third edition. Spearheaded by Adedayo Adeoye Erivic, the visionary behind Comics Archive Africa and Flippin’ Kool, this event promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Since its inception, Comic Con Ibadan has established itself as a vibrant hub for fans, creators, and industry stakeholders across Nigeria. The event celebrates the best of comics, animation, gaming, literature, and other facets of geek culture, providing a platform for African creatives to shine.

Building on the success of the first two editions, this year’s Comic Con Ibadan aims to elevate the experience for attendees. While details are still under wraps, early hints suggest the event will be held in June 2025, a major shift from March in which the previous two were held.

Fans can expect announcements in the coming weeks, including event dates, featured guests, and exciting additions to the programme. For updates and announcements, follow Comic Con Ibadan on social media.

Smids Animation Studios' "Hadu" Keeps Shinning on the International Stage

Smids Animation Studios keeps marking significant milestones in the animation world with their latest animated short, Hadu, has been awarded the prestigious Shorts Prize for Best Animation at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF).

Directed by Damilola Solesi, the CEO and Creative Director of Smids Animation Studios, Hadu is a non-dialogue 2D short that beautifully encapsulates the essence of African culture. The narrative centres around Simi, a young girl who reconnects with her roots while bonding with her grandmother over the preparations for a traditional meal.

Hadu’s accolade at AFRIFF is particularly noteworthy as it follows a string of successes for the film. Earlier this year, it won the Best Animated Short award at the Fak’ugesi Digital Africa Festival and was screened at the Academy Award-qualifying Cinanima Festival in Portugal. It was also selected at the Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF) and the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR). These achievements lay a promising foundation for Hadu’s growing reputation as a standout piece in contemporary animation and celebrate the rich diversity of African stories.

As part of a new wave of African storytelling in animation, Hadu offers a refreshing perspective that engages audiences across the globe while captivating them with its rich visual style and emotional depth. The film’s unique approach to storytelling and animation celebrates African traditions and showcases the innovative spirit of Smids Animation Studios.

Nigerian Animated Series 'Iwájú' Scores Three Emmy Nominations

The animated series 'Iwájú', a groundbreaking collaboration between Disney and the Pan-African animation company Kugali Media, received three nominations at the upcoming Children's and Family Emmy Awards. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the series, which features a predominantly Nigerian cast and showcases stories inspired by Nigeria.

Lead voice actor Simisola Gbadamosi was nominated for the Younger Voice Performer in a Preschool, Children's, or Young Teen Program category. Additionally, 'Iwájú' has been nominated for awards for Children's or Young Teen Animated Series and Directing for an Animated Series for the episode titled "Kole".

Set in a futuristic Lagos, 'Iwájú' follows the intertwining journeys of two characters, Tola and Kole, who come from vastly different backgrounds. Gbadamosi voices Tola, a resident of the affluent Lagos Island, while Siji Soetan portrays Kole, a self-taught tech expert. Their adventure is one of secrets and self-discovery, reflecting themes that resonate deeply with Nigerian identity.

In a four-star review from The Guardian, the series was praised for illuminating aspects of Nigerian identity that are seldom celebrated on the global stage, characterised as "an unashamedly optimistic look at the country's future".

The Children's & Family Emmy Awards, which honour the most inventive and groundbreaking work in children's entertainment, will be held on 25 March 2025 in Los Angeles. Previous winners include notable titles like 'Zootopia' and 'Kung Fu Panda'.

Besides the Emmy Awards, 'Iwájú has been nominated for others like the NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Animated Series and the Annie Awards nomination for Best Limited Series in TV/Media. The series also clinched the inaugural Collision Award’s gold, craft production design category and the Best African Solution Award at the FNB App of the Year Awards 2024.

Casting director Lala Akindoju expressed her pride in the nominations, stating, "It's such a beautiful thing to see a production you worked on get this kind of global recognition." She highlighted her delight in casting Gbadamosi, reaffirming a commitment to showcase African storytelling and talent to a wider audience. Alongside Gbadamosi and Soetan, the series features notable Nigerian actors Femi Branch and Bisola Aiyeola in its voice cast.

An Industry Report is Coming in Hot

The collaboration between Bookause and TheACE to produce what is set to be the first comprehensive industry report on the Nigerian comic book space is well underway.

This ambitious project began in late December 2024 with the launch of a public survey to gather insights into the state of the industry. Recognising the lack of detailed documentation and the publicity challenges faced by the Nigerian comic book space, both brands committed to creating a report that addresses these gaps.

Since then, TheACE and Bookause have conducted in-depth surveys and engaged industry professionals in one-on-one interviews. This research aims to capture the lived experiences of creators and provide valuable insights for fans, stakeholders, and potential investors.

“The Nigerian comic book industry has immense potential, but the lack of structured documentation has held it back. This report is our way of giving the industry a voice and fostering meaningful conversations,” shared the founder of TheACE.

With a release scheduled for the final week of January 2025, anticipation is building. This landmark report will not only shed light on the industry’s progress and challenges but also provide actionable recommendations for future growth.

Stay tuned for updates as we prepare to unveil this monumental publication and celebrate a new chapter for Nigerian comics.

Image sources: Flippin' Kool, Kugali Media, Spoof! Animations, Comic Con Ibadan, and Smids Animation.