Today, we delve into the world of Cursed Clouds, BunkToon's Afrofantasy saga crafted by Adesida Onome. First teased in Issue 0 under the title Kvzxd Klvwdz, this comic series has since evolved into a rich tale of hardship, ambition, and mystical energy, now in its fourth issue. This treatise takes us through the summary and our two cowries (a play on “two cents”, using the currency in the comic book) of Issues 1 and 2, analysing both the promise and the pitfalls in this rising tale.

Issue 1: Hunger, Hope, and Hardship

Cursed Clouds introduces us to a world distinct from our own, a realm of "the people of the sun, the hills and the seven winds". Here, we meet two young boys working diligently to earn a living. Their currency is "cowries," hinting at a culturally rich setting. We see them receiving payment for farm work and mining, but they quickly become disillusioned by how little they are earning.

The boys dream of becoming wealthy, specifically aiming for a million cowries, but the reality of their daily earnings makes this goal seem incredibly distant. Despite the discouraging situation, they remain determined, with one, Okiki, declaring, "Any mission without obstacles is an omission. Difficulty is just evidence that our success will come with finality". This sets up their ambition and resilience as key character traits.

They decide that simply working harder isn't enough; they need to find significantly more work to achieve their dreams faster. However, their discussion is interrupted when Okiki experiences severe stomach pains, revealing he hasn't eaten properly in days. This introduces a layer of hardship and vulnerability to their story, highlighting the cost of their ambition.

As the boys argue about Okiki's hunger and his reluctance to accept help from his uncles, the scene is interrupted by the arrival of other characters, leaving the immediate conflict unresolved and creating a cliffhanger.

Issue 2: Powers Unleashed, Stakes Raised

From introspective realism into high-octane action, Issue 2 shifts the narrative focus from the economic struggles and character introductions of Issue 1 to intense action and conflict. The issue opens with a dynamic scene showcasing a character seemingly causing destruction. A mysterious figure devastates a quiet landscape, a city looms in the distance. The focus shifts to Okiki and Awe, who unleash powerful abilities in an intense combat sequence. There’s flair in every panel: earth-shattering punches, elemental energy blasts, and crackling sound effects, "KRAKK!", "THOOM!", "BOOM!", fill the pages.

The story escalates as the characters, Okiki and Awe, utilise unique abilities and exchanged dialogue filled with taunts and displays of power. The fight showcases energy blasts, physical strikes, and the manipulation of stone or earth. The eventual dialogue hinted at both characters practising for an upcoming competition while also being worried about people finding out about their unique abilities.

Strengths and Areas for Improvement

The comic effectively establishes a culturally specific world in issue 1, evident from the mention of "the people of the sun, the hills and the seven winds" and the use of "cowries" as currency. This hints at potential African influences, which is a strong foundation for Afrofantasy. The story effectively portrays themes of hard work (shown in their various jobs on pages 3 and 4), ambition (their desire for a million cowries on page 5), economic struggle (the low earnings detailed on page 4), and hunger (Souad's condition on pages 10 and 11). These are universal themes, but the setting gives them a unique context.

The interaction between the two boys is engaging. We see their contrasting personalities – one more pragmatic and focused on strategy (page 9), the other more philosophical and resilient (page 8). Their concern for each other is also evident, though expressed with some friction (pages 12 and 13). The art is vibrant and expressive. The panels on pages 3 and 4 effectively show the boys working, and the close-ups on pages 6 and 11 convey their determination and suffering, respectively. The colors are bright and suit the setting.

The initial exposition is brief (page 2), which creates intrigue, but more context about the world and its rules would be beneficial. The rapid shift from working to discussing a million cowries (pages 3-5) could be paced more gradually. While the dialogue is generally clear, the transitions between scenes could be smoother. For example, the introduction of Okiki's hunger comes somewhat abruptly (page 10). The ending (page 14) feels rushed and lacks a strong hook.

While the setting and currency suggest cultural influence, the story could benefit from deeper integration of specific mythologies or folklore. This would make the world more distinct. The theme of striving for wealth, while universal, requires a unique execution to stand out.

Moving on to Issue 2, it excels in its portrayal of action. The fight sequences are visually engaging (e.g., pages 6-9), with dynamic panel layouts, impactful sound effects ("KRAKK!", "BOOM!", "THOOM!" on page 9), and clear depictions of characters using their abilities (e.g., energy blasts on page 1 and stone manipulation on page 9). This creates an exciting reading experience and effectively elevates the energy of the story.

There is also an intriguing character dynamic that hints at complex relationships and rivalries. The dialogue and interactions suggest history and personal stakes that add depth to the conflict. The character Okiki is presented as both powerful and reckless (page 8), creating an interesting dynamic. The line "My Son" on page 4 also hints at a deeper connection between characters.

While the primary focus is on action, issue 2 provides glimpses into the world. The opening scene with the unique architecture and wildlife suggests a rich and imaginative setting (page 3). The characters' abilities and the overall conflict hint at a larger mythology or power system. The art style remains vibrant and expressive. The character designs are distinct (e.g. Okiki's design on page 8), and the use of colour effectively conveys the energy of the action scenes (e.g., the fiery effects on page 9).

On the flip side, the rapid pace and dynamic panelling of the action sequences can make it slightly challenging to follow the precise flow of events (throughout the fight scenes on pages 5-10). While the shift to action is engaging in issue 2, providing slightly more context about the conflict's origins and the characters' motivations would deepen the reader's investment in the story (e.g., the abrupt start of the fight on page 4).

It should be noted that while the actions were well-executed, the story is heavily focused on combat. Balancing action with moments of character development or exposition could create a more well-rounded narrative (most of the story in this issue is dedicated to the fight, pages 4-19). Like Issue 1, while the setting is imaginative, deeper integration of specific African mythologies, folklore, or cultural elements could further enrich the world-building and make it more distinctive within the Afrofantasy genre (while present, the cultural influences are not overt.).

The Potentials in the African Storytelling Space

Cursed Clouds has the potential to contribute meaningfully to the African storytelling space in comics. The Afrofantasy genre is still growing, and stories that authentically represent African cultures and experiences are in demand. To fully realise this potential, the creators could deepen their cultural research into specific African cultures, mythologies, and histories to enrich the world-building. If magic or fantastical elements are present, developing a unique system is crucial.

There is also the opportunity to explore social commentary using the narrative to address relevant social issues such as poverty, inequality, or cultural identity in a nuanced and thought-provoking way. Deeper character development beyond the introductions in Issue 0 is essential. They need distinct voices, motivations, and backstories to make them relatable and memorable. Unless it's a deliberate stylistic choice, refining the pacing, exposition, and plot development would enhance the reading experience.

To further enhance its impact, the creators could balance action with exposition and character development to create a more nuanced and engaging narrative. Consciously incorporate elements of African culture, folklore, or mythology to create a unique and authentic Afrofantasy world.

Overall, Cursed Clouds Issues 1 and 2 show a comic still finding its rhythm, but doing so with heart, vision, and fire. The action dazzles, the setting intrigues, and the characters, even in brief moments, feel real. The story delivers exciting action and hints at a compelling world and characters.