West Africa’s largest city, Ibadan, is set to host a remarkable celebration of African creativity as the third edition of Comic Con Ibadan, organised in collaboration with Nexal Gaming under the name “Synergy 2025,” prepares to spotlight the finest talents in the Nigerian comic book industry. Central to the event will be the Comic Con Ibadan Awards 2025, a highly anticipated ceremony that acknowledges excellence in illustration, storytelling, publishing and technical craft within the comic space.

This year’s awards reflect the growing sophistication and global potential of Nigerian comics, with nominations spanning a wide range of categories and disciplines. The Artist of the Year category features standout nominees such as Uzochukwu Justin Ozurumba for his intricate work on Ecclesia Issue 1, Francis Goodluck for Celestial Eyes Chapter 3, and Charisma Standley for Jane, Jean and Gina. Other notable names include Aanu David for Tech Bro, Alexander Esene (Uoriwoh) for Chibok Issue 2, and Owoade Ifeoluwa for Alter Ego.

In the Writer of the Year category, Olusegun Babawale, whose credits include Fusion Issue 1, is joined by Saint Verlaine (Ecclesia), Confidence Elochukwu (Alter Ego), John Uche (Celestial Eyes), Jide Martins and Praise Jah Orimolade (Chibok), as well as Oyinyechi Ezeoke (Jane, Jean and Gina). Their inclusion of this award category underscores the narrative strength driving many of today’s most beloved Nigerian comics.

The awards will also recognise vital behind-the-scenes roles, with the Colourist of the Year category featuring talents such as AB Spark (Martins Asia) for Fusion, Levis Chah for Ireti, Victor Akinniye for Vanguards, and Uzochukwu Justin Ozurumba for his dual role on Ecclesia. Equally competitive is the Letterer of the Year category, with Michael Olasubomi Balogun (Visionary), Cuisel Joshua Peach (Celestial Eyes), and Ayooluwa Romiluyi (Vanguards) among the shortlisted.

Studios that have shaped the past year in comic production are also up for recognition. In the running for Studio of the Year are Symphonii Studios, Comic Republic, The Machine Publishing and Etta Studios. A separate category for Emerging Studio of the Year will see Comic Arena, The Machine Publishing, Etta Studios and Afrimaniaks Studios compete for the crown, reflecting the creative enterprises redefining Nigerian visual storytelling.

Also acknowledging the next generation of talent, the Emerging Talent of the Year category draws attention to names such as Francis Goodluck, Bello Richard, Ayooluwa Romiluyi, John Uche, Confidence Elochukwu, Cuisel Joshua Peach, Isaac Emmanuel, and Rufai Jimmoh. Their nominations signal an importance placed on the future of the industry.

Notably, the Comic Book/Industry Event of the Year award will be decided strictly by public voting, with contenders including Capital City Comic Con (Abuja), Lagos Comic Con, Nerdwork Comic Con (Port Harcourt), and Geek Pop Up (Lagos). This inclusion underscores the role of fan-driven engagement and community support in shaping the comic ecosystem.

Among the top contenders for Comic Book of the Year are Celestial Eyes Chapter 1 by The Machine Publishing, Akili by VX Comics, Chibok 2 by Comic Republic, Alter Ego by Symphonii Studios, and Ecclesia 1 by Scourge Comics. These titles have not only captivated readers but also pushed thematic and stylistic boundaries.

This year also marks the continuation of the Trail Blazers Award, designed to recognise individuals and initiatives whose innovative contributions have significantly advanced the industry. Honourees include Harrison Prime of Cosmic Land Studios for its focus as a Print Press for the comic books at cheaper rates and quality outcomes; Somtochuckwu Ajuluchukwu for Krates, Open Studio Africa, and Akuko, all geared towards easy access to Nigerian comics; Ayodele Elegba for Africa Comic Convention, Ibadan Fan Expo, and Comic Panel Magazine Awards, all serving as ecosystems necessary for a thriving comic book industry; and the collaborative duo of TheACE and Bookause, whose Nigerian Comic Book Industry Report has provided vital insight and visibility for the sector.

With Synergy 2025, Comic Con Ibadan aims to highlight the collaborative spirit that fuels the creative industry. The awards ceremony promises to be a key highlight of the convention, offering a moment of recognition, reflection and celebration for an industry on the rise. Fans, creators and professionals alike are expected to converge on June 14 at Trenchard Hall in Ibadan for what is set to be an unforgettable event honouring the visionaries shaping Nigeria’s comic future.

Get one of TheACE’s 10 free tickets to the event. Check out how to win one here.

Sources: Comic Con Ibadan, TheACE