Sequel to our spotlight of Confidence Elochukwu, a writer and storyteller in the Nigerian Comic Book Industry Report 2024 top creators category, TheACE team had a chat with the talented creator in the early weeks of February 2025, and she had a lot to share from her journey into storytelling to her works in Symphonii Studios’ award-winning graphic novel, Mmanwu: Spirit Among Us, stems and many more.

Q: Beyond being a comic book writer, how would you describe yourself creatively?

A: I’m a storyteller before anything else. Writing is how I make sense of the world, how I explore emotions, questions, and experiences that don’t always have easy answers. I love crafting narratives that pull people in, whether through comics, prose, or even just the way I describe a random moment in conversation. My creativity is deeply rooted in observation; I find inspiration in the little details, the unspoken words, the tension in a glance. To me, storytelling isn’t just about entertainment it’s about connection.

Q:  What inspired your journey into storytelling, and did you always envision working in comics?

A: I’ve always been drawn to stories. As a kid, I’d get lost in books, I read a lot of literature despite being a science student, movies, and even the tales people told in passing. I didn’t always know I’d end up in comics, but I knew I wanted to create stories that made people feel something, i wanted to write. Over time, I realized how visual storytelling, especially in comics, lets me play with pacing, tension, and emotion in a way that feels cinematic yet personal. That’s what hooked me. Seeing how much weight a single panel, a line of dialogue, or even just silence can carry, made me fall in love with the medium.

Q: If you had an entire feature to yourself, what would you want people to know about you beyond your published works?

A: I’d want people to know that storytelling isn’t just something I do, it’s how I navigate life. Every story I write reflects a part of me, whether it’s a thought I’m wrestling with, an experience that left a mark, or a question I don’t have the answer to yet. Writing has always been my way of making sense of the world, of connecting with people, even if they never meet me in person.

Beyond that, I’m someone who believes in growth, independence, and impact. I value the ability to stand on my own, to create without waiting for permission, and to carve out space where others might not see one. I believe in resilience, not just pushing through challenges but learning from them. And most importantly, I believe in leaving things better than I found them, whether that’s through storytelling, mentorship, or simply being the kind of person, I once needed.

I would also want people to know that writing is never just about the final product; it’s about the process, the late nights, the doubts, the breakthroughs, the rewrites. Every story I tell carries a piece of me, and I hope that, in some way, my words stay with people even after they’ve turned the last page.

Q: How has your experience at Symphonii Studios shaped your storytelling approach?

A: Working at Symphonii Studios has given me a deeper appreciation for the craft. It’s one thing to write alone, but creating within a team pushes you to think differently, about structure, audience engagement, and the rhythm of a story. I’ve learned how to balance creative instincts with discipline, how to refine my ideas without losing their essence, and most importantly, how to tell stories that matter. It’s easy to focus on making something cool, but what truly stays with people are the emotions, the layers, and the humanity in a story. That’s what I strive for now more than ever.

Q: Your work blends Igbo heritage with broader narratives—how do you research and develop culturally rich stories?

A: To incorporate Igbo culture into my stories, I focus on in-depth research and read extensively on Igbo history, proverbs, and mythology. I try to understand the symbolism behind certain rituals and practices to ensure they are represented authentically. This approach helps me merge the cultural essence with broader, universal themes in a way that resonates with a wide audience.

Q: What aspects of Igbo culture or mythology have you not yet explored but would love to?

A: There’s so much to uncover, but I’d love to explore the stories behind the Igbo snake deities and widows drinking the water from the corpse of the husband, i really want to explore the origin of that practice. Additionally, I want to delve into the concept of Chi, the personal god or destiny, and how it shapes individual journeys. The deep connection between the spiritual and physical worlds in Igbo culture offers a lot of untapped storytelling potential.

Q: What do you believe is the most overlooked aspect of African storytelling in comics today?

A: One of the most overlooked aspects is the spiritual depth and symbolism in African stories. Many comics focus on surface-level action, heroes, and villains, without diving into the rich, complex belief systems that shape our cultures. The connections between ancestors, gods, and nature hold incredible storytelling potential, yet they are often sidelined in favour of more mainstream narratives. We've not untapped the core of our traditions in Africa, and it shouldn't just go extinct. Incorporating these elements authentically would give African comics a distinct voice and a richer cultural identity.

Q: Do you engage in any other creative or industry-related roles outside of writing comics?

A: Yes, beyond writing comics, I work as a creative writer and storyteller, crafting narratives across different media. I also have experience in social media management and content creation, which allows me to merge storytelling with digital engagement. Additionally, I’m a UI/UX designer, blending creativity with technology. With my BSc in Information Technology, staying in tech is a given (laughs), but writing remains my strongest connection to the world.

Q: How do you see African comic book creators shaping the entertainment industry beyond print media?

A: African comic book creators are redefining storytelling by expanding into animation, gaming, and digital platforms. One thing I know for sure, the industry isn’t sleeping. Comics will soon be a major cultural force that Africans resonate with. With the rise of webtoons, animated adaptations, and interactive storytelling, creators are reaching global audiences while staying rooted in authentic African cultures, folklore, and futuristic narratives. The possibilities are endless, we could soon see African storytelling integrated into virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and AI-driven experiences.

Q: Are you involved in mentorship, advocacy, or initiatives to support new voices in storytelling?

A: Yes, I actively support new voices in storytelling, especially in creative writing and comics. In Africa, many aspiring writers lean towards novels or movie scripts, while comic scriptwriting remains relatively unexplored. I believe in fostering a space where more writers embrace this medium. Whether through mentorship, sharing industry insights, or creating collaborative opportunities, I’m committed to helping emerging storytellers refine their craft and navigate the industry.

Q: What challenges have you faced as a writer in the Nigerian comic industry, and how have you overcome them?

A: One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a writer in the Nigerian comic industry is visibility, getting stories in front of the right audience and client, The industry is growing, and while there’s a lot of talent, coz everyone seems to be doing their thing, you know. Another challenge is collaboration; working with artists, editors, and publishers can sometimes mean navigating creative differences, timelines, or even funding issues.

Won't say i have overcome them but I'm learning to overcome them by focusing on networking and adaptability. Engaging with the right communities, staying active in the industry, and pushing my work through social media and platforms. Also, being versatile, writing for different mediums, not just comics, has given me more opportunities to grow as a storyteller.

Q: If you had unlimited resources, what kind of project—comic or otherwise—would you create?

A: If resources weren’t an issue, I’d create a fully immersive transmedia project, (massive yeah), a comic series that expands into animation, interactive web experiences, and maybe a game. I love the idea of storytelling that engages the audience across multiple platforms, making them feel like they’re part of the world. It would blend African mythology, especially Nigeria, futuristic tech, and deeply emotional character arcs, something that resonates globally but stays true to our roots.

Beyond that, one project that is deeply personal to me is writing my own life story, a raw, honest look at my struggles, survival, and experiences. I believe in the power of personal narratives to connect with people, inspire resilience, and shed light on realities that often go unheard. If done right, it wouldn’t just be my story, it would be a voice for many who’ve walked similar paths.

Q: What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects or new directions in your creative journey?

A: Right now, my focus is on fine-tuning my writing, sharpening my skills, refining my storytelling, and pushing myself to create even more compelling narratives. Whether it’s comics, webtoons, or my personal story, I want every word I write to have depth, impact, and meaning.

Beyond that, I’m committed to becoming the best version of myself, growing not just as a writer but as a creative force. That means embracing new challenges, stepping outside my comfort zone, and continuously evolving. Whether it's through mentorship, exploring new storytelling formats, or building something meaningful, I want my journey to be one of constant growth and purpose.

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