The 'Aya' graphic novel series, written by Marguerite Abouet and illustrated by Clément Oubrerie, explores the joys and challenges of everyday life in a working-class neighborhood in Ivory Coast [bc9ec1e7]. Set in the West African nation, the series follows the story of Aya, a relatable young woman navigating the complexities of early adulthood [bc9ec1e7]. With a mix of humor, social commentary, and a feminist twist, 'Aya' has gained a global audience since its release in France in 2005 [bc9ec1e7]. Translated into 15 languages, the series won the award for best debut at the Angouleme International Comics Festival in 2006 [bc9ec1e7]. The graphic novel series offers a refreshing portrayal of a modern African woman, resonating with readers around the world [bc9ec1e7].
Washington Comix has received high praises for their graphic novel, 'Black Justice: The Awakening' [2f19e49a]. BookLife, a renowned book review platform, commended the book for its rousing superhero debut and origin story, compelling cast, polished art, and savvy understanding of crime, cops, and media [2f19e49a]. The author of the graphic novel, Dr. Washington, expressed excitement about the positive review [2f19e49a]. The artwork by Zhengis Tasbolatov was praised for being crisp, clear, and compelling [2f19e49a]. 'Black Justice: The Awakening' follows the story of Dr. Withers, an African American entrepreneur and former Special Forces operator, who becomes the vigilante Black Justice to fight against a system of injustice [2f19e49a]. The graphic novel is set to be released on April 2, 2024, on Amazon Kindle and April 16, 2024, for paperback [2f19e49a].
Sara Koffi's debut book, 'While We Were Burning', is a scorching mystery thriller that delves into the intersection of race, class, and female friendship [c7fe315e]. The story revolves around Elizabeth Smith, whose life is falling apart as she investigates the suspicious death of her friend Patricia [c7fe315e]. Elizabeth hires Brianna Thompson, a Black woman who is searching for the person responsible for her son's death [c7fe315e]. As they become obsessed with finding justice, the two women form a bond and navigate the complexities of their own lives [c7fe315e]. 'While We Were Burning' explores themes of race, class, and identity, offering a taut psychological thriller that draws inspiration from real-life events such as the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor [c7fe315e]. The author, Sara Koffi, wanted to explore the concept of justice outside of the system and challenge the traditional notions of justice [c7fe315e].
In an interview, Koffi discusses the challenges of writing unlikable female characters and shares her influences, including women-led thrillers and authors like Virginia Woolf and Zora Neale Hurston [c7fe315e]. She also talks about her experience in romance game writing, which taught her the importance of giving readers what they want [c7fe315e]. Koffi expresses gratitude for the positive reception of her book in the thriller genre featuring a Black lead [c7fe315e]. She hints at working on her next book and mentions ideas for a grounded story or one about neighbors with hidden identities [c7fe315e].
These graphic novel series, 'Aya' and 'Black Justice: The Awakening', alongside 'While We Were Burning', showcase the diversity and richness of modern African stories, offering readers a unique and engaging perspective on African culture and experiences.