Long before Wakanda captured the world’s imagination, African creators were building their own superhero universes, rich with ancestral wisdom, urban grit, and mythic power. From Captain Africa to Kwezi and Mighty Man, these homegrown heroes have reflected the continent’s diverse cultures and challenged outdated colonial narratives.
Now, a new documentary shines a spotlight on the artists behind the masks and capes. Produced and directed by Xavier Fournier and Frédéric Ralière, Children of Captain Africa premieres on TNT Africa this October.
With a runtime of 53 minutes, the documentary journeys through Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and beyond, meeting the writers, illustrators, and publishers who are reshaping the genre from the ground up. The title pays tribute to Captain Africa, a superhero created by Ghanaian Andy Akman in the 1980s, widely regarded as one of the continent’s first comic book icons.
“Even though it’s necessary to explain who some of the African superheroes are, we didn’t want to make a documentary that was just a list of characters,” says Fournier. “We wanted to show why these characters matter. And the best way to do that was to interview people for whom they’re truly important.”
From the bustling streets of Lagos to the creative hubs of Johannesburg, Children of Captain Africa introduces viewers to a vibrant cast of comic book creators who are reclaiming African heroism. South Africa’s own Mohale Mashigo, an award-winning author and comic book writer based in Cape Town, brings her signature storytelling flair to the documentary.
In Rustenburg, North West Province, South Africa, siblings Omphile and Phemelo Dibodu, co-founders of Rainbow Nation Comics, share the origin story of Young Nelson, a contemporary South African superhero designed to inspire and empower local youth. “We are honoured to be part of Children of Captain Africa. The chance to contribute to Africa’s literary, comic book, and storytelling landscape, while giving African youth a contemporary voice through Young Nelson, is truly inspiring. We hope this sparks new creative opportunities across the continent,” says Phemelo Dibodu.
Across the border in Zimbabwe, Bill Masuku, creator of Captain South Africa, offers a fresh take on pan-African heroism. Speaking from his base in Johannesburg, Masuku shares: “Children of Captain Africa is an incredible spotlight bringing yesterday’s pioneers, today’s voices, and tomorrow’s visionaries to centre stage. It’s a difficult but heart-warming conversation about the challenges, the champions, and the next chapters of African comic book artists who are no longer walking solitary journeys but moving in different directions toward the same destination.”
Nigeria’s comic scene is equally dynamic, with Jide Martin, founder of Comic Republic, leading a new wave of Afrocentric publishing. “Comic Republic was founded on the belief that Africa’s stories and heroes deserve a global stage,”explainsMartin. “This documentary on African superheroes affirms that vision and marks a watershed moment in our journey. We are honoured to be featured as part of a legacy of African Superheroes.”
Joining the conversation are fellow Nigerians: Toyin Ajetunmobi, animator and colourist for YouNeek Studios and Etan Comics; Emmanuel Ezeabiama, co-founder of Epoch Comics; and Agu Ekene Polycarp “APE”, a prolific illustrator with Animation Peda Entertainment.
“The notion of transmission is important,” concludes Fournier. “That’s why we didn’t want to simply list dates and publications. We wanted to meet African creators of different ages and backgrounds — some are publishers, others are authors, living in different countries — and they all share one thing: a passion they’re passing on. That’s the real legacy.”
Don’t miss this celebration of African creativity told the African way. Be part of the movement redefining heroism across the continent. Children of Captain Africa premieres Monday, 27 October 2025 at 19:20 CAT on TNT Africa.
From Lagos to Cape Town, Harare to Nairobi, this is a story for every African dreamer, creator, and fan.
