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| The African Comics Project |
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1st English Language Issue:
The Good Shepherd / LifeGate Comics Africana [2008 / 2009]
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The first issue published in the African Comics Project was a 24-page, black & white comic magazine in English, approximately 6.5" wide by 10.25" tall (16.5 cm x 26 cm).
The magazine was printed in late 2008. Copies were shipped to all Contributors in 2008 and 2009. Some African missions teams received copies in 2009 and 2010 as well.
Détails du deuxième numéro [Français] 
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The Title and Cover
There were two different suggestions for the magazine title and cover art: [1] Make it more overtly Christian and [2] make it less overtly Christian. This was an excellent opportunity to see what type of comic magazine would sell best in Africa. So there were two printed versions of the first issue, as shown here on the right. The interiors were the same for both magazines.
Marcel Bin from Kenya submitted THE GOOD SHEPHERD as the title and also supplied the logo design. Olusola Akinseye from Nigeria illustrated this cover.
Francis U. Odupute from Nigeria submitted the LIFEGATE COMICS AFRICANA title, and Olusola Akinseye from Nigeria did the logo design. Willem Samuel from South Africa rendered the illustration for this cover.
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The Contributors
The first magazine contained submissions from both professional and amateur comics creators:
Olusola Akinseye | Nigeria
Marcel Bin | Kenya
Ketandu Ofoneme | Nigeria
Willem Samuel | South Africa
Polycarp Mboya (Puli) | Kenya
Francis U. Odupute (Francodus) | Nigeria
Chiratidzo Chiweshe | Zimbabwe
David Mifang Funwi | Cameroon
David Muema Kituku | Kenya
Each contributor received 28 copies for every printed page they submitted, with half of the total copies supplied being one version of the cover and half the other.
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First Issue Feedback
We did not receive as much feedback on this comic book as we had hoped, but here are some of the submitted reports and responses:
"It is getting a great reception this side." (from Zimbabwe)
"My pastor loves the comics ... The Life Gate cover is by far the favorite." (from South Africa)
"I had my son (15 years) and daughter (10 years) review them. They liked them. My daughter voted the South African one her best." (from Kenya)
"The response is largely optimistic - In the sense of people can see how a comic like this could have a big impact. So people are excited more about what's to come than what they see at the moment. It's good to make people aware of comics and the role they can play in equipping and evangelizing." (from South Africa)
"The comics were moving albeit slowly. I had sold about 50 ... All the comics I sold, I did in churches. All were bought by adults who were buying them for their children." (from Kenya)
"The comic books are not moving like I expected, but I am not bothered. The few that read it gave good comments about it. If it is only one soul I am able to touch through my comics, I feel it is worth it. I thank you for your vision and pray that God will continue to strengthen, encourage and fight your battles for me. I am very grateful. God bless you, Sir!" (from Nigeria)
"I've just read the first issue of Good Shepherd and was very impressed. The standard is high and there is a good mix of styles and stories. I especially liked Willem Samuel's Street Kid. Easy 'reading' with no words - good for illiterate readers. Illustrations tell it all. Just couldn't figure out why page 6 was at the beginning instead of the end. Olusola Akinseye has done a magnificent job in explaining 'The Best Time For The Right Decision'. Enlarged as flip charts this would make a valuable teaching aid. Polycarp Mboya has done a thought provoking piece that illustrates 'the wages of sin'. Very necessary in our AIDS ridden continent. Overall a good read and a beautiful cover. Thank you." (by e-mail, country unknown)
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