By Michael Dibie
The second Abuja comic convention brought together various comic and animation artists together to collaborate and examine new ways for expansion. This year’s event which was held at the Truck Central, Abuja featured: Exhibitions, panel discussions, live performances, music and spoken words, Games, live practical demo, Cosplay runway and for the first time, hosted Animation featuring some of the best works from Nigeria studios and Animation from Disney.
Now in its second edition, Abuja Comic Convention is fast becoming Nigeria’s premier creative convention in the capital city, providing a platform for both emerging and established talents to showcase their work, connect with audiences and explore collaboration.
Speaking on this year’s theme “Collaboration over competition” Emmanuel Maduabuchi of Creative Art Studio said he feels artists in Abuja should collaborate to build the sector because they are not there yet. He said a lot of people in Nigeria don’t even know that Comics group exist in Nigeria.
“The film industry could do competition because it is big but for the comics industry, I feel we should do more collaboration to build products that are of standard for the industry because it is still growing”
He said they are introducing the Abuja Comic community to a wider public by bringing the event closer to the people. “There should be more opportunities, session to help the industry grow, teach and train people” he added.
According to Gloria Ugolee-Ehiosun, a Film director, the comic industry in Nigeria is trying though they are small but have done a lot on their own, with little attention grants and support. “I think here in the North, they should tell more stories, stories that will inspire people, stories that people can relate to opposed to diabolic stories or stories that depicts western form but instead everyday story we can relate with.
Said he is happy something like Abuja Comic convention is happening and that he can’t wait to experience that of next year.
There are people who wants to read comics in Abuja but don’t know where to get or access it but with a platform like this, a lot of people are able to and we hope next year ‘s event will be bigger
This year’s event is a statement that Abuja’s creative scene is alive, growing and ready to take its place on the National stage.
