Yaounde: Maiden Digital Comic Fest unites Cameroonian Epasa Moto, American Superman, Heroes.

The event, powered by the United States Embassy in Cameroon, held under the theme: “Superman vs Epasa Moto”. 

It was chaired by the Minister of Arts and Culture, Bidoung Mkpatt, and attended by the United States Ambassador to Cameroon, Christopher J. Lamora, alongside dignitaries from various other diplomatic missions.

Both dignitaries praised the festival as an innovative step in cultural and commercial diplomacy.

The festival is designed to highlight and promote Cameroon’s burgeoning animation and comic industry by showcasing a range of locally made cartoons, animated features and comic books.

The Founder of Zebra Comics, Nathanaël Ejob, underscored the event’s significance. 

“This platform offers vital exposure for local writers and artists of comic books and animated films. Our collaboration with DC Comics was made possible by our professionalism and our leading position in web comics across Africa,” Ejob stated.

He added that the festival would feature panel discussions, live portrait sketches, karaoke, live comic battles, pitch practice workshops, networking sessions and a tour of exhibition booths.

In his remarks, Ambassador Christopher J. Lamora applauded the initiative, emphasizing that the partnership represents a significant new dimension in Cameroon-U.S. cooperation.

“Today, we celebrate a crossover of two heroes: Epasa Moto, Cameroon’s legendary guardian and Superman, America's symbol of hope. The United States is committed to deepening exchanges in the creative arts, not only as cultural diplomacy but also as commercial diplomacy,” the Ambassador stated.

Minister Bidoung Mkpatt, in his keynote address, commended the founder of Zebra Comics for his visionary concept and extended his gratitude to the U.S. Ambassador for his steadfast support in strengthening cultural ties.

The minister emphasized that the Digital Comic Fest is a premier platform for showcasing Cameroon's vast cultural potential on the global stage. 

“This event stands as a testament that Cameroonian creativity is not only deeply rooted in tradition but is also dynamic and capable of shaping global narratives,” he stated.

The day-long event was open to the public, offering attendees the opportunity to discover and purchase locally produced comic books and animated films.

By Albert Njebusi, student journalist

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3558 of Monday September 08, 2025