Over the course of the years, I have seen many different iterations of the justice league. From their many different incarnations in western media, to even being drawn and animated anime style. Each of these had their own charm. Now I got to see an African (specifically Nigerian) take on these classic heroes, and I must say it is hilarious. The protectors of earth who are always seen as stoic and so emotionally complex (even though they have had their moments of being silly), are now just everyday people. Everyday Nigerians to be precise. Hence they were appropriately called the “Sapa Era” of the Justice League.
This is part of an animated series created by Jude Oc, a Nigerian artist who makes 2D animated stories. It currently has two episodes and provides exactly what you need after a stressful day, a good long laugh. The style of drawing, simple animation and spectacular use of Pidgin English gives you a full integration of fantasy and reality. You have the first episode that is all too relatable, someone ate the pringles you’d been saving and really looking forward to. Just like anyone would need to in such an annoying scenario, Batman needed to vent. And what better place than the streets of Gotham with criminals asking for a beating. With an especially high thirst for vengeance this night, he went from the caped crusader to the caped crusader with a bandana striking a different kind of fear tonight. The lines between him and the actual criminal get blurred. This whole situation is especially ironic to see considering Batman should be the wealthiest member of the league but is now bent out of shape over what was supposedly a snack bought with the last of his money. Maybe he traded money for strength and that’s how he was able to knock Wonder Woman out of the Watchtower. I really wonder who committed this terrible crime though.
The laughs keep rolling in the next episode that you can check out here:
And let’s just say ‘sapa’ falls on everyone equally powers or no powers.
For more of Jude Oc’s work you can jump to his Twitter and Youtube.
Nii Sackey's Writing Collection 