The Cartoon Museum are proud to announce it’s latest In Focus display ‘Oluwasegun Babatunde: Birth of a Universe’, showcasing the work of Nigerian comic creator Oluwasegun Babatunde. During the 2021 COVID pandemic lockdown Oluwasegun created a universe of superhero characters and stories set in sub-Saharan Africa, and worked with the artist Daniel Egharevba and book designer Charles Fate to bring the first of these stories to life – Olórò, the Grandson of Fádèyí Olóró.

The story follows the titular character as he tries to contend with a cycle of violence that plagues his country. With tribal and religious lines drawn, it’s a story that can hit uncomfortably close to home for some. The authentic voice behind Olórò, the Grandson of Fádèyí Olóró, is different to what you will find in the mainstream of American and British comic books, and looks through a window to the immediate world outside for inspiration. This is sadly still a novelty, and Oluwasegun deserves to be recognised for pioneering a movement of more African creatives getting into the world of comic books.

Since Black characters first started to gain mainstream attention in the comics sphere, the leading voices behind their stories have often been white men. Black Panther from Marvel, Cyborg from the DC Universe - even the much-lauded star of the new Spiderverse films Miles Morales were all created by white talent. This begs the question - are these the most authentic pieces of representation to look up to? Can someone who’s not from an African background like T’Challa really write what it’s like to grow up in that sort of environment?

Olórò, the Grandson of Fádèyí Olóró is an enlightening and engaging piece about overcoming difficulties, and is steeped in the traditions and heritage of the Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo cultures. Whatever you end up taking from Oluwasegun’s work, we truly can’t wait to share it with you.