South African-born Hollywood icon Charlize Theron and acclaimed local actor, director, and producer Thabo Rametsi have teamed up to celebrate African warrior heritage in their new comic series, Imbokodo. Partnering with Dark Horse Comics, Rametsi’s Nguniverse Studios—founded with Thabiso Mabanna, a corporate finance strategist—has released the first of four planned installments, spotlighting Africa’s historic warrior queens. Released earlier this month, the comic’s captivating themes and artistry quickly won fans at Comic Con Africa.
Theron, a household name for her transformative roles in films like Monster, expressed excitement over joining this project. She explained that she and her team were struck by the depth and heroism portrayed in Imbokodo. “When Thabo and Thabiso from Nguniverse Studios first brought us this idea, we were so impressed with the epic scope and emotional depth of this world they created with such incredibly powerful female African warriors at the centre,” she shared with Actors Space. “As our company’s first foray into the publishing space, we couldn’t have asked for better creative partners than Thabo and Thabiso.”
A Vision Rooted in African Strength
Rametsi and Mabanna’s Imbokodo draws inspiration from legendary African female warriors like Queen Nandi, Nzinga, Modjadji, and Amina, presenting their stories in an epic narrative that resonates across generations. Rametsi noted, “When we first started building the world of Imbokodo, we aimed to create something that would resonate deeply with audiences everywhere. Bringing African warrior women to the forefront of this narrative is an ode to the strength and resilience of African heritage.”
As Theron joins forces with Rametsi and Mabanna, she brings global appeal and a commitment to diverse storytelling. Together, they envision Imbokodo as a series that honors African heritage, amplifying voices often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
The Story of Imbokodo
Set in the land of Ndawo, Imbokodo dives into a mythic African past where gods, known as the Badimu, and humans (the Muntu) share a tense history. The tale unfolds against a backdrop of war that ravages Ndawo, leaving it divided and scarred. In this fractured world, Queen Nyameka of the Monomotapa Empire and the warriors of Imbokodo must confront dark forces as they investigate mysterious disappearances of young girls across villages. As the warriors venture deeper into the mystery, they are joined by a nameless woman in search of her lost sister, promising readers a journey through danger, resilience, and unity.
The series is co-written by Rametsi and Mabanna, with art by Katlego Motaung and logo design by Gil Lazcano. The second chapter, which will showcase Theron’s direct contributions, is expected to release in February. Subsequent volumes are slated for release in April and June, with anticipation building for each installment.
Dark Horse Comics: A Legacy of Diversity
Dark Horse Comics, founded in 1986, is known for its dedication to creative diversity, publishing works by celebrated names such as Yoshitaka Amano and Margaret Atwood. Over the years, Dark Horse has released an array of iconic properties like Star Wars, Stranger Things, and The Witcher, carving a niche for quality and innovation. With Imbokodo, Dark Horse extends its legacy of supporting unique and culturally enriching narratives.
A Celebration of African Heritage
The Imbokodo series offers readers a glimpse into Africa’s rich history, casting a spotlight on legendary figures whose influence shaped the continent. As a project deeply rooted in cultural respect and passion, Imbokodo is an inspiring tribute to Africa’s warrior heritage and the resilience of its people. With Theron and Rametsi at the helm, this series promises to captivate audiences while fostering a deeper appreciation for African stories.
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