"I want to build a place where creatives have true capacity. I want my legacy to build true capacity that people can admire and engage"
Journey of Resilience, Cultural Empowerment, and Global Recognition
Comic Republic has been a trailblazer in digital comics for the past decade, revolutionizing the Nigerian comic industry and making its mark on the global stage. In this exclusive interview with Jide Martin, the visionary publisher and founder of Comic Republic, we delve into the anecdotes, milestones, and high points that have shaped this remarkable journey. From humble beginnings to becoming a global brand, Comic Republic has thrived by embracing resilience, showcasing unique characters celebrating Nigerian heritage, and championing creativity while staying true to its roots. Join us as we celebrate ten years of creativity, impact, and growth.
The Gift of Resilience: Triumph over Adversity
Resilience has been the driving force behind Comic Republic’s success. Despite facing various challenges, Martin and his team exemplify the ethos of never giving up. Martin states, “We have had the gift of resilience, they keep going despite self-gain and people who get up and show up. Key for all industries. Show me resilience and skill, and you will overcome anything”,” emphasizing that these traits are essential for any industry. He credits the enduring spirit of his team for the company’s ability to keep going, motivated not just by personal gain but by their passion for storytelling and artistic expression
Grace and Foresight: Pioneers in the Digital Age
Comic Republic holds the distinction of being the world’s first digital comic book publisher. While others were still producing physical comics, Martin and his team displayed foresight by embracing the digital platform. He recounts making unpopular decisions and taking lonely roads, all while leaning on the grace of God for direction. This unconventional approach not only set them apart but also became a significant turning point for the comic industry in Nigeria.
“The grace of God has been abundant in terms of direction; I have made unpopular decisions, I have moved on lonely roads, but the grace of God has kept us. We are the first digital comic book in the world; we were the first when everywhere still doing physical comics, we had the foresight to take the right steps.” Martin explains
Highpoints Along the Journey: From Movie Flyers to International Recognition
The journey to success has been a series of milestones and accomplishments. Starting with including movie flyers from cinemas in their comics, Comic Republic soon secured its first significant endorsement from First Bank, showcasing the growing appeal of their wits. International recognition soon followed, with appearances on CNN and influential newspapers, solidifying that Nigeria could produce exceptional comics. Martin fondly recalls engaging a foreign marketing agency as an essential turning point that garnered global attention.
“I remember when we engaged a foreign marketing agency to market our comics, we appeared on CNN and almost every major newspaper and media house, and it showed that we could do comics in Nigeria. It was a significant turning point for the comic industry in Nigeria.”, he says thoughtfully.
From Shock to Global Brand: Live Action Series with Universal Pictures
The epitome of their success came when Comic Republic partnered with Universal Pictures to create a live-action series. Martin humbly admits that the achievement left them in shock, but it solidified Comic Republic as a global brand, transcending its Nigerian origins. The excitement and anticipation of seeing their characters on the international stage are palpable, and Martin’s focus remains on elevating Nigerian creatives to the global arena.
“We are still internally in shock, even though it has not come out yet. We are still in shock we were can able to pull it off. We are now a global brand and no longer a Nigerian brand. We have been running through this process for about four years and patiently waited amongst all the noise. I can’t wait to see it come to life,” while recounting the joy and shock of the deal.
The epitome of their success came when Comic Republic partnered with Universal Pictures to create a live-action series. Martin humbly admits that the achievement left them in shock, but it solidified Comic Republic as a global brand, transcending its Nigerian origins. The excitement and anticipation of seeing their characters on the international stage are palpable, and Martin’s focus remains on elevating Nigerian creatives to the global arena.
“We are still internally in shock, even though it has not come out yet. We are still in shock we were can able to pull it off. We are now a global brand and no longer a Nigerian brand. We have been running through this process for about four years and patiently waited amongst all the noise. I can’t wait to see it come to life,” while recounting the joy and shock of the deal.
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Character Excellence: Empowering Culture and Heritage
Comic Republic has introduced a captivating array of characters that resonate with readers on multiple levels. Guardian Prime, an embodiment of the Nigerian spirit, empowers individuals to believe in themselves and their nationality. The character Aje challenges stereotypes by showcasing the strength and power of women, demonstrating the importance of empowerment and embracing cultural heritage. Ireti, a descendant of Moremi, pays homage to historical figures while teaching the next generation about their potential to be heroes.
Digital vs Physical Comics: Embracing the Future
The shift towards digital platforms has been a defining factor in Comic Republic’s success. Martin explains that physical comics are becoming less viable due to the prevalence of distractions and the convenience of digital consumption. However, he acknowledges his love for prints and the brilliant experience they offer to readers. Comic Republic remains at the forefront of embracing the digital revolution as the world evolves.
“With an app now, people do not need to step out of their house to buy food; they have made the ‘okada’ man who will carry you to where you will buy the food redundant.
It’s the same thing with comic books, there are so many things distracting people who love comics, so they won’t want to stand up and physically go and buy a comic book. Prints are not viable, but images are brilliant. I love print, but print is dying, and that is a fact.”
A Legacy of Empowerment: Building True Capacity
As Comic Republic celebrates its tenth anniversary, Jide Martin’s vision for its legacy is rooted in empowering creatives. He highlights the need for honesty and openness to create an environment where creatives can thrive. With a focus on nurturing Nigerian talent and giving artists ownership of their intellectual property, Comic Republic is fostering a future where artists can succeed and inspire others to greatness.
“I want to build a place where creatives have true capacity. I am excited about these deals because the creatives have rights to their own IP, which they can gain from. Our brothers and sisters from Africa are doing well in the global comic and animation industry, and I am so proud. I want my legacy to build true capacity that people can admire and engage.”
Comic Republic’s journey from a small startup to a global powerhouse is a testament to the power of resilience, cultural empowerment, and visionary leadership. Jide Martin’s commitment to nurturing creativity and uplifting his community has made Comic Republic a beacon of hope for Nigerian artists. As they celebrate their tenth anniversary, the future holds immense promise, and their legacy will continue to inspire generations of creators to come.
