Omenana 23, Editorial: Embodying the Future
In our last outing, the Democracy Issue, we had 15 stories and 15 illustrations, each capturing different iterations of democracy as perceived by writers and artists across several countries. That was a fun issue, but away from the thrill and theme of the last issue, we bring you stories that are diverse and spicy, by writers whose storytelling skills are as engaging as they are deliberate.
Can science replace nature as we know her? And is this sustainable? Barren land is not fun, not when it hosts a lone tree, said to have the antidote for severe fevers, one that weeps when she is axed. You should read Fever Tree, but be careful while you do. She just could tear you out of your comfortable skin or make you advocate for her survival. From saving wonder trees, we swing to preserving heritage. The future is one or two #s away from losing our past and identity, find out how not one, but two women fight for the future of all by holding tight to their ancestry–what future do we have if we cut off our roots? The Last Brown Roof is the tale to read for this exposé.
And then we present you with a post-apocalyptic story—a bit of African futurism doused with science fiction and fantasy. The Dogz of War packs a punch and you’ll find out how, when you read it. We also have a piece that attempts to convince us that where humans can’t be trusted, AI is the future, even in crime and in matters of the heart.
Don’t say I said so, but when a woman has a heart in the right place and is punished unjustly for her defiance, hell might just freeze over, or a sacred cross could bleed and flood humanity. Find out more in The Bleeding Cross of Igbadenedo.
We also have a post-view of the 10th edition of the Lagos Comic Convention.
And these are only the English stories!
In this issue, we have also packaged three speculative stories from Francophone Africa: ISPAHAN 4642, TRF 10°-1 Khayal Le comble des souhaits and L’assemblée des démons de poètes. All curated and edited by Mame Bougouma Diene. You see, we have a little something for everyone.
And what’s more, this is our third issue for the year 2022, so we look forward to publishing one more issue before the end of the year. This is due in no small measure to our very hardworking and committed team. Go, go, go team Omenana!
And to you, our dear readers, where would we be without all your support? The stories are waiting and ready. Thanks for reading and sharing as you always do!
Iquo DianaAbasi
French Stories
TRF 10°-1 Khayal Le comble des souhaits – de Makan Fofana
ISPAHAN 4642 – par Welid Labidi
L’assemblée des démons de poètes – Moussa Ould Ebnou
English Stories
LAGBOT-45 – Oyedotun Damilola Muees
The Bleeding Cross of Igbadenedo – Ishola Abdulwasiu Ayodele
The UmHlosinga Tree (The Fever Tree) – Nick Wood
The Last Brown Roof – Temitayo Olofinlua
á—ªOGZ OF Wá—©á–‡ – Hannu Afere
Review
The 2022 Lagos Comic Con Experience – Daniel Dan-Asisah