Comic artist hopes book creates avid readers
“The book is fun to read and packed with countless battle scenes. Readers can also be assured to use TAC as a reading tool that will make them avid readers.”
Since he was a child, comics fanatic Thabo Skhosana (27) knew he was born to paint, illustrate or sketch.
The Mayfield resident has illustrated a comic book titled The Ark Chronicle (TAC).
He said the book, edited by Cradle Nyalunga of Artist Proof Studio, tells the story of a group of superheroes and superheroines who join forces to save the world from ‘impending doom from an external threat’.
“The main protagonist is a being from an ancient group of warriors that are believed to have died. His name is Grimous Mystic. He has infinite powers and a God-like persona. Over time he learns about the values of Ubuntu, friendship, love and compassion from the people on earth,” said Skhosana.
The Petit High School alumna explained not all art is equal and neither is the effort to create it, adding that most of his creative work comes easier than creating a comic book.
“As a self-taught comic artist, I had to learn how to do proper frames, layout of a story, perspective and character development.
“TAC draws inspiration from both my reality and imagination. When I started this book, I didn’t want it to talk only to the children in the townships but to every child in the world. That’s why it has a good superhero backstory with a fusion of real-life South African stories.”
From the start, he never shied away from using comics as a medium to pass on his message.
“From childhood, I always loved art, movies and anime. I was fond of the stories they told, so I chose comic books as my medium,” he said.
“I draw my inspiration from many sources – my surroundings, African history, folklore, myths and legends. I’m also influenced by Western comics such as Avengers and Superman, as well as Eastern manga like Dragon Ballz and Naruto.”
He credited his father for igniting his passion for the arts, thanking him for encouraging him to read every book, magazine or newspaper he laid his hands on.
“He bought me comic books, mostly DC and Marvel, including local comics like Super Strikers and Soccer Warriors.
“He did this because as a child, I was encouraged to read more to stay out of trouble in the township, which is easier to fall into, especially in the informal settlement where I reside,” Skhosana said.
The artist said comic fanatics can expect a message of hope and the importance of family and friends from the book.
“The book is fun to read and packed with countless battle scenes. Readers can also be assured to use TAC as a reading tool that will make them avid readers.”
The book is available on Facebook (The Ark Chronicles).
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