Did you know that 71 000 people attended Comic Con Africa in Jo'burg recently? William Shatner was there! So-called “Geek Culture” or “Nerd Culture" is clearly really popular in South Africa. Excitingly, we’re also seeing the rise of local comic heroes like Kwezi and Captain South Africa (who is a woman, by the way!) and the brilliant visual artists who make them. Jessica speaks to Zaid H. Motala, self-described Geek Culture ambassador, about the world of comics, superheroes, gaming, cosplay, fantasy and science fiction.

Links from this episode:

Comic Con Africa
https://www.comicconafrica.co.za/en.html
Comic Con Cape Town
https://www.comicconafrica.co.za/en/media-centre/2019-press-release/comic-con-cape-town.html
Zaid Motala on Facebook, including some hilarious videos:
https://www.facebook.com/ZHMentertainment/
Artist Bill Musuku and Captain South Africa:
https://www.billmasuku.com/rm/
Kwezi Comic Books:
https://www.facebook.com/Kwezicomicbook/
Ray Witcher, Illustrator and Artist
http://raywhitcher.daportfolio.com
ComiXology
http://ComiXology.com
Marvel Unlimited subscription service:
https://www.marvel.com/comics/unlimited
DCUniverse (but currently only available in the US, sorry):
https://www.dcuniverse.com
Crunchyroll for streaming anime and manga:
https://www.crunchyroll.com/
Shonenjump for manga:
https://www.viz.com/shonen-jump

During the interview, Jessica refers to the ugly incident around the Hugo Science Fiction Awards which took place in 2015. To understand what she’s talking about, read more here:
https://www.vox.com/2015/4/26/8495415/hugos-sad-puppies-controversy Listen to all episodes of The Commute podcast online by clicking here.