Loyiso Mkize and 'Batwing Unmasked': reclaiming the African superhero for the global stage

Through a powerful and poignant new documentary, Loyiso Mkize hopes to place African superhero David Zavimbe, the original Batwing, in the global spotlight.

The renowned South African visual artist, illustrator and graphic designer made a significant international breakthrough by illustrating Batwing (Luke Fox) for DC Comics in 2021.

Now on “Batwing Unmasked: An African Super Hero”,  which is currently available to stream on DStv Catch Up, he also lends his voice to the narrative around Batwing’s lack of presence in the comic book world as he highlights how African voices are reframing the superhero’s story for a new generation of fans.

This superhero is a Congolese police officer known as the "Batman of Africa", who was hand-picked by Bruce Wayne to join Batman Incorporated.

And for Mkhize,  who is also the creator of “Kwezi”, South Africa’s first homegrown superhero comic series, the characters are aimed at relevant matters.

“The biggest mistake our generation made, I think, was to create these stories, characters and heroes to appeal to the global audience and not to the people at home first,” he explained during an interview with “Independent Media Lifestyle.”

“Representation matters on the grassroots level. Are African kids reading these comic books and growing up with these characters? Or are we neglecting those readers and immediately gunning for validation overseas before we even serve our local audience?”

In the documentary, Mkhize features alongside other influential African voices such as Siv Ngesi as they delve into how representation can be transformative, proving that African heroes can embody depth, complexity, and cultural truth without a Western filter.

“Batwing Unmasked: An African Super Hero”, which premiered at the Johannesburg Film Festival earlier this month, is written and produced by Joachim Landau.

When asked how important it is for African audiences to see heroes who reflect their own stories and environments, Mkhize responded: “The world is complex. The challenges we face as people from all walks of life across nations are complex.” 

“Stories, even those that are fictional, in this case, Batwing, hold a kernel of truth when contextualising the threats that meet African society whilst allowing the fantasy of a superhero to be the solution or at least embody it.”

“We see this play out and imagine ourselves like the hero as vehicles for the change we want. The superhero as an archetype in storytelling emboldens the reader by virtue of their example.” 

Mkhize also described the character as “a game-changer character, particularly because he is, narratively, a product of real African experience.”

“Coupled within the Batman universe, which has dark and moody themes, there's a gritty texture in the characters' story. He grew up as an orphan who was a child soldier along with his brother.

"After losing his brother, he fled the world of conflict and warlords, later becoming a policeman only to be disillusioned by corruption, opting then to pursue justice as a vigilante. So his character arc faces real conflicts that, although extreme, are a tragic reality in many African states.”

Meanwhile, as African storytelling often carries layers of history, culture and complexity, Mkhize explained how he blends authenticity with accessibility.

“I try as much as possible to remove my western influences and tap into existing remnants of our history, culture and perspectives,” he said.

“The daily life as an African is riddled with existential irony, not only because of our colonial context but also resilient African identity that struggles for space in our consciousness.”

“However, I insist that the only way is through in this regard, so I embrace the irony whilst also understanding that the most powerful ideas are universal anyway. Integrity is ultimately the only way to reach real authenticity.” 

As African creativity gains global recognition, Mkhize believes that establishing “ credible and sustainable characters and titles that last” is the next step for superheroes and comic book culture on the continent.

“A willingness to play the long game by investing time with young local readers, allowing viewers to fall in love with the stories and characters over time.” 

“Streamline the transition of comic book characters and stories into animation and live action with ownership of IP protected in favour of the creators.”