Times are indeed looking up for the local comic book scene. A case in point is the presence of a stand and a whole range of events dedicated to the SA scene at this year’s Design Indaba, to be held in Cape Town. 

So what is there to look forward to? On 27 Feb the talents of Loyiso Mkhize and partners will be on display as they launch the latest edition of the uniquely African superhero comic Kwezi. Later in the day Sean Izaakse (who we interviewed here) launches his international release Stray, which if you haven’t bought yet, it is strongly recommended to do so here.

Saturday makes place for an awesome panel discussion which should be a doozy since it features international comic book artist Jason Masters, the wonderful Lauren Beukes, Joey HiFi, Craig Nadelman, and Sean Izaakse. It’s hosted by a mainstay of the local scene, Ray Whitcher, who is also co-organiser of the event.

The afternoon sees a workshop on the Comic Process taking place with Masters and Izaakse, with an intro by non-other than comic book guru and organiser of the event Moray Rhoda.

If you still have some energy left for Sunday, there will be a SA comic book presentation which features the likes of Danelle Malan, Loyiso Mkhize, Kay Carmichael, Karl Mostert, Roberto Millan, and Moray Rhoda. All-in-all the Design Indaba spells a jam packed few days for SA comics book fans.

Organiser Moray Rhoda noted that SA comics have been on the rise for a while now and it's a “natural progression” for it to become part of more mainstream events. “There's no denying that comics, design and illustration have huge overlaps and by being part of the 2015 Design Indaba we're hoping to give local comic artists exposure beyond their usual niche,” he said.

The Design Indaba takes place from 27 Feb – 1 March in Cape Town, but there is some bad news if you were thinking of still attending - tickets have already sold out. For a full schedule of the comic book events, browse over to the Gaining Velocity website.