An all-new sci-fi miniseries is being launched from Image Comics that depicts the residents of West Africa battling alien colonizers. The series New Masters is the first from the indie creative team that is focused on bringing to life not only exciting science fiction but also a true representation of West African culture.
Shobo Coker and Shof Coker are the debut creators behind New Masters, which has the opportunity to be published thanks to the Creators for Creators grant, of which the Coker brothers were recipients in 2019. The two brothers are from the West African country of Nigeria, growing up in Lagos and pulling much from their own personal experiences in the creation of their new comic series from Image Comics. New Masters promises to be a perfect example of Afrofuturism, combining African culture and futuristic science fiction aesthetic.
New Masters will depict a striking vision of West Africa under the thumb of alien invaders. After the extraterrestrial race of conquerors invaded the western side of the continent, they began to colonize and imposed their own set of strict guidelines for the people who are already living there. All hope seems lost as there appears to be no way of stopping the tyrants, but then one day a new hope presents itself. A motley crew of misfits and outcasts come together and find themselves caught up in a power struggle for control of an ancient artifact that holds immense power, enough to maybe even rid the world of the alien colonizers.
“New Masters is the culmination of nearly a decade of work Shof and I have put into creating an authentic and thrilling future vision of Africa,” said Shobo Coker. “I’m delighted to share the adventures of our crew of outcasts as they navigate the perils of this exciting new universe.” Shof also spoke on the inspirations behind the Image Comics series, “What does a West African pulp sci-fi verse look like through the eyes of a kid that grew up in Lagos, Nigeria? I talked to that young master a lot while drawing this.”
Shobo and Shof Coker’s all-new Image Comics series New Masters series promises to blend exciting adventure, compelling drama, and rich Nigerian mythology to create a story unlike any that have come before it. Even before its official release, the series is already gaining critical acclaim from the likes of The Walking Dead’s Charlie Adlard and East of West’s Nick Dragotta, both singing the praises of a series sci-fi fans will not want to miss! The new Image Comics series New Masters #1 will be available in comic book shops as well as on multiple digital platforms February 2.