This year, The Nice Awards honours one of the most dynamic voices in modern comics: Murewa Ayodele, named Writer of the Year for his work on Akogun: Brutalizer of Gods and an impressive body of storytelling that spans continents and cultures.
Ayodele’s work doesn’t just entertain, it opens doors into myth, identity, and imagination with a bold, literary flair.
Born in Osun State, Nigeria, and with nearly a decade of professional experience, Murewa began his comic journey alongside artist Dotun Akande while studying at Redeemer’s University.
Their partnership grew into Collectible Comics NG, a studio that became known for striking narratives and artistic collaboration and was even nominated for Comic Studio of the Year at the 2018 FIST Awards.
From African Legends to Marvel Legends
Ayodele’s rise has been remarkable not just locally but internationally.
His early work, New Men, a soft biopunk thriller set in Africa earned a Nommo Award nomination and helped put Nigerian comics on a global map when it was picked up by Action Lab Comics.
He followed that with the acclaimed webcomic My Grandfather Was a God, which blended family mythos with speculative fantasy and attracted attention from major publishers.
But Ayodele didn’t stop there. He crossed into the American mainstream, writing for Marvel on titles like I Am Iron Man, Moon Knight: Black, White & Blood, Avengers Unlimited Infinity Comic, and most recently a Storm solo series an exciting development for one of comics’ most iconic X‑Men characters.
This blend of African narrative roots and mainstream superhero storytelling makes Ayodele’s voice uniquely powerful one that bridges cultures and generations of readers.
The Mythic Imagination Behind Akogun
What truly set this year apart was Akogun: Brutalizer of Gods, a mythic saga that asks a fascinating question: What if the ancient Yoruba stories of creation and origin were true, and what happens when gods and mortals collide?
Inspired by Yoruba myths about Obatala and Ogun, Ayodele and Akande crafted a tale where the warrior Akogun’s destiny entangles with divine conflict, vengeance, and cosmic power.
This storytelling isn’t just action and adventure; it’s rooted in cultural depth and creative reinterpretation a hallmark of why Murewa Ayodele stands out as Writer of the Year.
A Decade of Craft and Recognition
In 2023, Murewa was honoured with the FIST Award for Writer of the Decade at Lagos Comic Con, a testament to his influence and consistency.
Over the years, he’s built a portfolio of more than ten comic titles, each showcasing his knack for character, mythology, and narrative layering.
From his African roots to the pages of Marvel’s iconic universes, Ayodele’s career embodies creative ambition and cultural resonance.
Murewa Ayodele’s recognition as Writer of the Year celebrates not just one story, but a decade of storytelling that has elevated African narratives on the global stage.
Whether weaving Yoruba myth into epic fantasy or crafting fresh perspectives on beloved superheroes, his work continues to inspire readers across cultures and borders.