Comic Con Ibadan (CCI) has officially introduced a major industry-first initiative aimed at strengthening transparency and representation within Nigeria’s comics ecosystem, the Comic Con Ibadan Guild of Publishers.
The Guild of Publishers is a roundtable community created to give every stakeholder in the comics industry a voice, while ensuring that the prestigious Comic Con Ibadan (CCI) Awards remain credible, inclusive, and merit-driven.
Celebrating Generational Talent in Nigeria’s Comics Industry
Over the years, Comic Con Ibadan has consistently recognised and celebrated outstanding talent in the African comics space through the CCI Awards.
Past recipients include notable studios such as Symphoni Studios, Etta Studios, Comic Republic Media, and The Machine, among others.
Individual creators have also been recognised for their exceptional contributions to storytelling, illustration, publishing, and creative innovation.
However, Comic Con Ibadan believes that recognising excellence goes beyond good intentions.
Moving Beyond Popularity to Credibility
According to the organisers, awards in the creative industry must reflect the reality of the work being done, not just popularity, fame, or influence.
This belief led to the creation of the Comic Con Ibadan Guild of Publishers, a structured and transparent system that empowers verified publishers to actively participate in nominating winners for the CCI Awards.
By involving industry professionals directly, the Guild ensures that award decisions are informed by experience, expertise, and a deep understanding of the comics ecosystem.
What Is the Comic Con Ibadan Guild of Publishers?
The Guild of Publishers is a collaborative roundtable community made up of verified publishers within the comics industry.
Members of the Guild are given the responsibility to nominate deserving creators and studios for the CCI Awards, ensuring that recognition is earned through merit and contribution rather than visibility alone.
This approach allows for:
- Fair representation of creators at all levels
- Industry-led decision-making
- Increased transparency in the awards process
- Stronger trust within the comics community
A More Inclusive Future for the CCI Awards
With the introduction of the Guild, Comic Con Ibadan is taking a bold step toward positioning the CCI Awards as one of the most credible, respected, and merit-based creative awards in Africa’s comics industry.
The organisers hope that this initiative will create space for emerging voices, underrated contributors, and behind-the-scenes professionals who often go unnoticed despite their impact.
How to Become a Guild Member
Comic Con Ibadan is inviting verified publishers to join the Guild of Publishers and help shape the future of the CCI Awards.
Registration is open via a short verification process designed to ensure credibility and authenticity.
Interested publishers can register here.
With the launch of the Comic Con Ibadan Guild of Publishers, CCI is reinforcing its commitment to fairness, community collaboration, and long-term industry growth.
The message is clear: the future of the comics industry should be decided by those building it.