Ayodele Elegba’s new saga is redefining epic fantasy for a generation of African readers
The wait is finally over. Nigeria’s very own Godfather of Comics, Ayodele Elegba, has officially stepped into new territory with the release of his debut novel, BLOOD WARS. Fresh off an exclusive interview, Ayodele opened up about the journey, the inspiration, and the ambition behind this bold project. Now, all roads lead to Lagos Comic Con, where fans will get their first chance to grab copies of the book, meet the creator himself, and be part of what many are calling the start of a new era for African fantasy storytelling. If you thought comics were his only playground, BLOOD WARS is proof that Ayodele Elegba is just getting started.
Can you introduce yourself and walk us through your journey from writing comics to publishing your debut novel, Blood Wars?
Of course. My name is Ayodele Elegba, and many people know me as the founder of Lagos Comic Con, Spoof Comics, and Spoof Animation. For years, I’ve been telling stories through comics visual, fast-paced, and highly collaborative. But deep down, I’ve always carried the dream of writing a full-length novel.
The transition wasn’t easy. Comics train you to think in panels and dialogue, while a novel demands patience, detail, and an ability to live inside your characters’ inner worlds. I actually started writing Blood Wars during the COVID-19 lockdown, a period that forced me to slow down and really engage with long-form storytelling.
That experience taught me discipline but also gave me freedom the freedom to build a sprawling world without the limits of page counts or panel space. Blood Wars is the result of that journey, and for me, it marks not just a shift in medium but a personal evolution as a storyteller.
Blood Wars has been compared to epics like Game of Thrones, The Lord of the Rings, and the Harry Potter series. Could you tell us more about the book and why its story feels so relevant in today’s world?
Thank you that comparison means a lot. Blood Wars is an epic fantasy, but at its heart it’s also a very human story. It follows Jubah, a man caught between two worlds half AYA, half AYADA. He’s an outsider in a society torn apart by divine mistakes, war, and prejudice. His struggle to find belonging, purpose, and identity is something I believe many of us can relate to today.
The story is important now because it mirrors the conflicts we see in our world division, identity crises, and the search for hope in the middle of chaos. Through fantasy, I wanted to explore questions about power, culture, and destiny, but also remind readers that even in a broken world, one person’s courage can shift the tide of history.
What inspired you to write your new book, and how do you think it contributes to the Nigerian fantasy genre?
I’ve always been drawn to literary fiction, and I owe much of that to my mum herself a writer in her own way who helped me discover the storyteller within me. For years, I’ve been searching for the right moment to write a novel that truly reflects my voice.
The inspiration for this new book grew out of my curiosity about creation itself the fall of angels, the beginnings of African civilization, and the myths that shape how we see the world. At the same time, I’ve always loved character-driven stories the kind that follow a “grass to grace” journey, wrestling with the deep internal conflicts that make us human.
How do you perceive the current state of fantasy literature in Nigeria, and what changes would you like to see in the future?
I believe we don’t have nearly enough fantasy fiction coming out of this part of the world. Writing and completing a 300-page novel is no small feat, and many writers struggle to finish. On top of that, publishers often shy away from promoting fantasy, choosing instead to back motivational and self-help books that guarantee stronger sales.
With Blood Wars, I’m hoping to change that to spark the interest of a new wave of fantasy readers and inspire more writers to take the leap into publishing their own stories.
Your work often blends traditional Nigerian culture with fantasy elements. Can you talk about your approach to world-building and cultural representation?
Yes, I believe every writer begins by drawing from within yourself, your experiences, then your family, your community, and your tribe. Only then can you export that knowledge and perspective through storytelling. That’s why, even though my stories are rooted in fantasy, they still feel grounded and authentic, as you’ll see in Blood Wars.
I’ve always felt that you capture an audience best when you tell stories from a culture you truly know. Once that foundation is set, building the world around the story comes naturally. In this book, I stretched my imagination further than ever before to bring that world to life.
What role do you think fantasy literature plays in shaping perceptions of Nigerian culture and identity, both within and outside the country?
Fantasy literature has the power to reshape how Nigerian culture and identity are perceived, both by us and by the world outside. For too long, much of the fantasy we consume has been imported rooted in Western mythology, European folklore, or other traditions. But when we tell our own stories, weaving in our myths, our gods, our histories, and even our struggles, we’re not just entertaining we’re preserving and reimagining culture.
Within Nigeria, it helps us see ourselves differently. It allows young readers to dream, to imagine themselves as heroes, warriors, or kings in worlds that spring from their own heritage. It validates our stories as worthy of being epic and universal.
Outside the country, it challenges stereotypes and offers a fresh lens. Fantasy rooted in Nigerian identity says: we too have complex mythologies, ancient civilizations, and timeless wisdom that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with any culture. It’s both a mirror for us and a window for the world.
What challenges have you faced as a Nigerian fantasy author, and how have you overcome them?
“I think the major challenge I had was crossing back from writing comics to writing prose. The format and structure for both are quite different as writing comics may seem easier once you have built the world. I think time allowed me to write. As you know I have been writing this book since 2000 during the pandemic. I actually imagined it as a graphic novel but after considering how much it would cost me to make a full 250-page comic I decided to just rewrite it as a novel.”
Your book has been described as a game-changer for Nigerian fantasy. What do you think sets it apart, and what message do you hope readers take away from it?
“What sets Blood Wars apart is that it dares to dream big while staying deeply rooted in African soil. I didn’t just want to write another fantasy I wanted to create a world that felt ancient, spiritual, political, and human all at once. The mythology comes from asking hard questions about creation, faith, power, and identity, but it’s told through the lens of African cosmology. That’s not something you see often in mainstream fantasy.
At the heart of it all is Jubah a man caught between worlds, an outsider searching for belonging in a time of chaos. His struggle mirrors what many of us feel: trying to define ourselves in spaces that don’t fully accept us.
The message I hope readers take away is simple but powerful: you are not defined by where you come from or what others call you, you are defined by the choices you make and the legacy you leave behind.”
How do you see the Nigerian fantasy genre evolving in the next few years, and what role do you hope your work will play in that evolution?
“I believe Nigerian fantasy is just beginning to find its voice. For years, our stories have been overshadowed by imported myths, but now more writers are daring to draw from our history, spirituality, and cultures to build entire worlds. In the next few years, I see the genre expanding more novels, more comics, more films each one challenging how the world sees Africa and how we see ourselves.
With Blood Wars, I hope to help kick open that door. My goal is to show that Nigerian fantasy can be as epic and layered as anything from the West, while still being unapologetically African. If my book inspires even one more writer to take their imagination seriously, or convinces a publisher to give fantasy a chance, then I’ll feel I’ve played my part in shaping the future of the genre.”
What advice would you give to aspiring Nigerian fantasy authors looking to make a mark in the genre?
“My advice is simple: start with what you know, and don’t be afraid to stretch your imagination beyond it. Our culture, myths, and histories are overflowing with material that hasn’t been fully explored in fantasy. Dig deep into that, because authenticity will always shine through.
Second, be patient and disciplined finishing a book is never easy. The writing process will test you, but consistency is what separates ideas from published works.
Lastly, don’t write only for validation. Write the story that burns inside you, the one you can’t let go of. If you stay true to that voice, readers whether in Nigeria or across the world will connect with it.
Fantasy is about possibility, and as Nigerian writers, we have the chance to redefine what that means on a global stage.”
Are there any specific themes or elements in your new book that you think will resonate particularly with Nigerian readers, or readers from other African countries?
“Absolutely. At the heart of Blood Wars is the theme of belonging and identity something many Nigerians and Africans can relate to. Jubah, the main character, is an outsider caught between two worlds, never fully accepted by either. That tension mirrors the struggles we face with mixed identities, cultural expectations, and the search for self in a society that often demands conformity.
There are also themes of power, betrayal, faith, and survival things deeply rooted in our shared histories as Africans. Nigerian readers will recognize echoes of tribal politics, spiritual traditions, and even post-colonial realities, while international readers will find a universal story about resilience and the fight for meaning in a chaotic world.
I believe African audiences will see themselves in the textures of the story, while global readers will experience a fresh lens into myths and philosophies they may never have encountered before.”
FINAL QUESTION:
You previously introduced Blood Wars as a comic book and even released a short animation teaser. Should fans expect to see it adapted into a live-action movie or series in the future?”
“Yes, you’re right I first tested Blood Wars as a comic book, and even created a short animation teaser to see how people would connect with the story. The response was overwhelming, and it showed me the potential of this universe beyond the page.
As for live action, absolutely that’s always been part of the dream. Blood Wars has the kind of scale, mythology, and character depth that could translate beautifully into a series or even a film franchise. While I can’t say too much yet, my hope is that this novel serves as the foundation. If readers embrace it the way I believe they will, it will open doors for producers, studios, and creatives to bring the story to life on screen.
For me, it’s not just about fantasy entertainment it’s about seeing African-inspired worlds stand alongside the likes of Game of Thrones or Lord of the Rings.”
As Lagos Comic Con approaches, the excitement around BLOOD WARS continues to grow. For years, Ayodele Elegba has given Nigerian fans worlds to escape into through comics and animation — and now, he’s offering a novel that promises the same adrenaline but on a bigger scale. This isn’t just a book launch; it’s a cultural moment. If you want to be part of history and own a piece of this new chapter in Nigerian storytelling, then Lagos Comic Con is where you need to be. Pick up your copy of BLOOD WARS, and witness firsthand how one man’s vision is rewriting the future of African pop culture.