Are Writers the Most Disrespected Creatives in Nigeria’s Comic Industry?
If there is one topic guaranteed to ignite a firestorm in any creative room, it is this: what matters more in a comic book, the writing or the art?
Ask any artist and they will tell you the art carries the book. Ask any writer and they will swear that story is king and art is only the messenger.
Ask readers and you will get a response that depends entirely on what made them fall in love with comics in the first place.
But inside Nigeria’s rapidly expanding comic industry, this debate has started to feel like a civil war.
The tension is real. The stakes are growing. And the imbalance is becoming impossible to ignore.
Some people don’t want this conversation to happen. That’s exactly why we’re having it.
The Case for Art: The First Thing Readers See
Artists argue that comics are fundamentally a visual medium. The art does the seduction. It is what convinces a reader to pick up the book in the first place.
In a world of short attention spans and endless competition, art carries the burden of the hook. The cover must shout.
The character design must charm. The panels must have enough energy to keep eyes glued.
And let’s be honest, many Nigerian readers have admitted that they are driven by visuals first.
Clean line work, flashy colours and cinematic panels are what pull them in.
This is why many Nigerian comics today are investing heavily in top-tier artists, digital painters and flashy illustrators.
Some creators believe that even if the story is average, spectacular art can convince readers to stay for the ride. And in a market where attention is currency, this argument makes sense.
The Case for Writing: The Soul of the Story
But here is the counterpunch: if art brings people in, writing is what keeps them. Beautiful visuals can decorate a lifeless story, but they cannot save it.
If the script is weak, no amount of shading, rendering or stylised poses will fix the emptiness underneath.
A good script gives the world weight. It defines character motivations. It builds tension, humour, drama and emotional payoff.
The truth is simple. If a comic becomes a franchise, a movie, a game or a global IP, that success almost always comes from the story, not the shading on page seven.
Writers say that in Nigeria’s rush for visual appeal, the industry is treating writing like an afterthought.
Some creators believe anybody can write. That writing is not a real skill. That the script is just something you put together once the character art is ready.
The result? Many strong writers have quietly stepped away from the comic scene.
Not because they lack passion, but because the industry often treats writing like a favour, not a profession.
Where Nigeria Is Getting It Wrong
Nigerian comics have grown tremendously in art quality. From social media showcases to full-blown publishers, our artists can compete globally.
But ask comic fans privately and they will admit something uncomfortable: Many Nigerian comics look amazing, but feel empty.
The stories feel rushed. The dialogue feels stiff. The pacing feels inconsistent. The emotional stakes feel low.
Why? Because art is being prioritize over writing. Because many teams hire artists first and ask writers to “just fill in the blanks.” Because some publishers believe visuals sell faster than story.
And here is the real problem: when the story is weak, the reader rarely blames the writer. They blame the industry.
They conclude Nigerian comics are not deep enough. They assume we cannot tell powerful stories.
But we can. We just don’t pay enough attention to writing.
Why Good Writers Are Harder to Find Now
Across the industry, writers say the same thing:
“Nobody wants to pay for proper writing.”
“Everyone thinks writing is easy.”
“Teams value artists but treat writers like side characters.”
Many writers move to film, novels, advertising or animation because those industries understand the value of narrative.
Meanwhile, the comic sector loses the very foundation it needs to grow globally. Without strong writing, Nigerian comics risk becoming pretty posters trapped inside overpriced books.
The Real Question: What Does the Audience Want?
Some readers genuinely prefer art-driven books. They love spectacle, action and eye candy. They want something that feels like a movie on paper.
Others crave writing. Character depth. Intricate world-building. Clever dialogue. Emotional stakes.
So which one is more important?
Here is the controversial truth: Both sides are right. And both sides are wrong.
Art makes you pick up a comic.
Writing makes you remember it.
Art wins you fans.
Writing wins you legacy.
Art sells the first issue.
Writing sells the next twenty.
If Nigeria wants to build comic IPs that stand shoulder to shoulder with global giants, we cannot afford to sacrifice one for the other.
The Question No One Wants to Answer
So let’s stir the pot:
Are Nigerian comics failing because the art is too strong or because the writing is too weak?
Are we prioritising aesthetics over storytelling because it is easier?
Are artists getting too much glory?
Are writers getting too little respect?
Or is the entire industry stuck in a cycle where everyone is afraid to be honest about what isn’t working?
This conversation will make some people uncomfortable. It should.
Because until we fix the imbalance, Nigerian comics will keep looking good and reading forgettable.
Now over to you. What matters more in a comic book?
The art or the writing?