This year’s Comic Book of the Year goes to Celestial Eyes, a supernatural mystery series that captivated audiences across the comic landscape with its blend of eerie storytelling, rich atmosphere and unforgettable characters.
From its first reveal to its final chapter release, Celestial Eyes wasn’t just read it was experienced.
Published by The Machine Publishing Studios, one of Africa’s fastest-rising creative powerhouses.
Celestial Eyes stood out for its emotional depth, layered narrative, and bold storytelling that pushed the boundaries of African genre comics.
An Occult Detective Story Rooted in Nigerian Reality
At its heart, Celestial Eyes follows Onwanuju, a professional occult detective whose life takes a turn when mysterious supernatural forces begin threatening ordinary people in Nigeria.
Alongside her loyal friend Odi Maria, she takes on cases that blur the lines between myth, horror, and reality, proving that the uncanny can exist just beneath the surface of everyday life.
The first volume sees the duo confronting a fearsome monster in the commercially bustling city of Aba, a threat that cannot be overcome by spells or brute force alone.
This conflict forces Onwanuju to reckon not just with external danger, but with the burden of her own overwhelming powers and the fragile balance between her humanity and destiny.
What began as a gripping mystery developed into a profoundly emotional journey, one where Celestial Eyes became as much about internal conflict and personal consequence as it was about action and supernatural threat.
Readers followed each chapter with anticipation, charting Onwanuju’s evolution and the expanding mythology around her world.
A Story Unfolding Across Nine Issues
Celestial Eyes released nine powerful chapters through 2024 and 2025, each building upon the last with increasing stakes and deeper revelations.
From early unnerving cases to literal battles against malevolent forces, the comic kept readers on edge and emotionally invested.
Issues like Chapter Five: There’s Death at Every Corner and All Hell Breaks Loose showcased the creative team’s ability to balance horror, suspense, and character drama, while later issues set the stage for a dramatic final confrontation in Chapter Nine.
The Machine Publishing Studios: A Rising Force in African Comics
Behind Celestial Eyes is The Machine Publishing Studios, a studio quickly gaining recognition as one of the boldest voices in African comic publishing.
The company has built a reputation for atmospheric, emotionally rich narratives that honor both genre expectations and cultural specificity.
Founded with a commitment to strong storytelling and artistic ambition.
The Machine has consistently pushed creative boundaries and Celestial Eyes became a defining example of what African comics can achieve in voice and form.
While still young compared to some global publishers, the studio has already earned buzz for its daring approach and high-quality output, earning award nominations and building a dedicated fanbase both locally and internationally.
Why Celestial Eyes Won Comic Book of the Year
Celestial Eyes wasn’t just a hit, it was a cultural moment. Its success came from several standout qualities:
- Compelling Plot & Characters: Readers connected deeply with Onwanuju’s personal stakes and the eerie mysteries she unravels.
- Creative Worldbuilding: The fusion of Nigerian settings and supernatural lore gave the story a distinctive identity.
- Consistency & Growth: Across its nine-issue run, the narrative maintained tension and emotional depth, keeping audiences enthralled.
Celestial Eyes captured imaginations and rewrote expectations for African comics in 2025.
Its balance of horror, culture, heart, and spectacle made it undeniably deserving of Comic Book of the Year, a title that celebrates stories that move us, unsettle us, and stay with us long after the last page is turned.