Who hasn’t dreamed of turning into their favorite comic book character and being admired as a hero by everyone?
Asimba Bathy, author, illustrator and publisher of comics, has realized the childhood dream of many Congolese: he has found a way to embody the Congolese comic book hero Kasaduma.
“Born under the pen of the virtuoso draftsman Dénis Boyau Loyongo who also set up a bevy of characters including Sinatra. A vigilante in his own way and a defender of the weak, Kasaduma – the local name he would later choose – did not hesitate to use his fists, which he distributed marvelously well, to set things right. Very quickly, he became the darling of all the young people of the time, with his particular outfit composed of a white cap, a black and white checkerboard shirt with long sleeves and white jeans. Everyone dreamed of looking like him, even if it was only in terms of attire. Only, it was impossible to find the pattern of this shirt on the market.” (Asimba Bathy)
Now, 53 years later, cartoonist Asimba Bathy has brought this character back to life and started a clothing brand, focusing on the shirt he calls “Kasaduma,” which he also wants to make the official clothing of Congolese comics.
Not a bad idea.
The creation of this special outfit is also a tribute and a reminder of the history and creation of the Congolese comic:
“Created in 1968, “Jeunes pour Jeunes”, the very first and true Congolese magazine of comics was born thanks to Achille Flore Ngoie and Freddy Mulongo Mukena. Born through this magazine, the Congolese comic strip quickly took shape and success was not long in coming.
Piloted first by the character of Sinatra alias Kasaduma, then Coco & Didi for the little ones, Mosekonzo & Sakina; the Brigadier Mungala, Durango and the band of Wabuza, Libera, Mikanfer, etc., Jeunes pour Jeunes reached the height of success with the entry in scene of another character called Apolosa in eternal rivalry with Kikwata and Mikumble.” (Asimba Bathy)
