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Tafadzwa Zimoyo and Reckson Mandizvidza Entertainment Reporters
South Africa-based Zimbabwean film director Simbarashe Jenje is set to publish a comic book based on Zimbabwean fallen heroes. The comic book titled “The Greatest Zimbabwean Hero” features characters such as Mzilikazi, Munhumutapa, Nehanda, Kaguvi among other celebrated figures in the rich history of Zimbabwe.
Jenje said the comic book will later spill into a television series by creating a Marvel superhero approach with the characters.

“This is going to be the first comic book of its kind with a storyline of our fallen heroes.

“Initially I wanted to do a film based on such characters but faced some financial constraints so I thought of starting the project in comic book fashion,” he said.

The 37-year-old said people should be proud of their identity.

“I chose to write and use fallen heroes because they are not celebrated. Think of how action cartoon stars are idolised in the West.

Most kids will tell you a lot about Western personalities but they have very little knowledge about our own Munhumutapa and Mzilikazi so the idea to come up with both the comic book and the film is also to give them our own superman and wonder-woman,” he said.

He said both the series and comic book were meant to make the young generations more interested in their heroes.

“Both projects are of PGA and will centre on issues to do with corruption, cultural building and crime.

“Some might say it is controversial but it is not because it is much of what transpired in those days spilling to this age.

“By this children of nowadays will relate the project to their lifestyle,” he said.

The comic cover is being designed by Mlilo Graphics while the script was written by Jenje and Farai Mungoshi.

Jenje said he was in talks with the national broadcaster to have his stuff aired on ZBCTV.

“I am trying to have the series on ZBC so that the series can also be broadcast at home because I am also aware that even here at home the kids are also interested in hero films and it will be good to see local heroes on local television,” he said.

Jenje, who works at a bookshop, said it was difficult to breakthrough in the South African film industry.

“Despite all the merits I have failed to make a breakthrough. However, in Zimbabwe the major challenge is funding,” he said.

Jenje has worked as a standby prop in South African series “Jacob’s Cross” which is aired on DStv and SABC before venturing into editing, directing and producing.