Aya

I was excited to see a serious graphic novel about Africa. But after reading it, I'm not sure why. I read the jacket info which is very clear; it says this story takes place in 1970's Ivory Coast, when the country was stable thanks to foreign investment. But it also states that the foreign investment would later disappear. Is this going to be a book about Africa before the "troubles"? In a lot of ways, AYA is like a long stare at post-independence Ivory Coast. There's nothing terribly special about the story; you have some young women, going through the usual ups & downs of work, school, boyfriends, etc. You almost forget that this is the 1970's and their world would later be destroyed by civil war. Perhaps AYA is really about nostalgia. It reminded me a little of the book "A TIME BEFORE CRACK" which documents early-1980's Harlem; a time when Harlem wasn't a good place to live, but wasn't yet ruined by crack. AYA is like A TIME BEFORE CRACK. It's a serious story, not terribly unique or dynamic, but you know that whatever happiness the girls know will soon be over.

It seems like everyone these days is hopping on to the Graphic Novel bandwagon! But with Aya, Marguerite Abouet and Clement Oubrerie present a rare side of Africa that one rarely sees. Written from the point-of-view of some tweeny-aged characters, 'Aya' is witty, comical and easy for any reader to relate to. If Abouet's goal was to equalize all youth in the realms of love, hope and sex, then she has certainly done it. The illustrations and color choices are also amazing. Each character is memorable and distinct. There are even illustrated recipes in th back! This is a must-buy!

Aya wonderfully captures the true look, feel, and...ENERGY!!! of an African city, in both its lighthearted storytelling and spot-on illustrations! The street scenes, the disco bars, and characters in their 70's duds is just sooooo perfect! Having lived on the Continent for 2 plus years, I go to this book when I want to be swept back there. If you have a love of Africa, or a love of simple storytelling, buy this book!!

I discovered the Aya series while in Paris. I don't speak French, but bought all three books because the illustrations are BEAUTIFUL. Clement Oubrerie's illustrations depict Africans in such a beautiful manner. I can make out the story via the illustrations and love it. I can't wait to purchase the English editions!!!!! Whether you purchase this book in French or English, you won't be disappointed. Lovely, just lovely.

This is on par with Wil Eisner, Alison Bechdel and Art Spiegelman.. a wonderful, honest look at growing up in Cote d' Ivoire. Wonderfully refreshing in it's detail, art, and topic. A must have for graphic novel fans!