Meet Beserat Debebe of Etan Comics

Today we’d like to introduce you to Beserat Debebe.

Hi Beserat, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Like most kids who grew up in Addis Ababa, I grew up watching a lot of imported animated stories. Disney movies, Power Rangers, Godzilla, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, etc…I was obsessed. This love for animated stories evolved into a love for comic books and manga when I came to the United States.

However, my journey as a comic book creator and publisher started years later. Post college. One day I was reading news in my office when I saw a 1-minute animation of Tibeb girls – Ethiopian version of power puff girls created by Bruktawit Tigabu to teach young girls about girl’s rights. I enjoyed it. That’s when my light bulb moment occurred.

I asked myself, “Why have I never seen Ethiopian comic book/manga stories like Spiderman or Naruto?” I did my research and to my surprise, I couldn’t find any. So I decided to make one. I did not have much experience in storytelling so I had so many moments of doubt. I decided to just take it one page at a time & gradually improved.

My first comic book Jember came out in 2018. The reception was incredible, That’s when I decided to really lean into this and see where the journey takes me. Here I am today, an award-nominated writer with multiple titles, +100K orders and a flourishing publishing business.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Self-doubt and imposter syndrome were a big one at the beginning. I had to learn a lot. And it still didn’t feel like it was enough. Understanding the business of comics was also important. It wasn’t enough to have a good book. I needed to learn marketing, finance, legal, etc…

We also distribute our books in Ethiopia which has its own unique set of challenges. The distribution system is not as robust there. There is a lack of awareness on the benefit of comics and graphic novels. They are often misrepresented as children’s picture books. Bookstore owners are reluctant to carry them because they don’t believe they will turn a profit.

That’s why I will always have a lot of respect for independent comic book publishers. I am also eternally thankful to the community of fans that continue to support our business.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about ETAN COMICS?
I am the founder of ETAN COMICS, a Panafrican publishing company helping kids connect with their African heritage through exciting comics & graphic novels. I am also a writer. Most people know me from being the creator of the first Ethiopian Superhero comic book series, JEMBER and HAWI.

I am passionate about sharing Ethiopian history and heritage with the world. I am also passionate about helping African storytellers thrive in the visual storytelling industry. That’s why all of our comics are created by African creators. To learn more about African folklore, mythology and history, follow us @etancomics!

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Being a team player. Comics are a team sport. Whether it is on the creative side or the business side. I enjoy the diversity of thought. I enjoy building together with transparency and integrity. Being a team player also creates a good support system. Without it, the journey can be quite lonely.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.etancomics.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/etancomics
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/etancomics
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/etancomics
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/EtanComics 

Image Credits
Published by ETAN COMICS, Written by Beserat Debebe, Illustrated by Stanley Obende, Colors by Toyin Ajetunmobi