Aya

"Thats what I wanted to show in Aya: an Africa without the . . . war and famine an Africa that endures despite everything because as we say back home life goes on." --Marguerite Abouet Ivory Coast 1978. Family and friends gather at Ayas house every evening to watch the countrys first television ad campaign promoting the fortifying effects of Solibra "the strong mans beer." Its a golden time and the nation too--an oasis of affluence and stability in West Africa--seems fueled by something wondrous. Whos to know that the Ivorian miracle is nearing its end? In the sun-warmed streets of working-class Yopougon aka Yop City holidays are around the corner the open-air bars and discos are starting to fill up and trouble of a different kind is about to raise eyebrows. At night an empty table in the market square under the stars is all the privacy young lovers can hope for and what happens there is soon everybodys business. Aya tells the story of its nineteen-year-old heroine the studious and clear-sighted Aya her easygoing friends Adjoua and Bintou and their meddling relatives and neighbors. Its a breezy and wryly funny account of the desire for joy and freedom and of the simple pleasures and private troubles of everyday life in Yop City. An unpretentious and gently humorous story of an Africa we rarely see-spirited hopeful and resilient--Aya won the 2006 award for Best First Album at the Angoulme International Comics Festival. Clment Oubreries warm colors and energetic playful lines connect expressively with Marguerite Abouets vibrant writing.