A well-drawn portrait of Africa

By far the most refreshing aspect of Marguerite Abouet's light-hearted and nostalgic Aya (2007) was her enticing depiction of African life, which challenged all our lazy assumptions of constant warfare and poverty. Abouet's delightful sequel Aya of Yop City revisits the economically-prosperous Ivory Coast of the 1970s, as well as the colourful inhabitants of Yop City, where rumours of questionable paternity are fanning the flames of activity within the community. French artist Clement Oubrerie continues his vital contribution of turning the vibrant African township into a character in its own right, rich with colourful detail and built on traditions passed from one generation to the next.