Jember: Becoming Someone

by Beserat Debebe

Foreword by Maaza Mengiste

Anxious, frustrated, and ready to leave his city behind, jobless graduate Amanuel Tilahun is suddenly empowered with extraordinary gifts that change his life. He must now make a choice; to help himself or the city that’s treated him like a nobody, and now sees him as a threat. ETAN COMICS presents the all-new Jember, the first Ethiopian Superhero as featured on BBC, OkayAfrica, and more!

Presented both in Amharic and English.

Hardcover

Published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[Yordanos · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume contains Jember #1-4, #4 being the newest installment and continues the exciting story of Aman/Jember.
I was glad to have the complete story thus far in one volume as I’d have to reread the first three to refresh my memory before delving into the fourth chapter. In this presentation, it felt like I got more: a fuller story and arc development to sink into. Also enjoyed the Marvel-esque teaser at the end in this volume — looking forward to reading more of Jember’s story! 🙌🏼

[Malcolm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every superhero needs a good backstory, which Beserat Debebe does tantalisingly well in this Ethiopian tale of a not-so-successful recent graduate who stumbles on great and mysterious power. Grounding that power in an ancient civilisation – Punt – Debebe alludes to women-led ancient Kush empire in the same region – Ethiopia and Eritrea – and gives hints of an intriguing story strand in the archaeologist exploring Punt. Otherwise it follow the convention of the superhero format, with hostile corporate forces, remaining concealed from the state – police and military – but with a public profile that incenses established religion – the superhero as satanic – all combining to make a promising series.

This single volume combines the first four Jember issues, and while currently doing little more than raising the politics of representation, the back story hints at the potential to become much more interesting. One to watch.

[Centauri · Rating 5 out of 5]

It can be difficult for a writer to break away from superhero archetypes, because the genre has been around for a couple thousand years. But Jember is a fresh voice in the mythos.

People get lost when trying to find their purpose. And sometimes they think it'd be easier to achieve/realize if they moved far away from what they have always none: new home, new me.
But on occasion, fate/destiny or just extraordinary happenstance steps in with a new perspective.
This happened to the protagonist of Jember. Now, Aman must make the hard life decisions, while also carrying the burden of an ancient power. Jember speaks volumes to the idea of "sometimes greatness is thrust upon us" yet I like to think of this instance more as 'sometimes our potential for greatness is recognized by the cosmos, and then rewarded!'

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading an African superhero story, which was much more exciting than the American ones I usually see. I loved that it takes place in Ethiopia, with football and minibuses and Bole Airport. I felt like I was back in Addis myself. I'm looking forward to Jember's future adventures.

[Skye Kilaen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a great time reading this Ethiopian superhero series starter, which I got via a Kickstarter run by the publisher. Mysterious powers! Humorous banter! Dangerous danger! I'm honestly burned out on Marvel and DC but I love a superhero story, so it's a breath of fresh air to find something like this. I definitely want to know what happens next.

My only frustration is that right now, Jember is only available 2 ways: a Volume 1 hardcover from the publisher's website, or the first issue is available digitally there as well. Only the first issue. Not the rest. The Jember children's book is on Amazon in multiple languages, which is very cool, but it's tough for me to promote a graphic novel to other readers when retail availability is so limited. I got Volume 1 digitally from the Kickstarter, so I know the file exists! Hopefully this will be resolved in the future.

[Gary Varga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whilst there are many reasons for this being monumental, first Ethiopian superhero comic etc., this comic/graphic novel is phenomenal because of the story.

This is a new take of a familiar story; person gets superpowers, person is confused, person wants to do good. The new take is the fusion with Ethiopian culture and heritage. This is a fantastic and fantastical blend of fact, mythology, and fiction.