Bringing to life the legend of Shaka Zulu

The action-packed book is suitable for teenagers looking to adopt a hero

TITLE: Shaka Rising: A Legend of the Warrior Prince AUTHOR: Luke W Molver PUBLISHER: Story Press Africa REVIEWER: Karabo Ledwaba

Shaka Rising is a 90-page graphic novel depicting the life and times of King Shaka Zulu kaSenzangakhona.

This is the first book in what is expected to be a series of graphic books.

The action-packed book impresses with its stunning graphic visuals that allow the reader to enjoy different expressions on the characters’ faces.

At times it felt like the images were in motion as if I was suspended in a highdefinition movie.

Although I was eventually gripped by the book, I must admit that when I received it from the publisher I was hesitant to read an African story not written by a black writer.

In the past, depictions of Shaka Zulu have been distorted because they were not told by Zulu people.

But Molver brings in a foreword by renowned professor Mbongeni Z Malaba, who has served as acting director of the Centre for African Literary Studies and is currently a professor of English studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

The professor writes about how the story of Shaka has historically been told by western writers and how

Shaka Rising is balanced and uses reliable historical sources.

On page 70, Molver acknowledges this by stating that Shaka Rising is historical fiction and that the written records of Shaka Zulu have mostly reflected a western perspective.

The book can be enjoyed by people of all ages but, particularly pre-teens who would enjoy the DC or Marvel comic-like presentations.

The story is followed by a page of questions allow to the reader to engage with the text.

This page allows the reader to question the accuracy of the story of Shaka as a leader, the role of women during this era , the social structures and family relationships.

‘‘ Historically Shaka’s story has been told by western writers