Move over, Superman
COMICS: SUPERMASH TO HELP KIDS SEE THEMSELVES AS HEROES
Once they put on the costume, super powers are unleashed.
Philanthropist and child superhero Prince Mashawana – better known as “SuperMash” – this year releases his first fictional book, soon to be available in all leading bookstores in Africa and the United States.
Covering Mashawana’s early childhood experiences in Johannesburg with friends and family, the book marks the start of a series comics and merchandise to be seen at several book stores.
Amid high levels of bullying, substance abuse, and the impact of divorce and domestic violence on children, Mashawana has played the role of superhero – subscribing to the principle that “every child is a hero”.
Using his wristband, he unleashes “special powers” to assist him in achieving his goal of helping kids. He does this by solving problems that are currently harming children on the continent.
From Robert Yaniz junior to Booster Gold, children have developed love superheroes.
Using a fictional superhero character created by artist Jolinda
Nel, Mashawana wants to “encourage kids to see themselves as heroes in their own right”.
In pursuit of ways to overcome various challenges young people face, Mashawana has become a friend able to empower them to become superheroes.
The concept goes like this: once they put on the SuperMash costume, super powers are unleashed through mystery and imagination – encouraging good thoughts that lead to good behaviour.
SuperMash uses his powers to influence and alter the way in which a child overcomes challenges – at the same time inducing self-confidence and growth.
SuperMash is a special character who is posed with most common challenges and draws inspiration in how challenges are overcome.
The story line is drawn from many of the most emotionally challenging issues facing young South Africans, including dealing with lack of self-confidence.
“I wanted to see a superhero with stories that are more like real life,” says Mashawana.
“Young people in Mzansi have a lot of challenges.
“I thought it would be fun to have child stories to tell and a hero.
“So that’s what the business is all about,” he says.
The youngster has had a strong support from both his parents, mother Lerato Zah and father Collen Mashawana.
But while his parents have been happy to support his entrepreneurial drive, they are both amazed at their son’s creativity and entrepreneurship.
“It’s been fascinating to watch someone so young develop something like this,” says Collen Mashawana.
“The desire to use creativity to help young South Africans deal with life challenges in a positive way has been incredible to see.
“Even more amazing to see was the hard work and dedication that Prince has put in while working on this project with Omphile and Phemelo Dibodu at Rainbow Nation Comics.
“It’s been an inspiring and motivating journey for all of us, and one we’ve really enjoyed and are extremely proud of,” he adds.
Rainbow Nation Comics, a South African comic book publisher that creates original, authentic and local superhero stories, has partnered with Mashawana to take his concept to a professional level – to see readers entertained.
Last year Mashawana lived up to his fictional title, with YouTube showing a video of him collecting tons of food parcels destined for needy children affected by Covid-19.