DES MOINES, Iowa (WKRC/KCCI/CNN Newsource) – A soldier who grew up on comic books is now creating them to share the perspectives of combat veterans with others.
Basi Affia, 26, says he has been devoted to comics from a young age.
“I don’t think there was a particular book, I think it was just overall,” he said.
Now having served in the Iowa National Guard, that childhood love inspired him to make his own.
“I have all these ideas and stuff in my Google Drive, and lockdown happened, and so it gave me a lot of time to be able to organize it,” said Affia.
Affia comes up with everything, from writing the plot to designing the characters.
He is also the founder and owner of Sensi’il Studios, Iowa’s first Black-owned comic book company.
In his latest comic book, “Regicide: Havoc,” the main character is a soldier.
Affia says he wants current and former servicemembers to be able to see themselves reflected in his work.
“It just talks about a lot of veteran issues, like veteran homelessness, talked about the different experiences that soldiers have in the military,” he said.
The storyline is centered around the views veterans have about their time serving.
“I think it should be more truthful, more realistic, not, you know, it’s not always positive. It’s not always negative,” said Affia. “There’s a happy space right in the middle and that’s where the truth is at.”
Affia is even partnering with the 11/11 Veteran Project, which helps connect veterans with the resources they need.
He was introduced to the nonprofit by professional race car driver Colin Garret when they met at a conference.
Affia says veterans’ issues are something everyone should care about, and he hopes his comics will help raise awareness.
“Whatever your gifts are, whether you’re a professional race car driver, a comic book creator, a soldier or whatever,” he said. “You can play a part in something that can bring us all together.”