Supa Strikas: This football-themed comic about a team dubbed "the world's greatest" was a huge hit in the early 2000s. Back then, I (like many other kids) lived for the Saturday Nation, which came with the free comic as an insert, just so I could keep up with the globe-trotting exploits of nappy-haired Shakes Makena and his superb hat-trick goals. An animated TV show aired for five seasons but, the dramatic twists and turns, plus breathless action of the comics just lends itself to a live action film.
Cast: Maina Olwenya as Shakes Makena, Idris Elba as Dancing Rasta the team captain, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as Big Bo the goalkeeper
Shujaaz: Shujaaz (sheng for Heroes) is a compelling story about a high school graduate named Boyie who starts a radio station in his mother's basement. Broadcasting in secret, "DJ B" befriends a diverse crew of youth, with whom he trades advice on how to make money and improve their lives. Shujaaz was born out of the 2007 post-election chaos with the aim of empowering and educating young Kenyans. The transformative comic is unique in that the reader is free to project their reality (and tribe) onto the characters. It already has two Emmy awards to its name so, a movie would be definite Oscar bait.
Cast: Ian Nene (Almasi from Citizen TV's Machachari) as DJ B, Willow Smith as Malkia the punkish teen living in an unnamed city, Yara Shahidi (Black-ish) as Maria Kim the sensible, studious teen taking care of her younger brother, Miles Brown who will be well played by Romeo Abrash (who plays the title character in KTN's Junior).
Babu: This Ink & Pixel collection written by James Kamawira aka Kham was a staple of 90s newspaper comic strips. The hugely popular comic which transcends generations follows the mischievous escapades of a young boy called Babu who sports a signature fade haircut with a side part. He gets himself in and out of all kinds of hilarious situations, mostly at the expense of the people around him.
Cast: Malik Lemuel (who played Govi in Machachari) as Babu
Bongoman: This other widely popular comic strip by Kham is about an average, everyday Kenyan man whose life is nothing short of adventurous. From getting kidnapped by pirates to negotiating with thieves, there's no telling where Bongoman will take you next. The character always finds a cunning way out of his messes, and it is always hilarious. Seeing this on the big screen would be like watching Africa's very own Mr. Bean.
Cast: Professor Hamo (Churchill Show) as Bongoman
