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The rain brings more than water

Cover of After the Rain
A review of After the Rain by John Jennings and illustrated by David Brame

The graphic novel adaptation of Nnedi Okorafor's short story "On the Road" takes the reader on a journey that connects the mind and body with an infinite past of cultural heritage. Chioma, a young Nigerian-American police officer from New York City, visits family in a small, rural Nigerian village during a terrible storm and unleashes an unidentified power. Chioma's western sensibilities try to reconcile what's happening but she struggles, even with the help of her family.

While Chioma is battling a great unknown, she must come to terms with a traumatic event from her past in order to accept her new path. Spoiler alert: I thought this novel was about zombies, but it's not. It's still extremely spooky and scary with lush illustrations depicting Chioma's confused state, the African countryside and powers beyond the physical plane.

Fans of Nnedi Okorafor will appreciate the world she created, retold by John Jennings and brought to life in David Brame's artwork.

Nov 9, 2021