Mandela launches series of comic books

[XXPANTHAXX]

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa - Former President Nelson Mandela
launched the first edition Friday of a series of comic books
about his life aimed at encouraging young South Africans to
read.

"You know you are really famous when becoming a comic
character," the 87-year-old anti-apartheid icon joked at his
Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg.

The nine books are among initiatives — including exhibitions
and lectures — aimed at preserving Mandela's legacy.

By telling Mandela's story with colorful pictures, the
foundation hopes to help overcome the illiteracy that
persists more than a decade after apartheid's end. A million
copies will be distributed free at schools and in newspapers.

The first comic book, called "A Son of the Eastern Cape,"
covers Mandela's royal upbringing in rural Transkei and ends
with his arrival in Johannesburg, where he would set up South
Africa's first black law firm and lead the armed wing of the
now-governing African National Congress.

Mandela spent 27 years in prison for opposing white-minority
rule, emerging to become South Africa's first black president
in 1994.

"One of the few advantages of prison is that you have time to
read and time for reflection," Mandela said. "If the comic
reaches new readers, then the project will have been
worthwhile."

Mandela retired from political life in 1999, but remains a
symbol of reconciliation and campaigner for the
disadvantaged, including children and HIV sufferers.

The first edition of the comic book is in English, but
Mandela's foundation plans to translate it into all 11 of
South Africa's official languages. Publishing rights will
also be made available to other countries.