There aren't many western publishers pumping out African-based sci-fi or fantasy comic books so I was glad to see Nnedi Okorafor's LaGuardia on my Edelweiss list.

The story itself is about aliens who came to earth as refugees and immigrants, contributed to earth's technology, then afterwards ostracised and discriminated against by humans. Thick in the middle of these events are disruptions in relationships, riots, and hidden kindness in unexpected places.

LaGuardia strengths lie in its characters and setting, which is unapologetically African as well as American. Unique dialogue and its bright colours lend the work life and believability. The characters' unusual names (Future, Letme, Citizen, Payment, etc. ) takes away a bit of immersion from the reading - I found myself pausing often, not sure if the names were verbs or nouns in many cases.

LaGuardia is a satire that reflects the stupidity of racism and discrimination based on colour geographical location. It is an African-American fantasy with a lot of heart. The names and lingo might come across as confusing at first, but it pays off in the end if you stick with it.