Aya #3

Aya, issue #3, is part of the seminal graphic novel series written by Marguerite Abouet and illustrated by Clément Oubrerie. First published in French in 2005 by Gallimard, the series chronicles the life of Aya and her friends in the Yopougon neighborhood of Abidjan, Ivory Coast, during the late 1970s. This third installment continues the narrative arc, deepening the exploration of daily life, social aspirations, and the cultural landscape of the era.

Clément Oubrerie’s illustrative style, characterized by a fluid and expressive line, was instrumental in bringing Abouet’s lighthearted yet observant script to life. The series gained significant international acclaim for moving beyond stereotypical depictions of West African life, offering instead a vibrant, humorous, and nuanced portrait of the community. Upon its release, it was lauded by critics for its authenticity and remains a foundational work in contemporary francophone comics.