He is a creative historical and fan fiction writer, poet and winner of the first ever KenyaBuzz Movie Week Cosplay Competition. We caught up with with Mutendei Akhaya Nabutete who's about to launch his new comic book Shadow Walkers Awakening this coming April 15th.KENYABUZZ: Tell us about Mutendei Writes and your upcoming book 'Shadow Walkers Awakening'

MUTENDEI: Mutendei Writes is my comic publishing company that I started last year. I have been writing for seven years. While I was still working, I would do it as a hobby but I finally decided to do it professionally and it just took off. With Shadow Walkers, the premise is that life and gods began in Africa and spread outwards to other parts of the globe. The Shadow Walkers (African) gods influenced life directly and indirectly. Being overtaken my Modernity, the exist in secret fighting a secret war.KENYABUZZ: Congratulations on being the first ever winner of the KenyaBuzz Movie Week Cosplay competition. Tell us about your winning costume.

MUTENDEI: Thank you. My wining costume was inspired by one of my characters called Hannibal Barca of Carthage who is a famous North African general and has fought many wars against Rome.KENYABUZZ: How long have you been cosplaying?

MUTENDEI: I started last year.KENYABUZZ: You cosplay characters in your own books. Why is that important to you? And, do you have other cosplayers within the community who have asked to play one of your characters?MUTENDEI: It is important for me to believe in my characters so I dress up like them so other people can believe in the comic characters as well. Also, I will have people cosplaying as my characters in the upcoming event.KENYABUZZ: What is your favorite cosplay that you have done already?

MUTENDEI: I really haven't chosen yet. They are quite a bunch and they all tell a different story that I relate to.KENYABUZZ: If you could go to any cosplay convention in the world which one would it be and why?

MUTENDEI: I think I would go to Atlanta because there are lots of cosplays that touch on African comics.KENYABUZZ: What are your thoughts on the cosplay and comics scene in Kenya?

MUTENDEI: I would say it is headed in the right direction, we just need to get more channels to showcase our works.KENYABUZZ: How do you think fans, who are not actively engaged in the community can contribute in its growth?

MUTENDEI: There are so many things you can do, you can read the comics, dress up in cosplay conventions, support the artists by buying the books and you can learn more about the culture.KENYABUZZ: Are there any other cosplayers that you really admire?

MUTENDEI: Yes, quite a few that are putting in the work and really take up the challenge. I wish they would not just concentrate on DC and Marvel but also look into our own comics.KENYABUZZ: Which were your favorite comics growing up?

MUTENDEI: I read Ghost Rider, Batman, Wolverine and Superman.KENYABUZZ: What makes a comic book memorable?

MUTENDEI: The characters have to be memorable. My favourite has to be Watchmen, they bring the characters to life.KENYABUZZ: What is your take on female superheroes?

MUTENDEI: Looking back, they were underrated, over-sexualized and mis-represented and their roles were quite few. But now things have changed and we see the likes of Wonder Woman getting their own movies.KENYABUZZ: Who in the book industry (Kenya and internationally) do you look up to?

MUTENDEI: There are so many people that I have worked with that inspire me, everyone is great in their own way. They have great skills in understanding their characters and their audience.KENYABUZZ: DC or Marvel?

MUTENDEI: (Laughing) DC.KENYABUZZ: Manga or Anime?

MUTENDEI: Manga especially Akira.