Beserat Debebe on Ethiopian Mythology, Comics & Storytelling

Welcome to Mad Props. Host Chris Schnabel sits down with comic creator Beserat Debebe, founder of Ethan Comics, to discuss creating original superheroes inspired by Ethiopian mythology, publishing independent comics, preserving African history through storytelling, and bringing new voices into the comic book industry.Before the main interview, Chris is joined by Josh Allen, founder of Montana Dog Food Co., to discuss premium freeze-dried dog food, canine nutrition, and why healthier ingredients can make a difference for your pets.Beserat shares the story behind Ethan Comics, how a personal challenge inspired him to begin creating comics, and why he believes African mythology deserves a larger place alongside Marvel, DC, manga, and other global storytelling traditions.The conversation explores:• Building Ethan Comics from the ground up• Creating Jember, an Ethiopian superhero• Ethiopian mythology and African folklore• Independent comic book publishing• The importance of diverse storytelling• Marvel, DC Comics and independent comics• Comic conventions and connecting with readersJoin the Discordhttps://discord.gg/dYhnmwQANbFollow Beserat DebebeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/besrattt/Website: https://etancomics.com/black-history-ethiopia-a-bond-of-resilience/?srsltid=AfmBOopqXqa-mJhYDlAiWpimliCbGH0RbntbRDBKT_Xop85Rqs0ZWfOXFollow Montana Dog Food Co.https://montanadogfoodco.com/Follow Mad PropsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/madpropspodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madpropspodX: https://www.x.com/madpropspodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/madpropspodFollow Chris SchnabelInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisschnabelTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chris.schnabelVideography by William CornellMad Props is a Schnabel Studios Production.Chapters00:00 Welcome to Mad Props00:23 Josh Allen joins the show00:55 The story behind Montana Dog Food Co.16:14 Why pet owners can trust Montana Dog Food Co.17:19 Beserat Debebe joins Mad Props18:00 Creating Ethiopian superheroes20:00 The origins of Jember22:00 Jember's powers and superhero philosophy23:30 Building an African comic universe26:58 Growing Ethan Comics30:30 Marvel, DC & independent comics34:28 Comic conventions and connecting with readers43:06 Where to find Ethan Comics44:52 Final thoughts