Beyond the Superheroine Shelf Life: How Yvonne Wandera's Graphic Novel Puts Women in Their 30s at the Center

NATIONWIDE - SEPTEMBER 2025 - (USAnews.com) — In a genre often dominated by youthful male heroes, Zurri Sana emerges as a fresh and compelling narrative. Created by Yvonne Wandera, this sci-fi action thriller breaks new ground by putting a Black woman in her mid-30s at the heart of an intense, high-speed adventure. This radical shift presents a hero who is far from the typical invincible, eternally young protagonist and instead explores themes that resonate with readers looking for stories about real human struggles—aging, loneliness, and survival.

The Creation of Zurri Sana

At its core, Zurri Sana tells the story of a reckless, risk-taking smuggler, Zurri, who must deliver a pair of limbs before sunset. In a parallel world where body parts are traded as currency, Zurri’s mission pushes her through a series of tense, action-packed scenarios. The narrative blends the thrill of sci-fi with deeply personal themes that are often overlooked in graphic novels, including body dysmorphia, grief, and the emotional isolation experienced by Black women living without the traditional family structure.

Wandera notes. “There’s a point in a woman’s life where she’s looked at like she’s ‘stale.’ Society tells you that by your mid-30s, your youth has expired. You’re supposed to have it all figured out, but that’s not where I was. I wanted to create a character in an action packed world, who is still on that journey—searching for love, family, and identity.”

Wandera's frustration with society's expectations for women is reflected in Zurri, a character who, despite her flaws, shows immense determination through the prism of action sequences. “Zurri is yearning for belonging, still fighting to find a place in the world where she fits.”

A New Approach to Representation

Zurri Sana stands out not just because of its protagonist, but because it addresses underrepresented themes in an action packed narrative. In the comic book world, women often fade into the background after they reach a certain age. They’re either cast as mothers or relegated to supporting roles. Wandera’s decision to center the story on a Black woman in her mid-30s, was a conscious effort to challenge this in an action centered narrative.

“People have asked me why tell this story in this high-octane manner or touch on these themes… Zurri’s journey is a radical counterpoint to how women in graphic novels, especially older women, are portrayed,” Wandera says. “In graphic novels, women are often eternally young or they don’t exist at all. I wanted to challenge that. Why can’t a woman in her 30s, who’s not necessarily a traditional action hero, be the protagonist?”

In a world where body parts are commodities, Zurri Sana raises unsettling questions that feel remarkably timely. The practice of limb trading and the exploration of biotechnology and organ markets in the comic reflect ongoing societal debates about body enhancement, cosmetic surgery, and the value of one’s physical form.

“I’m interested in the polar opposites; how far people will go to transform their bodies to meet societal expectations, or transform their bodies in order to survive.” Wandera explains. “We live in a world where people are constantly reshaping themselves, and Zurri Sana asks what happens when your body becomes currency.”

Themes of Loneliness and Survival

At the heart of Zurri Sana is a nuanced exploration of loneliness—an issue that remains often under-addressed in graphic novels, particularly for Black women. As Zurri moves through a dynamic world of smuggling, betrayal, and survival, her emotional isolation becomes a driving force in her character development.

“I wanted to tell an action-packed story and to weave something as universal as loneliness into the narrative,” Wandera says. “Loneliness, particularly for Black women without familial support structures, is often overlooked. It’s a quiet grief that can shape who we are, and I wanted to give that grief space in a story that’s also about survival.”

The emotional weight of Zurri Sana gives it a depth that distinguishes it from other comics. The series doesn’t just focus on thrilling physical battles, to which there are plenty, but delves into the personal battles of a woman fighting for her sense of worth.

A Unique Vision in Sci-Fi

Zurri Sana offers something truly unique in the genre of sci-fi comics. While many comics are driven by external conflict and action, Zurri Sana balances its speculative world-building with an intimate exploration of its lead character’s emotional and psychological journey. It’s a blend of high-paced action and deep, human storytelling, offering readers not just a new kind of heroine but a fresh perspective on what it means to survive, find meaning, and thrive.

Wandera’s background as an actor and producer, particularly her role in the award-winning video game Detroit: Become Human, has also influenced the striking visual storytelling in Zurri Sana. The world-building, the characters, and the emotional complexity of the story all draw from her experiences across multiple media platforms.

“The game Detroit: Become Human had an immense influence on me,” Wandera reflects. “It triggered my love for rich action sequences, multidimensional characters and stories with real emotional depth. That’s what I aim to bring to Zurri Sana—a story that's a blend of action, identity, survival, and what it means to be human.”

Engage with Zurri’s World

Zurri Sana is a graphic story, currently in an episodic webcomic format, released every two months, allowing readers to experience a new chapter in Zurri’s journey. The series is not only an adventure but a deep exploration of complex themes that resonate with readers from all walks of life.

Visit www.zurrisana.com to start your journey with Zurri, and follow the latest updates on Instagram at @zurriworld. Dive into a world that combines heart-pounding action with thought-provoking storytelling that asks questions about body, identity, and belonging.