Shutter-Bird
Shutter-Bird is the first Nigerian live-action superhero character in Nigerian comic books, created by film director Urenna Amadi. The character is published by Afriwood Comics and owned by Afriwood Motion Pictures Company. Shutter-Bird was created on 27 November 2020 in Owerri, Imo State.[1][2] Shutter-Bird first appeared in Urenna Amadi: The Extraordinary Shutter-Bird, a comic book released in 2022, which was intended to introduce the character to Nigerian and international audiences. Since then, she has been featured in comic books, television shows, films, video games, magazines, novels, plays and merchandise.[3][4] Character biographyThe story of Shutter-Bird is based on real-life inspiration with fictional elements. The character is portrayed as a young female art student named Urenna Amadi, who is traumatised by the early death of her father. She struggles with depression and abuse but channels her technological and artistic skills to transform her father's camera into a sophisticated, extraterrestrial-inspired device with the ability to freeze objects. Shutter-Bird possesses flash-freezing powers as well as superhuman aperture sensitivity, night vision, speed and strength, which she uses to fight crime and seek justice for her father's death. The character's narrative combines themes of technology, supernatural abilities and science fiction.[5][6][7] Powers, skills and equipmentShutter-Bird derives her abilities from the shutter lens embedded in her body suit. These powers include superhuman strength, speed, reflexes, durability, a healing factor, night vision, aperture sensitivity, acrobatics, stamina, agility, telescopic vision, as well as freezing and projectile abilities. She is presented as an innovative addition to the growing universe of superheroes.[8][9] The character's costume is primarily blue and yellow. The blue is described as representing masculine energy, symbolising power, speed, courage, swiftness, confidence, depth and stability. The yellow is associated with feminine energy, symbolising happiness, optimism, creativity, intellect, warmth and friendliness.[10] Comic seriesShutter-Bird was first featured in a comic series titled Urenna Amadi: The Extraordinary Shutter-Bird. The first chapter was released in 2022 and was created by film director and producer Urenna Amadi. The series introduced the characters Urenna Amadi, her grandmother and Uncle Ben.[11][12] In later chapters, Urenna Amadi rescues a young woman from gangsters. Despite being bullied at school and having her father's bicycle stolen, she remains resilient. Demonstrating her commitment to justice, she assists in the search for a missing girl, helps a friend during a confrontation with a school gang and prevents a robbery at a petrol station.[13] The central character in the graphic novel is Urenna Amadi, with supporting characters including Grandma, Uncle Ben, John, Idalia, Zazzu, Dennis and Donald.[14] References
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