Portrait of Ôta Benga — African comic character

Ôta Benga

Full Title: Ôta Benga, Guardian of Memory, Spirit of the Forest, The Lost Son of Katiopa, Keeper of the Sacred Bottle of Time

Species: Human (Pygmy) / Spirit of Time-Bound Memory
Lineage: Son of the Mbuti people of the Ituri Forest; Child of Katiopa; Bound to the Sacred Bottle of Time
Affiliation: Guardians of Kongo (Opi, Opa, Mbuta); Protector of Ancestral Memory
First apparence: The Guardians of Kongo: Opi & Opa – The Sacred Bottle of Time of Ôta Benga
Created by: Isolele

Character Overview

Ôta Benga, once a young Mbuti pygmy of the Congo, becomes the Guardian of Memory in the Isolele Universe. Bound inside the Sacred Bottle of Time, his spirit carries the pain, prophecy, and resilience of Africa’s stolen children, awakening ancestral visions and guiding the healing of a fractured past.

Super powers & Abilities

  • Spirit of Memory: Preserves ancestral memory and awakens visions of the forgotten past.
  • Bottle of Time: Bends fragments of time to slow moments or reveal hidden truths.
  • Forest Whisperer: Commands the animals and trees of the Congo, embodying deep connection to nature.
  • Echo of Exile: His spiritual cries disorient oppressors and awaken resistance within allies.
  • Resilient Flame: Despite captivity and sorrow, his soul remains unextinguished as guide, healer, and warrior.

Weaknesses

  • Bound Spirit: Tied to the Sacred Bottle of Time; if shattered, risks permanent loss of presence.
  • Burden of Pain: Haunted by memories of captivity and suffering, sometimes overwhelming him.
  • Partial Freedom: Exists half in spirit, half in time, unable to fully walk the world until prophecy is fulfilled.

Symbolism

Ôta Benga embodies memory, resilience, and justice; a spirit imprisoned by history but destined to reclaim Africa’s lost voices.