A little-known chapter of Manatee County history is being brought to life through a new six-book comic series highlighting the struggles, courage and determination of freedom seekers who established a community along the Manatee River more than 200 years ago.
Reflections of Manatee, a Bradenton history museum, has partnered with Bat City Comics to produce Destination Angola, a series exploring the history of Angola, a settlement established by formerly enslaved people seeking freedom in the early 1800s.
The series follows freedom seekers as they escape enslavement and establish a community along the banks of the Manatee River in what is now Bradenton. Their journey includes efforts to defend their freedom against American military forces during a period of territorial conflict in Florida and their eventual relocation to the Bahamas.
The story also connects the past with the present, highlighting descendants of Angola’s original settlers who return to Manatee County to explore their ancestral roots and commemorate the community’s legacy.
Although Angola played an important role in the region’s early history, its story remains unfamiliar to many residents. The comic series aims to introduce younger generations to this chapter of local history through illustrated storytelling while preserving the experiences of those who sought independence and built a community despite extraordinary challenges.
Destination Angola was written by Shannon Live, owner of Bat City Comic Professionals, and illustrated by local artists and students of Gary Barker, a former Garfield illustrator and Ringling College of Art and Design professor. The collaboration brings together local historical preservation efforts and artistic talent to share Angola’s history with a broader audience.
Reflections of Manatee will celebrate the launch of the series on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the museum in Bradenton. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet the creators, learn more about the project and celebrate the release with refreshments.
The launch offers residents an opportunity to discover an often-overlooked part of Manatee County’s past while recognizing the lasting legacy of those who pursued freedom along the Manatee River.
