Nelson Mandela waves from the stage during the 46664 charity concert in London on June 27.Nelson Mandela waves from the stage during the 46664 charity concert in London on June 27. (Lefteris Pitarakis/Associated Press)

A comic book series telling the life story of South African leader Nelson Mandela will be published in North America next year.

The graphic novel series was commissioned by the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg, with the first issue coming out in South Africa in October 2005.

The latest comic in the eight-part series is being issued in South Africa this year to coincide with Mandela's 90th birthday.

A group of young black artists was hired to draw the story, which was approved by Mandela and his foundation.

All proceeds from the sale of the comic books go to the foundation's work, which includes education, health care and other social justice issues.

W. W. Norton & Company has acquired North American publishing rights to Nelson Mandela: The Authorized Comic Book, according to a report in the New York Times. It says it will issue the series in July 2009.

Norton previously published Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folk Tales, a collection of traditional stories adapted for children.

The graphic novel series is designed to tell Mandela's inspiring story in a way that appeals to younger readers.

Traces childhood, time as prisoner

It traces his childhood in a village in the Eastern Cape, his political education, the infamous Rivonia Trial, his time as prisoner 46664 and his later role as negotiator and the first black president of South Africa.

Mandela was serenaded by Amy Winehouse as part of London-based celebrations of his birthday last month at Hyde Park.

He has returned to South Africa to celebrate his actual birthday on Friday.

As an international icon and face of the anti-AIDS fight in Africa, Mandela is in demand to appear with celebrities and grace the world's stages.

But Mandela himself indicated weariness with the carrying on the role after the 46664 concert in London.

"We say tonight, after nearly 90 years of life, it is time for new hands to lift the burdens. It is in your hands now. I thank you," he said.

At the same time, the Nelson Mandela Foundation is keeping a tight rein on his image, and blocks attempts by clothing companies, publishers and others to use his name.

Among the 90th birthday "Mandiba" items now on sale are a limited edition five-rand coin, stamps and commemorative bangles.