A new comic book tells the life story of former South African President Nelson Mandela.

(BLUEWATER PRODUCTIONS) -  Nelson Mandela's life story is being told in vivid color in a new comic book released by Bluewater Productions.

Mandela rose from rural obscurity to challenge white minority rule in South Africa - a struggle that gave the 20th century one of its most respected and loved figures. He was among the first to advocate armed resistance to apartheid in 1960, but was quick to preach reconciliation and forgiveness when the white minority began easing its grip on power 30 years later.

He was elected president in all-race elections in 1994 after helping to steer the divided country towards peace and away from civil war.

Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, an honor he shared with F.W. de Klerk, the white Afrikaner president who released him in 1990.

In 1999, Mandela handed over power to younger leaders better equipped to manage a modern economy, a rare voluntary departure from power cited as an example to African leaders.

Nelson Mandela will be laid to rest on Sunday (December 15) by his family following their traditional burial rites in Qunu, their ancestral home in the rural Eastern Cape province, 700 km (450 miles) south of Johannesburg.

The elaborate ceremony will combine a state funeral and all its military pomp with the traditional burial rituals of his Xhosa clan to ensure he has an easy transition into the afterworld.

The comic book was written by Clay & Susan Griffith, illustrated by famed artist Pablo Martinena.

"Tribute: Nelson Mandela" is now available in print and digitally.