Yohance: The Ekangeni Crystal

by Paul Louise-Julie

A Space Opera inspired by African Aesthetics. Yohance tells the story of a Masterchief on the hunt of a mysterious artifact. Little does he know that he's stumbled into an ancient intergalactic conflict.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Science Fiction, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy, Graphic Novels Comics, Space

38 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2016

Reviews

[charlotte, · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rep: African-inspired space opera

[Vincent Stoessel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I admit that I've already been a huge fan of Paul Louise-Julie's beautiful work on his The Pack series. While satisfying, I've been waiting for Yohance from the day it was announced as well as the other titles of his extended universe. The wait was worth it. Despite being clearly a Science Fiction tale of the far future it's also deeply rooted in African culture and the combination makes it one of the most unique SF comics I've read to date. The artwork is a wonderful symphony of style and color. And the story is tantalizing enough to have me waiting for more issues to drop. Five Stars.

[Ryan Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

The artwork is one of the main attractions here, though at times it's a little dark (lighting wise). That could be intentional, given the protagonist's character arc in this first volume though. There's a fun homage to a Star Wars scene along with many other clear nods to the scifi titan, to the point I wasn't sure what to make of all of them. My gut says this is the set-up to turn on its head with something new. All of this makes Yohance feel both new and quite well trodden. By the end of the first volume, I'm not sure which way it might go. There's potential to see something exciting with a truly fresh perspective or there's potential to see something we know really well but done in a new style. I hope it's the first but even if it's the second, it's very nice to look at.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun sci-fi heist tale with Afrofuturist artwork. Well done.

[Stephen Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent art and dynamic story!

[Keysha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this! I wish there was more.

[H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous aesthetic.

[Michael Trigilio · Rating 5 out of 5]

So exciting to discover an entirely fresh design approach in science fiction world building. "Yohance" is a beautifully designed and visually dense addition to an ongoing Afrofuturist cannon. So few sci fi graphic novels feel as truly independent and unique as this book; less visually dependent on StarWars/Star Trek than on a tapestry of visuality inspired by West African cultural/spiritual imagery. Everybody should take a look at this book for the visual inventiveness alone.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a newbie delving into afrofuturism, I think I'm being spoiled by Paul Louise-Julie because just as I did while reading The Pack series, I just wanted more! The graphics are dope as always and I can tell the story lines are going to be as well. I also like the fact he uses his and his wife's likenesses for the characters. Can't wait to experience what he has in store for Yohancé!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

it's a first issue.

I feel like the characters need more definition but it is a first issue and leaves me wanting more. It's definitely a good starting and I'm hoping to find the next issue with a bit more literature substance

[C.E. Case · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stunning, incredible artwork. Thin story. Surprisingly violent.

Wonderful to look at.

[Canadace Louise-Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yohance. Paul

[Matthew J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really nice art and a compelling setting. I can't wait to read more of this African based Space Opera.