Malika - Warrior Queen Part Two: An African Historical Fantasy Graphic Novel

by Roye Okupe

Set in fifteenth-century West Africa, Malika (Pronounced "Ma-LIE-kah"): Warrior Queen follows the exploits of queen and military commander Malika, who struggles to keep the peace in her ever-expanding empire. In part two of the hit graphic novel series, Malika uncovers a painful betrayal by one of the people closest to her. The treachery unnerves a usually stoic and composed Malika, allowing her enemies, both known and unknown, internal as well as external, to encircle her, positioning themselves for the destruction of Azzaz, the empire she spent her entire adult life building. Can Malika recompose herself and save her people once again? Or is this betrayal the beginning of the end for Malika and the people of Azzaz? Only time will tell.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Comics, Fantasy, Africa

144 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 2, 2018

About the author

Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Roye Okupe is a creative specialist who holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s in computer science from The George Washington University. His passion for animation led him to found YouNeek Studios in 2012, an avenue that would allow him pursue his dream of creating a diverse library of superheroes. Under that umbrella, Roye wrote, produced and directed several animated productions including, but not limited to, 2D/3D animated short films, TV commercials, show openers, music videos and much more. These productions have allowed Roye to attain much prestigious recognition’s such as being #5 on Ventures Africa’s list of 40 African innovators to watch (2016) as well as being part of NewAfrican Magazines’ 100 most influential Africans of 2016.

With the superhero genre currently at the height of popularity, Roye has made it a goal to create a connected universe of heroes, with origins from locations that are currently neglected and/or ignored. In August 2015, Roye released his debut graphic novel titled: E.X.O. The Legend of Wale Williams Part One, a superhero story set in a futuristic Nigeria. E.X.O. was received with critical acclaim and has since been featured on CNN, Forbes, The New York Times, NBC, The Guardian, ABC7, BBC, The Huffington Post, Mashabe and more!

Reviews

[Thistle & Verse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good continuation of the series. There are a lot of twists and turns in this issue, and while I guessed some of them, I didn't see them all coming. The fight sequences looked good, and I'm appreciating Malika's character design more and more. It looks like the series will be moving away from the military strategy a bit, and I'm kind of disappointed. It was something I don't usually read, and it was growing on me, but it looks like Malika will be fighting more one-on-one now. In summation, a lot of good elements in this volume.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this even more than the first. Good characters, intriguing plots. And that twist at the end! I want to read all the other books on the Youneek universe! 

[Hillary · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good continuation of the series! I need to go back and read the dragon one-shot, though.

[Craig Lotter · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second part of the warrior queen Malika's tale is surprisingly good, featuring all the politics, back-stabbing, mysticism and action that you could want from a 15th century adventure. Okupe weaves a good story with solid dialogue, while Kalu's artwork captures the mood and action perfectly. If anything, sometimes the colouring is a little too on the dark side of things, but honestly, I came away having enjoyed the read far more than what I was initially expecting to!

[ISMOTU · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second part of the Warrior Queen's epic had some twists and turns that worried me but in the end they didn't fall prey to some obvious plot traps though comeuppance was dealt out in spades. The surprise ending didn't pull me in strongly enough to explore the rest of this universe quite yet.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As expected Roye Okupe delivered in the second part of Malika. He really makes you cheer on the hero and understand the villain. Fantastic art makes for such an enjoyable read and the little history snippets as well as sharing his inspiration really keep you excited for more

[Vincent Stoessel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malika - Warrior Queen, "Part Deux" was simply epic. Like the first part it was a lot like reading a good movie. Good characters with lots of good plotting.

[Quinesia Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome graphic novel. The graphics were great. The storyline was better, way jucier than Part One. I really loved this. People of color written by people of color. Fabulous.

[Camina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for the next installment.

[2TReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

The world widens, bringing the battle to the future, with new trials, characters, and betrayal. This is a series that I wholeheartedly enjoy and recommend.