Malika: Fallen Queen - Part One

by Roye Okupe (Writer), Sunkamni Akinboye (Illustrator)

Malika, warrior queen and military commander of the 15th-century West African Empire, Azzaz, has been flung into the year 2025. After years of moving in the shadows, Malika is forced out of hiding by The Olon Jin — ancient sorcerers imprisoned for centuries because of their obsession with dark magic. In their sights is the Fire and Frost stone — a relic that holds the combined power of two legendary dragons. On her journey to Egypt to retrieve the stone, Malika uncovers a sinister plot that predates even her 500-year-old legend as Warrior, Queen and Hero of the Azzazian Empire. As Malika battles both her past and present, she runs into Eliza Mantel, a young girl with hidden powers whose mind could tip the scales in an ancient war that threatens to end humanity.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels

128 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2019

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]

The various storylines in the YouNeek Universe are starting to meld. This volume deals a lot with Malika's relationship with various family members. There's a big reveal that felt muted because I don't think it was given enough buildup, but there was another reveal that I think will take the story interesting places. Malika's relationship with Nadia is touching and tragic and one of my favorite parts of the story right now.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this story universe, and it looks like it's going to be difficult to track down other copies of some of the books, which makes me sad. The story continues to escalate in this volume and I really liked some of the new characters and I have so many questions! Glad I picked this series up.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Malik’s, I started with EXO and then Malik’s, Roye delivers and all his comics are amazing. They include some history and amazing stories