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Malika: Warrior Queen Volume 1
**Part of the YouNeek YouNiverse! Extraordinary fantasy and superhero stories inspired by African history, culture, and mythology—created by the best Nigerian comics talent!** Following the exploits of queen and military commander Malika, who struggles to keep the peace in her ever-expanding empire, Azzaz, this historical fantasy is set in fifteenth-century West Africa and created by an all-star team from Nigeria.Growing up as a prodigy, Malika inherits the crown from her father in an incredibly unusual way, splitting the kingdom of Azzaz in half. After years of civil war, Malika finally unites all of Azzaz, expanding it into one of the largest empires in all of West Africa--but expansion will not come without its costs. Enemies begin to rise within her council, and Azzaz catches the attention of one of the most feared superpowers the world has ever the Ming Dynasty! As Malika fights to win the clandestine war within the walls of her empire, she must also turn her attention to an indomitable and treacherous foe with plans to vanquish her entire people. Warrior Queen Volume 1 also features bonus stories “ Dragon Trials” and “ Birth of a King”—and a new “behind the scenes” section! "Our mission is and always has been about empowering African creatives and storytelling while bringing both to a global audience." — Roye Okupe, Founder/Creative Director at YouNeek Studios
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2021
9 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Roye Okupe
29 books104 followersBorn 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!
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!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 31, 2024
What an interesting/fascinating start to a new series! I’ve been meaning to read this for ages but I haven’t had the chance to really dive into it. This is part of the YouNeek Studio project which focuses on the YouNiverse, a series of interconnected stories that are based in history! Malika Warrior Queen was such a fast paced, fun, and action packed look at this universe. While a lot of this comic draws from West African history, there are some fantastical elements that make it even more interesting. I absolutely loved Malika as a character and the strength and wisdom she exhibited on each page. The artwork was clean and moved the story along nicely. I’m really excited to dive into volume 2!
October 3, 2021
A solid, fantasy story with African roots about a warrior queen in the area of Nigeria. A lot of the elements are based on culture and ancestral people of the area. The latter half of the story does veer more to the fantastical.
Received a review copy from Dark Horse and Edelweiss.
Received a review copy from Dark Horse and Edelweiss.
August 13, 2023
This was great! An African historical fantasy graphic novel drawing on the real history of 15th century Africa to tell a sweeping tale of politics, magic, war, and betrayal. Malika is a warrior queen facing incursions from the Chinese Ming Dynasty as well as unrest closer to home. There are magical swords with a complicated history and really interesting world-building elements. I really enjoyed this and recommend for fans of political fantasy.
August 16, 2022
Finally, after the underwhelming WindMaker and, especially, E.X.O., Okupe steps up his YouNeek YouNiverse game with Malika.
Malika is, presumably, the comic he intended to write all this time, one that got consistently buried under his desire to produce what are essentially superhero cartoons told in stills.
Same strong Africa-centric narrative, but this time the bulk of the narrative is set in the past and features historically relevant locations and kingdoms to tell a tale of a warrior queen (a mash-up of two real life figures) who kicks ass. Righteously.
Though it features similar motives, like sibling rivalry, etc., this is a genuinely stronger story and a more engaging protagonist.
The art is an improvement too. It actually looks like a graphic novel and not a video game.
The narrative really should have stuck to historical fiction where it shined, but instead it looks like Okupe is determined to drag all his YouNiverse tales into present or near future and tie them all together like Marvel Universe does.
The quality isn’t the same, of course, but he’s really trying. And for representation purposes alone, it’s great. This one was actually fun to read, albeit quite long. If you’re going to visit YouNeek YouNiverse, I’d suggest to begin with this one.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
Malika is, presumably, the comic he intended to write all this time, one that got consistently buried under his desire to produce what are essentially superhero cartoons told in stills.
Same strong Africa-centric narrative, but this time the bulk of the narrative is set in the past and features historically relevant locations and kingdoms to tell a tale of a warrior queen (a mash-up of two real life figures) who kicks ass. Righteously.
Though it features similar motives, like sibling rivalry, etc., this is a genuinely stronger story and a more engaging protagonist.
The art is an improvement too. It actually looks like a graphic novel and not a video game.
The narrative really should have stuck to historical fiction where it shined, but instead it looks like Okupe is determined to drag all his YouNiverse tales into present or near future and tie them all together like Marvel Universe does.
The quality isn’t the same, of course, but he’s really trying. And for representation purposes alone, it’s great. This one was actually fun to read, albeit quite long. If you’re going to visit YouNeek YouNiverse, I’d suggest to begin with this one.
This and more at https://advancetheplot.weebly.com/
July 13, 2022
4.5 stars~
randomly saw this and at my public library and had to pick it up. Had never even heard of it before but am really glad I discovered this new universe. There are other separate stories in it and apparently the author even wants to develop it to an MCU-level, or even bigger, and so here for it.
randomly saw this and at my public library and had to pick it up. Had never even heard of it before but am really glad I discovered this new universe. There are other separate stories in it and apparently the author even wants to develop it to an MCU-level, or even bigger, and so here for it.
September 9, 2021
9/5/2021 V cool concept with excellent execution. Full review tk at TheFrumiousConsortium.net.
9/9/2021 What a fantastic way to kick off the YouNeek YouNiverse, an interrelated set of fantasy, sci-fi and superhero comics and properties from an African perspective! The first volume of Malika: Warrior Queen tells the story of a 15th century ruler, who she was and how she was shaped by the battles that rent and threatened to ultimately destroy her kingdom of Azzaz.
Malika grew up the younger daughter of the royal family, in the shadow of her beloved older sister Nadia. Tho a prodigy, she only became heir the same day that Nadia took a terrible fall and disappeared. With the death of her mother several years later, Malika ascended to the throne, ruling over a scant few years of peace and prosperity before dissension reared its ugly head once more. Now Malika has to preserve the kingdom she fought so hard to unite, not only from internal strife but from the looming threat of General Cheng and his mighty Ming army.
The plot twists nicely (if not necessarily surprisingly to this jaded thriller reader) as Malika has to navigate both military action and political intrigue in her quest to restore peace and affirm a united Azzaz. The rousing speeches are a highlight of the dialog, as Malika must contend with what makes for a fit ruler; kudos to Roye Okupe for some really thoughtful, evocative writing. The supernatural element is also very cool, leaning heavily on a mash-up of African and Chinese mythology. I really enjoyed the ending as well, and how it sets up for the rest of the extended universe. Bonus: this book definitely passes the Bechdel test!
But my favorite part of the book was likely the art, which was pretty darn terrific. Raphael Kazeen's colors do a wonderful job of breathing life into Chima Kalu's evocative, expressive illustrations. It's rare to find someone as good at depicting facial expressions as they are at close combat, mass military maneuvers and supernatural effects, but Mr Kalu fully delivers on everything the script calls for.
This first volume of Malika: Warrior Queen, much like its heroine, is the total package, smart, entertaining and just gorgeous to look at. We're really lucky to be able to provide coverage of not only this graphic novel, but also the other two flagship books of the YouNeek YouNiverse brought to American audiences by Dark Horse Comics in conjunction with YouNeek Studios. Stay tuned for those reviews in the weeks to come!
Malika: Warrior Queen Volume 1 by Roye Okupe, Chima Kalu & Raphael Kazeem was published September 7 2021 by Dark Horse Books and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
9/9/2021 What a fantastic way to kick off the YouNeek YouNiverse, an interrelated set of fantasy, sci-fi and superhero comics and properties from an African perspective! The first volume of Malika: Warrior Queen tells the story of a 15th century ruler, who she was and how she was shaped by the battles that rent and threatened to ultimately destroy her kingdom of Azzaz.
Malika grew up the younger daughter of the royal family, in the shadow of her beloved older sister Nadia. Tho a prodigy, she only became heir the same day that Nadia took a terrible fall and disappeared. With the death of her mother several years later, Malika ascended to the throne, ruling over a scant few years of peace and prosperity before dissension reared its ugly head once more. Now Malika has to preserve the kingdom she fought so hard to unite, not only from internal strife but from the looming threat of General Cheng and his mighty Ming army.
The plot twists nicely (if not necessarily surprisingly to this jaded thriller reader) as Malika has to navigate both military action and political intrigue in her quest to restore peace and affirm a united Azzaz. The rousing speeches are a highlight of the dialog, as Malika must contend with what makes for a fit ruler; kudos to Roye Okupe for some really thoughtful, evocative writing. The supernatural element is also very cool, leaning heavily on a mash-up of African and Chinese mythology. I really enjoyed the ending as well, and how it sets up for the rest of the extended universe. Bonus: this book definitely passes the Bechdel test!
But my favorite part of the book was likely the art, which was pretty darn terrific. Raphael Kazeen's colors do a wonderful job of breathing life into Chima Kalu's evocative, expressive illustrations. It's rare to find someone as good at depicting facial expressions as they are at close combat, mass military maneuvers and supernatural effects, but Mr Kalu fully delivers on everything the script calls for.
This first volume of Malika: Warrior Queen, much like its heroine, is the total package, smart, entertaining and just gorgeous to look at. We're really lucky to be able to provide coverage of not only this graphic novel, but also the other two flagship books of the YouNeek YouNiverse brought to American audiences by Dark Horse Comics in conjunction with YouNeek Studios. Stay tuned for those reviews in the weeks to come!
Malika: Warrior Queen Volume 1 by Roye Okupe, Chima Kalu & Raphael Kazeem was published September 7 2021 by Dark Horse Books and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
December 7, 2021
Hmmm... My second visit to the Nollywood of the comic world is much less successful than my first. This is a lumpen hokum about a warrior queen, who has united the Five Provinces (except for the rebels who think someone else should be on the throne and not her), but faces threats from outside – including the Ming Empire. Yes, that Ming Empire, in western Africa. Go figure. Arthurian swords, activated by virtue and fighting talent combined, go nowhere really in enlivening this plod, which has people bickering against other people for very little reason and to very little end. The fight scenes aren't nearly as well drawn as they think they are, either. But neither is this a horrendous failure – it's just that if it does have merit its in the crisp, clear artwork and design, and a local appeal, giving the world around Nigeria a showcase for fictionalised versions of their historical peoples. In this instance that local appeal doesn't make for a universal appeal – this doesn't look to have travelled well.
The book contains the two halves of Malika's story, and a one-shot off-shoot from one of the aforementioned, very interchangeable Provinces, and a very ignorable slice of over-blown fantasy combat. Only now is the Bigger Picture of the intended universe of these stories getting to make itself known – but I would say on the early evidence the western reader would do well to be selective.
The book contains the two halves of Malika's story, and a one-shot off-shoot from one of the aforementioned, very interchangeable Provinces, and a very ignorable slice of over-blown fantasy combat. Only now is the Bigger Picture of the intended universe of these stories getting to make itself known – but I would say on the early evidence the western reader would do well to be selective.
January 21, 2023
The first 3/4 of the book was more historical fiction and war. It was interesting but just okay to me. Once the fantasy kicked in the last part, I felt a bit more interested. The characters seemed like your typical protagonist and antagonist which made some things predictable. Story wise it was good. But I did absolutely LOVE seeing a graphic novel influenced by African history.
November 26, 2025
This was my first comic book read (as an adult) and I really enjoyed it! I bought it a few years ago when living in Paris at a comic shop and gave myself the time to read it seriously this year (even though I started in Paris but then left it off).
It might be interesting to note that I gave 3 stars to the re-read of A Way of Kings (Part 1) recently and 4 to this because this book really does deserve the praise and hype. A Way of Kings yes is more complex in terms of its story and characters but with Malika we are talking about the successful attempt of an entrepreneur to create a totally new world inspired by African lore. I loved the diversity of the characters, the serious challenges experienced by all of them (sibling rivalry, power, rage, compassion, loyalty, love, care etc.). The story itself is not incredibly unique and mindblowing but I might have thought differently if I read it as a teenager let’s say 10+ years ago. I would definitely like to keep this book and share it with my children later.
It might be interesting to note that I gave 3 stars to the re-read of A Way of Kings (Part 1) recently and 4 to this because this book really does deserve the praise and hype. A Way of Kings yes is more complex in terms of its story and characters but with Malika we are talking about the successful attempt of an entrepreneur to create a totally new world inspired by African lore. I loved the diversity of the characters, the serious challenges experienced by all of them (sibling rivalry, power, rage, compassion, loyalty, love, care etc.). The story itself is not incredibly unique and mindblowing but I might have thought differently if I read it as a teenager let’s say 10+ years ago. I would definitely like to keep this book and share it with my children later.
December 30, 2021
4.5
I really enjoyed this! There were times I was a little turned around in reading, but that was maximum 10 times in an over 300 page volume.
Each chapter having a little tidbit of information about the real life history of places that inspired the provinces of Azzaz was very interesting. I wish there was more about each of them, and having read the q and a at the end it seems the author wanted to as well.
Spoiler: I almost wish there wasn't a time skip at the end. I understand why, but I would have loved to see more from the time the volume was set in. It makes sense, and I hope there is more from that time, but I'm interested in where this is going.
I really enjoyed this! There were times I was a little turned around in reading, but that was maximum 10 times in an over 300 page volume.
Each chapter having a little tidbit of information about the real life history of places that inspired the provinces of Azzaz was very interesting. I wish there was more about each of them, and having read the q and a at the end it seems the author wanted to as well.
Spoiler: I almost wish there wasn't a time skip at the end. I understand why, but I would have loved to see more from the time the volume was set in. It makes sense, and I hope there is more from that time, but I'm interested in where this is going.
January 23, 2022
This is African fantasy and history blurred behind beautiful images and storytelling. Malika is a warrior that must lead her people out of turmoil. She must learn mercy and compassion, and when they are prosperous in combat. She must face her own demons, as well as her own family history she never dreamed would happen. She needs to learn when and how to trust others, while also understanding that its not a weakness to rely on others. So much is going on for Malika and she takes it all in stride.
The cultures are influenced by real events of real African history, which in the Americas is never learned. I love this version of the continent. And it makes me want to know more.
The cultures are influenced by real events of real African history, which in the Americas is never learned. I love this version of the continent. And it makes me want to know more.
September 28, 2021
I'm excited to see where the YouNeek YouNiverse goes after this. Malika was a very addictive read! I especially liked that Roye Okupe laid out the inspiration for the world-building and characters at each chapter break. That really shows how much he cares about his story, which is a great thing to see in a writer.
Read
May 13, 2022I don't particularly find the battle scenes interesting (which may be more about me and conventional comic books than it is about this particular story), but I love the mythology, and the African setting. The sort of ancillary materials - the big twist and the continuations of the main story - at the end were my favorite part. I'm curious where it goes.
June 4, 2022
Pretty interesting stories and quite nice art, but a bit too many action pages which all get a bit samey after a while. I'd actually really like to read and see more about the clothes and armour, which looked really interesting. Not sure how I feel about Malika being thrust into the present day and the name 'YouNeek YouNiverse' really pains me to look at :/
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2024
I enjoyed this. There is a definite feel like it's a big set up for the rest of the series, but there's a good plot arc on its own, which is sometimes lacking in graphic novel series. I'm really curious to read more about these characters.
Read
August 6, 2024I am choosing to DNF this series at 37%. I have no desire to continue to fight through reading this… my biggest issue here is that I don’t love historical fantasy. Even though I do think this is a really well executed graphic novel it’s just not to my taste.
September 17, 2024
Loved the artwork and the world building in this story. Malika and the interactions she had with the characters around her were very interesting. I’m curious to see where this goes in the next volume since it left off on a cliffhanger.
October 3, 2024
A refreshing tale of an African warrior queen, Malika draws inspiration from real territories and civilizations from ancient and middle-ages Africa. Loved the reading. It ends with a very welcome twist. Now I am eager to read Volume 2.
November 12, 2024
Getting into this one took a while (I'm still working on my graphic novel literacy), but I'm glad I stuck with it. This is a promising start to a new superhero/fantasy universe. I'll be picking up related materials if I can.
Nudge fans of ATLA this direction.
Nudge fans of ATLA this direction.
January 1, 2022
Great art work, fleshy story about a warrior queen in fifteenth century in west Africa. Well documented with details about west african tribes.
March 19, 2022
I really enjoyed this tale of Malika, her loss and rise to power. The artwork is colorful and brings vibrancy to the story.
September 5, 2022
I almost DNF'd this for the lack of action, but then it started to happen. Not sure I'm excited about the ending though.
October 31, 2022
One of the best graphic novels I have read! I loved the story arch and background. All the designs were really gorgeous and detailed to the point where I thought I transformed into a new world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2022
3.5 stars
August 11, 2023
This was good, I liked the story. The art gets a little mushy in crowd scenes, of which there are a lot. I will definitely look for the next collected volume.
September 21, 2023
4.5 stars
July 12, 2024
So rich in the diaspora.
December 15, 2024
4.5 stars. So nice to read an African centered comic!!!!!
August 1, 2024
Read for Realm of Comics book club - July 2024
I’m so confused about how Nadia died?
I’m so confused about how Nadia died?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2025
It was a very good story. Looking forward to Volume 2
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews