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Malika: Warrior Queen

In fifteenth-century West Africa, Queen Malika fights to keep the peace in her ever-expanding empire, Azzaz. Dragons, mythical relics, a feuding royal family and magical swords, in an awe-inspiring African setting.

▶ Watch the Short

Malika is a historical fantasy about a warrior queen, set in fifteenth-century West Africa. Created by Roye Okupe, inspired by the legend of Queen Amina of Zazzau, and in development as an Afro-Anime feature film.

Malika strikes down an enemy warrior on the battlefield — From Malika: Warrior Queen Vol. 1

Malika inherited the crown in the most unusual of circumstances, splitting the kingdom of Azzaz in half. After years of civil war, she united it and built one of the largest empires in West Africa. But expansion has its costs. Enemies rise within her own council, and Azzaz catches the eye of the most feared superpower the world has known: the Ming Dynasty. Then the Warrior Queen is flung five hundred years into the future, into the year 2025.

Created by: Roye Okupe
Books: 2 volumes, both in the YouNeek app
On screen: Animated short (2019)
Next: Animated feature film in development

Malika: Warrior Queen, the animated feature film poster

Afro-Anime feature film · In development

Malika is coming to the big screen.

A 100-minute animated feature, written and directed by Roye Okupe. Inspired by the legend of Queen Amina of Zazzau: a guilt-ridden queen forges a fractured kingdom into an empire, until dark magic brings back the sister she lost.

Be first to hear about the film: casting, first looks and release news.

▶ Watch the 2019 Short

Characters

Meet the characters.

MalikaWarrior Queen of Azzaz

Queen and military commander of the fifteenth-century empire of Azzaz, and one of the greatest strategists the YouNiverse has known.Full Profile →

Bass KazaarThe Legendary WindMaker

The first WindMaker, and the first King of Atala.Full Profile →

FireFrostFire and frost

Hot-headed, stubborn and headstrong, with a level of courage and heart few heroes ever reach.Full Profile →

HasanApanirun, the Destroyer

Queen Malika’s estranged nephew, who spent his whole life chasing one mission: revenge on his aunt.Full Profile →

Also in this world: The Olon Jin · The Divine Ones · All characters →

Animated short · 15 min

Malika · Animated short · 2019

Where Malika came to life.

Starring Adesua Etomi-Wellington as Malika. Written and directed by Roye Okupe, animated by Anthill Studios. Official selection, AFRIFF and MECCAcon International Film Festival 2019.

Malika on Film & TV

The graphic novels

Read the series.

Free for 7 days in the YouNeek app, then $4.99/month.

Malika: Warrior Queen Vol. 12021 · 336 pages

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Malika: Warrior Queen Vol. 22022 · 280 pages

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Read Our Comics Free Reading Guide

Interesting layouts, exciting battle scenes, and a matter-of-factly feminist vibe.NPR, on Malika: Warrior Queen

Questions about Malika.

How do you pronounce Malika?

Ma-LIE-kah.

Is Malika based on a real person?

She’s inspired by Queen Amina of Zazzau, a real warrior queen of West Africa.

Where can I watch the Malika animated short?

Right here, free. Press play above. The 2019 short stars Adesua Etomi-Wellington and was written and directed by Roye Okupe.

Is there a Malika movie?

Yes. Malika: Warrior Queen, a 100-minute Afro-Anime feature written and directed by Roye Okupe, is in development. Get Malika news.

How many Malika books are there?

Two volumes of Malika: Warrior Queen (2021 and 2022), both in the YouNeek app. Malika also leads the team in The Oloris: Heroes Will Unite.

Is there a Malika game?

Malika: Crown of Azzaz, a mobile strategy game, is coming soon. Get notified.

Join the inner circle

News from the studio, first.

Studio news and updates from creator Roye Okupe. Pick a free first chapter or just the news.