Kugali Ink: Àkànní - by Jessica Tagbajumi

About the Book

A young warrior in training--áAkáannâi--and a group of rebels uncover a conspiracy threatening their solar system, challenging everything she has been taught about honor, justice, and trust.

Book Synopsis

A young warrior in training and a team of unlikely-heroes-turned-friends set out to uncover a conspiracy that threatens their entire solar system--and challenges their idea of honor.

This epic space-based graphic novel for 8-12 year olds is perfect for fans of Star Wars and Iyanu on Cartoon Network!

All her life, Àkànní has dreamed of being an onija--brave in the face of danger, strong in the face of opposition, and honorable in the face of injustice. And as a student at the prestigious Onija Institute, she's on her way to becoming part of the elite force that defends her solar system.

But when a surprise attack decimates her home planet and the government refuses to respond, Àkànní no longer knows who to trust. She rushes home to Asa to search for survivors--and there meets a misfit group of rebels seeking answers.

When they discover evidence that the attack on Asa was just the beginning, it's up to Àkànní and her new friends to open the eyes of those in power to the real threat of war.

Review Quotes

"Like all the best science fiction, Àkànní spins a tale about the struggles of the future that shines a light on the injustices of now and challenges us to be brave enough to fight for a better tomorrow."
--Benjamin A. Wilgus, Ignatz Award-winning author of Grace Needs Space

About the Author

For Jessica Tagbajumi, writing was an imaginative expression--a creative escape from the chaos around her as a teenager. In July 2019, she published her first novel, Wings of the Night Sky, an African fantasy novel for young adults, showing them they are bigger than their fears. That was just the start for Jessica. She has published novellas, anthologies, and comics. Jessica is enthusiastic about writing more novellas and collaborating with more writers. She is not afraid of expressing her imagination on paper. The characters and stories in her head always come to life in a way that has you awed by the myriad of possibilities. Read more on her website: jessicatagbajumi.com.

Jason Lamy (penciller, inker) is a Zimbabwean-born UK artist. Having grown up in Zimbabwe, Jason discovered Japanese manga and anime and immediately fell in love. Ever since then, Jason has worked tirelessly to realize his dream of becoming an artist, and now his work speaks for itself. Over the course of his time with Kugali he has learned to incorporate various African art styles into his work, and works tirelessly to ensure that every visual representation of African culture within his work is as accurate and as well-informed as it can be. He is the chief designer and illustrator at Kugali who has worked as the inker and colorist for the Nommo Award-Nominated graphic novel Nani, as well as Kokou and Murenga.