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Get Graphic: The Unique Visual Style of YouNeek's Etubi Onucheyo

 

Art by Etubi Onucheyo

Interview by Troy-Jeffrey Allen

 Artist Etubi Onucheyo

Dedicated to spotlighting African-inspired stories, YouNeek Studios is the home of characters such as Malika, E.X.O., Iyanu: Child Wonder, and more. This ever-expanding multi-media publisher is now bringing its impressive library of characters to Dark Horse Comics.

Throughout the month of September, PREVIEWSworld is zeroing in on the artists behind YouNeek Studios' upcoming slate of titles. Last week, we introduced you to artist Godwin Akpan. Now, let's get cozy with colorist Etubi Onucheyo. Keep reading...

 

Malika From YouNeek Studios 

"I’m from the Kogi State in Nigeria but I live in the capital, Abuja." -Etubi Onucheyo


 Art by Etubi Onucheyo

Art by Etubi Onucheyo

Malika!!! Malika, for me, is a great adaptation of African mythos. When I was little, I was told a few tales about Queen Amina ruling a region that wouldn’t let a woman come to such prominence. I’m absolutely honored to be part of the team that brought that [story] to modern-day." -Etubi Onucheyo

 

Art by Etubi Onucheyo

"[I got involved with YouNeek Studios] when I was still making comics full-time in 2016-2017. YouNeek Studios' writer/producer Roye Okupe -- who was more of an online friend at the time -- contacted me shortly after the Lagos Comic-Con about an emergency color project he needed. I was brought in to make things pop." -Etubi Onucheyo


 Art by Etubi Onucheyo

Art by Etubi Onucheyo

"I’ve always drawn as a kid, but thought it wasn’t feasible as a career. So I wanted to make it more of a hobby, but my Dad said 'I’m not saying your grades are bad but you see these mathematicians have found their way into everything! Please do what comes easy to you, and from what I can see it's this art.' So, I studied Fine and Applied Arts at university and met a lot of people I’m immensely proud to call my colleagues." -Etubi Onucheyo


 Art by Etubi Onucheyo

"[With Malika, audiences can expect] an action-packed story with characters growing and learning, time-travel woes, great lore, and maybe a little pinch of fun." -Etubi Onucheyo


Art by Etubi Onucheyo

Malika Warrior Queen Vol. 1 hits comic shops on September 8th. Malika Warrior Queen Vol. 2 arrives on December 22nd.

If you've enjoyed this glimpse into the creative and colorful world of Etubi Onucheyo, give him a follow Etubi on InstagramFacebook, and Twitter. Before you do, though...take a further look at his illustrations below.


Art by Etubi Onucheyo

Art by Etubi Onucheyo

Art by Etubi Onucheyo

Art by Etubi Onucheyo

Art by Etubi Onucheyo

Art by Etubi Onucheyo

Art by Etubi Onucheyo

Keep an eye on PREVIEWSworld.com's TwitterFacebookYouTube, or Instagram for more artist spotlights! 

If you want to find more from YouNeek Studios then be sure to check out these titles at your local comic shop...

DARK HORSE COMICS
IYANU CHILD OF WONDER TP VOL 01
(W) Roye Okupe (A/CA) Godwin Akpan
Iyanu, a teenage orphan with no recollection of her past, suddenly discovers that she has abilities that rival the ancient deities told in the folklore of her people. It is these abilities that are the key to bringing back an "age of wonders," as Iyanu begins her journey to save a world on the brink of destruction! The Corrupt-cursed wildlife and strange, divine beasts-are determined to destroy humanity, unless Iyanu can stop them.

Dark Horse and YouNeek Studios launch a shared universe of African fantasy and superhero stories-the YouNeek YouNiverse!

Extraordinary stories about extraordinary characters inspired by African history, culture, and mythology.
In Shops: Sep 22, 2021
SRP: $19.99
PREVIEWS Page #98

DARK HORSE COMICS
MALIKA WARRIOR QUEEN TP VOL 01
(W) Roye Okupe (A) Chima Kalu (CA) Godwin Akpan
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. In this action-packed graphic novel, African history mixes with drama, politics, betrayal, romance, and dragons!
Over 300 story pages!
A movement of African-inspired comics & storytelling!
In Shops: Sep 08, 2021
SRP: $24.99
PREVIEWS Page #99

DARK HORSE COMICS
EXO LEGEND OF WALE WILLIAMS TP VOL 01
(W) Roye Okupe (A) Sunkanmi Akinboye (CA) Godwin Akpan
The oldest son of a world-renowned scientist, Wale Williams-aka tech-savvy superhero EXO-tries to save Lagoon City from a deadly group of emerging extremists. But before this "pending" superhero can do any good for his city, there is one person he must save first-himself! An Afrofuturist superhero story about redemption set in the bustling metropolis that is Lagos, Nigeria-with a creative team that's also from Lagos!
•  Dark Horse and YouNeek Studios launch a shared universe of African fantasy and superhero stories-the YouNeek YouNiverse!
•  Extraordinary stories about extraordinary characters inspired by African history, culture, and mythology.
In Shops: Oct 20, 2021
SRP: $24.99
PREVIEWS Page #101

DARK HORSE COMICS
MALIKA WARRIOR QUEEN TP VOL 02
(W) Roye Okupe (A/CA) Akinboye Sunkanmi
Malika, queen and commander of the fifteenth-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. Malika uncovers a sinister plot that predates her own five-hundred-year-old legend as Warrior Queen and threatens to end humanity.

"Our mission is and always has been about empowering African creatives and storytelling while bringing both to a global audience." -Roye Okupe
In Shops: Feb 09, 2022
SRP: $24.99
PREVIEWS Page #107

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Troy-Jeffrey Allen is the producer and co-host of PREVIEWSworld Weekly. He is also the consumer content Marketing Manager for Geppi Family Enterprises. Troy's comics work includes MF DOOM: All Caps, Public Enemy's Apocalpyse '91, The Glyph Award-nominated Fight of the Century, the Harvey Award-nominated District Comics, and the Ringo Award-nominated Magic Bullet.

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