Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.

Book: LOAS

Author: Doris Marcano, Marifer Bohorquez, and Angela Montilla

Book Series: LOAS S1 E1

Diversity: Black characters and main characters

Rating: 4/5

Recommended For...: graphic novel readers

Genre: Graphic Novel

Publication Date: September 2021

Publisher: Kraven Comics

Pages: 40

Recommended Age: 14+ (Racism, Slavery)

Explanation of CWs: 

Synopsis: In the 1680s, a powerful race ruled in what is known today as the Tongo area on the west coast of Africa. They were a thriving society led by women who held the highest positions in government and the military. In this kingdom, men were devoted to protecting and worshipping women as their gods, the creators of life.  After thousands of years of prosperity, English colonists discovered them and quickly aim to conquer them, unaware that this was like no other race they had ever encountered. At first, they seemed like a tribe, but as the English men infiltrated to conquer them, they discovered this race to be much more powerful and resilient. These would-be conquerors will thrust the Kingdom of England into the most significant conflict it has ever seen.

Review: For the most part I thought it was good. The illustrations are well done, the story is interesting, and the world building is done well and fairly historically accurate.

However, I have a lot of concerns about where the future of this comic will go. I worry that the comic is setting up for a romance story line between a white colonizer who was there to get slaves for Europe and the Loas' leader's daughter, who is Black. I find nothing wrong with interracial relationships but I'm concerned more for the historical context of the book and what it could gloss over for the "interest" of a romance storyline. I also am concerned that most of the character development is done on the website rather than on the pages of the book.

Verdict: Fairly well done.