Star Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Overall Concept and Plot
AKOGUN: BRUTALIZER OF GODS throws readers into a brutal reimagining of Yoruba mythology, where the gods are not perfect beings but deeply flawed, violent, and driven by pride, greed, and betrayal. This is a world where divinity does not mean mercy, it means power.
At the center of the story is Akogun, a warrior born from tragedy and divine manipulation. His existence is the result of a long, cruel plan by the creator god Obatala, who secretly forges Akogun into a living weapon designed to kill other gods. Akogun’s personal journey is fueled by grief after his family is slaughtered by the Desert Raiders, mortal followers of the war god Ogun, led by the ruthless Anaya.
The narrative unfolds across two timelines.
- The Past shows the fall of Ogun, betrayed and crippled by a drunken Obatala, then humiliated by the storm god Sango.
- The Present follows Akogun’s relentless hunt for vengeance, a mission that pulls him into a larger cosmic war between gods.
The story builds toward a shocking truth: Akogun is not just a man seeking revenge, he is the prophesied “Brutalizer of Gods.” The reveal reframes everything that came before it and cements the comic’s dark, mythic tone.
Creative Team & Execution
The creative team delivers a bold and tightly executed debut that feels confident from start to finish.
- Writer: Murewa Ayodele (Lagos Comic Con 2023 FIST Award, Writer of the Decade) crafts a sharp, action-driven story rooted deeply in African mythology. The dialogue is deliberate and powerful, especially the biting exchanges between Obatala and Ogun. The decision to weave past betrayals with present-day violence gives the story emotional depth and clear motivation.
- Artist: Dotun Akande (Lagos Comic Con 2018 FIST Award, Best Cover Artist) brings the world of Akogun to life with explosive visuals. His character designs make every god feel distinct and dangerous. The action is fluid, heavy, and impactful, every blow feels earned.
- Colorist: Dee Cunniffe
- Letterer: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou
Together, the team creates a comic that feels cinematic, intense, and unapologetically brutal.
Art
Dotun Akande’s artwork is raw, expressive, and aggressive, perfectly matching the tone of the story. The panel composition emphasizes movement and power, especially during combat scenes. Akogun’s presence on the page feels heavy and inevitable, while the gods appear larger-than-life yet disturbingly human in their flaws.
Facial expressions, body language, and scale are used effectively to communicate fear, arrogance, rage, and despair without needing excessive dialogue.
Colouring
Dee Cunniffe’s colouring plays a major role in grounding the story’s atmosphere. Each environment has a distinct mood:
- The Wetlands feel calm but ominous (Pages 11–12),
- The Desert is harsh and unforgiving (Pages 77, 81),
- The Heavens feel grand yet cold and cruel (Pages 50, 57).
Strong contrasts, shadows, and lighting heighten the emotional weight of key scenes and make the divine battles feel truly catastrophic.
Highlights (Two Pages to Hook You)
• Page 25 – Obatala’s Defiance
Even after being crippled by Ogun, Obatala refuses to bow. His declaration,
“I’M STILL A CREATOR GOD, HANDS OR NO HANDS.”
perfectly captures his arrogance, resilience, and twisted divinity. This page defines his character in one unforgettable moment.
• Page 104 – The Hunter Becomes the Prey
In this chilling sequence, Akogun hunts Anaya’s warriors through narrow palace corridors. The repeated line “I AM HUNTER. YOU ARE PREY.” connects his present actions to his past, showing how completely he has embraced his role as a god-killer.
Why You Should Read It
If you enjoy dark fantasy, mythological reimaginings, and anti-hero stories that don’t hold back, AKOGUN: BRUTALIZER OF GODS is essential reading. It transforms Yoruba mythology into a violent, high-stakes epic filled with betrayal, destiny, and revenge.
This isn’t a story about saving the world, it’s about breaking it to make the gods pay. Bold, culturally rich, and fiercely original, Akogun announces itself as a powerful entry in modern African comics.
Where to Read
Check your local comic shop or visit onipress.com for availability.
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