African Queens: Twelve Incredible Stories of Africa's Legendary Women Leaders

Twelve powerful African women from throughout history come to life through engaging true stories and bold illustrations.

All over Africa, women have shaped and ruled glorious civilizations—from Queen Hatshepsut of ancient Egypt, who built great temples and chose trade over war, to Mmanthatisi, the Wild Cat queen of the Basia people, who was small in stature but a clever army commander. Legendary Queen Arawelo of Somalia did everything in her power to make sure that men and women were treated equally in her kingdom, while Sayyida al-Hurra, the wealthy pirate queen, enriched her beloved city of Tétouan in Morocco. Potent leaders, thinkers, warriors, and protectors—each woman left her mark on history, and each empowering story comes alive in this lively and absorbing book, packed with facts and bright illustrations.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs