In this fourth volume, award-winning cartoonist Tom Batiuk continues to chronicle the lives of the students and teachers at the fictitious Westview High School. By the 1980s Batiuk’s talent for character- and story-driven work comes into its own. It was the best of times, it was the OK of times In this fourth volume, award-winning cartoonist Tom Batiuk continues to chronicle the lives of the students and teachers at the fictitious Westview High School. Harry L. Dinkle, the World's Greatest Band Director and Funky's first breakout character, is still marching along happily. He makes the first of two visits to the Tournament of Roses Parade, and his ego grows even larger. Harry proves a good match for the sitcom style of writing into which Batiuk's work on Funky is developing, and Crazy Harry thrives as the repository for the more outré ideas and situations. Whether it is living in his locker and playing frozen pizzas on his stereo, battling the Eliminator at Space Invaders, announcing that he is an air guitar player, or inviting Carl Sagan and ET to the Star Trek Convention that he and the school computer would host, Crazy becomes Funky Winkerbean's natural-born outlier. Meanwhile, Les Moore continues his angst-filled journey as the leader of the school's out crowd. He's still at his machine-gun-fortified hall monitor's post, trying to avoid getting beaten up by Bull Bushka, and generally dealing with school life as best he can. The strip-within-a-strip about John Darling and his bottom-of-the-ratings-barrel TV station, Channel One, which had spun off into its own strip called Darling, remains popular. And Batiuk introduces readers to a new character - the school mascot, a vest-wearing scapegoat that can speak its thoughts directly to the reader. In the 1980s we begin to see hints of the change in tone that will come to characterize Funky Winkerbean's later years. Starting with the coach's heart attack and his reflections on life and relationships, then shifting to teacher Ann Randall and her job loss, these story arcs intertwine with others to mark the shift from a simpler sitcom mode to a more complex narrative with subplots. Fans will enjoy each variety of comedy in Funky's subtle evolution from gags to situational humor to behavioral humor.

After the assassination of one of Mali’s greatest kings, the traitors behind the coup set out to erase his legacy from Mali’s history. Their efforts fail when the youngest princess of Mali escapes with her newborn child to the Tuareg tribes in the Sahara. When her grief turns into hatred. The exiled princess swears an oath of vengeance against the family that unjustly stole Mali’s throne. That oath becomes her legacy and is passed down through the generations to her descendants. Over a century after the Keita took the throne. The Mali Empire has experienced great prosperity as well as turmoil. Coming off a tumultuous period wracked with plague, civil war, and political instability. Musa III begins the process of restoring the empire to its former glory. This restoration takes the form of an unprecedented tournament designed to find the most capable warrior to assume the role of Mali’s imperial general. Diata is the heir who carries his family’s vendetta against the Keita. When word of the tournament reaches his clan. Diata sees his opportunity to get close to the enemy. To become the next general, he needs to make his way through several mercenaries, a pirate king, and dozens of other warriors bred for war on the battlefield.

Madagascar is the story of a young woman's defiance, as well as her triumph in taking a nation into her own hands. Madagascar: The Rise of a Queen tells the story of the Queen that the world tried to erase, weaving a gripping narrative of defiance, courage, and the fight for identity. Join Ramavo on an extraordinary journey as she challenges the status quo and defies her enemies while navigating a world where she is an outsider. With each step, she earns the trust of her people and sparks a revolution to reclaim Madagascar's freedom from foreign invaders threatening to erode the island’s cultural heritage. Will she triumph against all odds and lead her people towards a future that honors their roots? Find out in this thrilling comic book series as Ramavo rises to become the Queen Madagascar needs.

Black Sands is the most popular independent book series in the black community and it is clear why. The story is about a young boy named Ausar whose life goal is to rule Kemet. This leads him on a quest across the war-torn lands of the ancient world. Volume five of Black Sands takes up deep in the trenches of Minoa where Ausar leads a desperate attempt to stop a Sumerian incursion under the mountain. Legend has it that an ancient of unspeakable power is buried underneath and the Minoans will do anything to keep it that way. It is in this battle where Ausar faces off against his most powerful enemy to date, the warrior Kingu. Little do the heroes know but while the battle rages for control of the mountain, the Spartans are in full advantage in the land battle in Akrotiri. Just as things are starting to look like it will all work out, an ancient power awakens and the difference in power between Ausar and this new foe is like a canyon. There is little hope for the people of Minoa and now Ausar struggles to keep his family alive. Kirkus Reviews says Black Sands is "a sure bet for young readers who may be cultivating interests in ancient history, "and "a fast-paced, engaging installment of a successful mythological-historical comic series." It has been compared to other series titles such as Avatar, Naruto manga, and many more. Black Sands is a series most black youth are hungry for. It is no wonder it has been featured on ABC Shark Tank, CBR, Publishers Weekly, Atlanta Blackstar, endorsed by the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and more.

Black Sands is the most popular independent book series in the black community and it is clear why. In this exciting new volume, the secret of the ancients in Minoa has been revealed. Ausar is now faced with an impossible decision. Will he choose to pursue the very real threat of the ancients below the mountain? Or aid in fighting the Spartans who have a significant advantage? Ausar knows the battle is most likely lost without his aide. But he chooses to deal with the ancients instead and requests soldiers to back him up. As they press deeper into the mountain, the Spartans have now launched a full-fledged invasion by land. Thousands of soldiers battle across the borders of Akrotiri but they maintain the line as best they can. Meanwhile Ausar exposes the real threat. Ausar finds out the Sumerians are here and actually control the ancients. A dangerous battle ensues for control of the underground, but Ausar will not yield! The Black Sands Universe is based in the ancient Middle East during the pre-dynastic era. because there is little to no historical text during this time period, we have liberty to tell our own stories. The Black Sands Universe combines mythology, historical context, and a little sci-fi into a coherent cross-pantheon experience everyone can enjoy. The story involves seven major kingdoms vying for power in the year 3500 BCE. Prior to this point, the world was completely under the control of ancient being from the planet Nibiru, but the coming of the God Killers divided many nations and began a war on a global scale. This story is told through the mythological characters of the time period. They will struggle, come of age, and suffer unimaginable loss throughout their quest to take back the Earth. Readers dive into the details of this vivid world and learn a lot about the cultures of the time period.

Black Sands is the most popular independent book series in the black community and it is clear why. War has broken out in the Mediterranean as Sparta invades mainland Minoa. Ausar realizes his original mission no longer stands. He now must rally his allies before they are crushed by the relentless onslaught of the Spartan army. The young boy Menes has decided to aid our heroes in the fight, but even with his aid, the enemy is well prepared. After days of grueling battle, there is a moment of peace, but that moment shatters when it is discovered that ancients beasts are on the island! Ausar decides it would be best to investigate so the team delves deep into the tunnels under the mountain. After many obstacles, they stumble upon a glowing shard that holds the answers to many mysteries behind the ancients and Minoa.

Black Sands is the most popular independent book series in the black community and it is clear why. Ausar leads his kin on an expedition to Minoa to find out the true threat of the ancients in the region. Unbeknownst to them, their transport has alternative motives for bringing them, leading them to a deadly battle on a remote uncharted island in the Mediterranean. Ausar uses all of his skills to protect his family as they are forced to fight terrifying ancients and during the battle, he is gravely wounded. When they finally reach Minoa, Ausar needs time to recover before they set out to explore the coast of Cypress. While he is away, Seth, Auset, and Nehbet meet the Queen. It is at this time that they realize there is a god-touched within the city. A young boy named Menes, who wields the power of Magma. This complication leaves many questions to be answered but before they can figure out the details, an invasion begins. The Spartans are here and they want Minoan blood.

Black Sands is the most popular Independent book series in the black community and it is clear why. The story is about a young boy named Ausar whose life goal is to rule Kemet. This leads him on a quest across the war-torn lands of the ancient world. In this world, a power struggle is being fought between the last standing nations of people and ancient beings known only as gods who rule over them. Our heroes will not only be struggling with ancient deities, but also the intricate politics of society at the time. Whether it's ancient Greece, Sumer, Canaan, Kush, or Egypt, readers will dive deep into this culturally phenomenal series. Kirkus Reviews says it is "A sure bet for young readers who may be cultivating interests in ancient history.” It has been compared to other Middle Grade series titles such as Avatar, Naruto manga, and many more. Black Sands is a series most black youth are hungry for. It is no wonder it has been featured in Publishers Weekly, CBR, Atlanta Blackstar, endorsed by the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and more.

The First Pharaoh is an action packed story about Rah who has emerged from the Rift and his only goal is to conquer the land of Kemet. Rah is accompanied by two young warriors, Nuit and Geb. Their path leads them across the fertile hills of Canaan, but all is not well in the tranquil land. Nephilim giants have dominated the region and their alpha is challenging Rah directly for a fight to the death. What will happen to the god king? SLJ says that The First Pharaoh is sharply laid out, high contrast compositions; and manga influenced Illustrations. Along with being an action packed take on Egyptian mythology that will appeal to teens who like anti-heroes.

Black Sands is the most popular independent book series in the black community and it is clear why. The story is about a young boy named Ausar whose life goal is to rule Kemet. This leads him on a quest across the war-torn lands of the ancient world. Volume five of Black Sands takes up deep in the trenches of Minoa where Ausar leads a desperate attempt to stop a Sumerian incursion under the mountain. Legend has it that an ancient of unspeakable power is buried underneath and the Minoans will do anything to keep it that way. It is in this battle where Ausar faces off against his most powerful enemy to date, the warrior Kingu. Little do the heroes know but while the battle rages for control of the mountain, the Spartans are in full advantage in the land battle in Akrotiri. Just as things are starting to look like it will all work out, an ancient power awakens and the difference in power between Ausar and this new foe is like a canyon. There is little hope for the people of Minoa and now Ausar struggles to keep his family alive. This is Black Sands! Kirkus Reviews says it is "A sure bet for young readers who may be cultivating interests in ancient history, "and "a fast-paced, engaging installment of a successful mythological-historical comic series." School Library Journal Reviews says that readers will appreciate the blend of ancient history and comic book storytelling. It has been compared to other Middle Grade series titles such as Avatar, Naruto manga, and many more. Black Sands is a series most black youth are hungry for. It is no wonder it has been featured in Publishers Weekly, ABC Shark Tank, CBR, Atlanta Blackstar, endorsed by the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and more.

After the assassination of one of Mali’s greatest kings. The traitors behind the coup set out to erase his legacy from Mali’s history. Their efforts fail when the youngest princess of Mali escapes with her newborn child to the Tuareg tribes in the Sahara. When her grief turns into hatred. The exiled princess swears an oath of vengeance against the family that unjustly stole Mali’s throne. That oath becomes her legacy and is passed down through the generations to her descendants. Over a century after the Keita took the throne. The Mali Empire has experienced great prosperity as well as turmoil. Coming off a tumultuous period wracked with plague, civil war, and political instability. Musa III begins the process of restoring the empire to its former glory. This restoration takes the form of an unprecedented tournament designed to find the most capable warrior to assume the role of Mali’s imperial general. Diata is the heir who carries his family’s vendetta against the Keita. When word of the tournament reaches his clan. Diata sees his opportunity to get close to the enemy. To become the next general, he needs to make his way through several mercenaries, a pirate king, and dozens of other warriors bred for war on the battlefield.

Black Sands is the most popular independent book series in the black community and it is clear why. In this exciting new volume, the secret of the ancients in Minoa has been revealed. Ausar is now faced with an impossible decision. Will he choose to pursue the very real threat of the ancients below the mountain? Or aid in fighting the Spartans who have a significant advantage? Ausar knows the battle is most likely lost without his aide. But he chooses to deal with the ancients instead and requests soldiers to back him up. As they press deeper into the mountain, the Spartans have now launched a full-fledged invasion by land. Thousands of soldiers battle across the borders of Akrotiri but they maintain the line as best they can. Meanwhile Ausar exposes the real threat. Ausar finds out the Sumerians are here and actually control the ancients. A dangerous battle ensues for control of the underground, but Ausar will not yield! The Black Sands Universe is based in the ancient Middle East during the pre-dynastic era. because there is little to no historical text during this time period, we have liberty to tell our own stories. The Black Sands Universe combines mythology, historical context, and a little sci-fi into a coherent cross-pantheon experience everyone can enjoy. The story involves seven major kingdoms vying for power in the year 3500 BCE. Prior to this point, the world was completely under the control of ancient being from the planet Nibiru, but the coming of the God Killers divided many nations and began a war on a global scale. This story is told through the mythological characters of the time period. They will struggle, come of age, and suffer unimaginable loss throughout their quest to take back the Earth. Readers dive into the details of this vivid world and learn a lot about the cultures of the time period.