Thanks to his ruthless military prowess and the political savviness of his partner, Queen Lewa, Aja Oba’s kingdom thrives. However, when they are unsuccessful in producing an heir, Oba resorts to kidnapping his child from a past lover, the sorceress Obinrin Aje, who in return curses Oba with immortality, saying “You will see your loved ones wither to dust!” (Fielder 25). So he did, and through generations of lost loved ones, Oba wandered between armies and civilizations looking for meaning, suffering heavily from so much loss. Surviving through countless battles, from Roman legions to Jim Crow laws, Oba, now known by the name of John, is finally injured in the war in the Middle East, losing two limbs. However, miraculously they fully regenerated, but while recovering, the outside world’s technology progressed far beyond modern possibilities. Thanks to the invention of space travel, Oba’s adventures continue to the ends of the universe.

photo credits: https://timfielder.com/infinitum-an-afrofuturist-tale/

Aja Oba is physically imposing, with rippling muscles and brutal displays of inhuman strength; however, his masterfully crafted face and eyes show a well of emotion and depth to convey the humanity and soul that lies beneath this immortal curse. He adopts many different names and guises across the eras, but along with his constant need to adapt, Oba continues to press on, whether he wants to or not.

The themes of this graphic novel include repetition, such as in the rise and fall of empires, or the natural cycle of death, love, and war, as well as structural themes like capitalism, colonialism, and imperialism, and their natural conclusion if maintained on a galactic scale. Furthermore, social issues including racism, classism, and environmentalism are addressed and challenged, especially with the forging of a better future. From a psychological standpoint, this book conveys a sense of solitude and engages with notions of depression, suicide, and other mental health struggles. However, with “An Afrofuturist Tale” proudly declared in the title, much of this art and story undeniably focuses on themes within the black experience, including notions of black nationalism, love, and perseverance.

This story lacks very convincing, strong female characters. On the one hand, Aja Oba’s life seems to be bolstered and made meaningful by the romantic relationships in which he engages in. Each of these relationships are offered full pages where we witness the voice of these women, and are able to hear their thought process and expressions of love. However, through a feminist lens, the role of women in this story is little more than objects to be won, to exhibit Oba’s value. Meanwhile, the narrative style is very direct, with most world-building declared in text, rather than implied subtly or shown in the art. Perhaps this is a rejection of stringent Western norms or styles of storytelling, or perhaps the lack of complex text is meant to emphasize the powerful visuals. Regardless, I do believe this work is worthy of its name as an Afrofuturist piece: it beautifully pictures the Black experience, connecting roots and history to a grand future through the eyes of a single man.