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THE LAGELU CODEX: EVERY LEGEND BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STROKE

Before the Kingdom was built, it was imagined.

Before the towering cities, before the breathtaking landscapes, before warriors, kings, and ancient technologies came to life, there was a blank page, a single pencil stroke, and the relentless pursuit of artistic perfection.

For six years, LAGELU: The Kingdom on Four Hills has been forged behind closed doors by some of the most versatile Black comic artists; every sketch, every design, every discarded concept, and every breakthrough shaping a world unlike anything ever seen in African graphic storytelling.

Now, for the very first time, the doors to that creative sanctuary are opening.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What Is the Lagelu Codex? Before the Kingdom, There Was a Sketch
• Inside the Lagelu Codex: The Three Artists Who Built the Kingdom
• Why the Lagelu Codex Is More Than a Sketchbook
• Be Among the First to Enter the Kingdom
• Frequently Asked Questions About the Lagelu Codex
• Own the Journey That Created the Kingdom

What Is the Lagelu Codex? Before the Kingdom, There Was a Sketch

The Lagelu Codex: The Art of the Kingdom is more than a collection of artwork. It is an exclusive invitation into the creative engine behind LAGELU.

It is where imagination becomes architecture, where mythology meets innovation, and where readers witness the evolution of an ambitious African epic from raw concept to finished masterpiece.

This is the story behind the story; the artistic journey few ever get to experience.

Inside these pages, you will discover the creative fingerprints of three extraordinary masters whose distinct artistic visions shaped every corner of the Kingdom.

Inside the Lagelu Codex: The Three Artists Who Built the Kingdom

I. Mshindo Kuumba: The Visionary Who Imagined the Kingdom

Few artists possess the ability to merge ancestral memory with futuristic imagination as effortlessly as the internationally acclaimed Afrofuturist illustrator Mshindo Kuumba.

A legendary illustrator, concept designer, and one of the defining voices in modern Afrofuturist storytelling, Kuumba has helped shape acclaimed titles including Jaycen Wise, Ebony Warrior, Menthu, and Dynasty of the Magi.

For LAGELU, Kuumba became the architect of possibility.

His signature style, best described as sculptural kinetic realism, fuses organic African landscapes with breathtaking futuristic technology, creating environments that feel ancient, alive, and centuries ahead of their time.

Through his original concept sketches, you will witness the birth of the Kingdom itself and experience the visual blueprints of a world unlike any other in comics.

II. Babajide Briggs Adebimpe: The Master Who Gave the Kingdom Its Identity

With more than three decades of artistic excellence, Babajide “Briggs” Adebimpe is regarded as one of Nigeria’s finest comic illustrators; a master craftsman whose precision, versatility, and breathtaking detail have earned him legendary status.

Every unforgettable face of LAGELU passed through his pen.

From the iconic character designs to the stunning covers and promotional art posters, Briggs transformed concepts into unforgettable visual icons.

His masterful high-contrast inking elevates every page into a work of art, and within the Sketch Companion you will experience the raw beauty of his black-and-white line work in its purest form; proof that sometimes a single line can tell an entire story.

III. Stanley Obende: The Cinematic Storyteller Behind Every Page

Award-winning illustrator, storyboard artist, and concept designer Stanley Obende has become one of Nigeria’s most respected visual storytellers.

His work with Comic Republic, Etan Comics, and even an official comic project for Grammy Award-winning superstar Burna Boy has established him as one of the industry’s leading creative forces.

As Lead Artist on LAGELU, Stanley transformed the Kingdom into a living, breathing cinematic experience.

His remarkable grayscale rendering process builds entire worlds through carefully orchestrated light, shadow, and atmosphere before colour is ever introduced. Every page reveals the depth, emotion, and visual storytelling that make LAGELU feel as though it belongs on the biggest screen imaginable.

Why the Lagelu Codex Is More Than a Sketchbook

The Lagelu Codex: Sketch Companion is a rare opportunity to stand beside the artists as the Kingdom takes shape. Every unfinished sketch, every exploratory design, every pencilled revision, and every artistic breakthrough reveals the passion, discipline, and innovation behind six years of world building.

Whether you are an artist seeking inspiration, a comic enthusiast fascinated by the creative process, or a collector who appreciates the craft behind great storytelling, this companion offers an experience that cannot be found within the finished graphic novel alone.

Because once you have seen how a legend is created, you will never look at the Kingdom the same way again.

Be Among the First to Enter the Kingdom

The Kingdom awakens this October.

Join the Early Access List and unlock the Lagelu Creator’s Collector’s Edition; a premium digital collection created for collectors of Lagelu: The Kingdom on Four Hills.

Your Collector’s Package Includes:

•  LAGELU: The Kingdom on Four Hills Graphic Novel, Collector’s Edition; the definitive graphic novel experience

•  The Lagelu Codex: Sketch Companion; an exclusive behind the scenes archive of six years of concept art, sketches, visual development, and world building, free during launch week only

•  The Lagelu Anthem; an in universe musical demo capturing the ceremonial anthem of the city, a quick ambient bonus track for digital collectors

•  Symphony of a New Dawn; a powerful hybrid concept single, conceived as a cinematic blend of authentic African chant, raw bass, rhythm, lead and bass guitar, local musical instruments, and sweeping symphonic arrangement, designed to create an immersive experience for the universe

Frequently Asked Questions About the Lagelu Codex

I. What is the Lagelu Codex?

The Lagelu Codex: Sketch Companion is a behind the scenes art collection revealing six years of concept sketches, character designs, and visual development behind Lagelu: The Kingdom on Four Hills.

II. Who are the artists behind the Lagelu Codex?

The Lagelu Codex features work from three artists: Mshindo Kuumba, Babajide Briggs Adebimpe, and Stanley Obende, each bringing a distinct visual style to the Kingdom.

III. Is the Lagelu Codex included in the graphic novel?

The Lagelu Codex is a separate companion piece, included free as part of the Creator’s Collector’s Edition during launch week only.

IV. When can I get the Lagelu Codex?

The Kingdom opens this October; join the early access list to be notified the moment it does.

Own the Journey That Created the Kingdom

The Kingdom is almost here.

Will you simply read its story, or own the journey that created it?