Legends Never Die: The Power of Family and Heritage”
– “This story began with a dream shared by three siblings. Though one was taken too soon, her voice echoes through every panel of Rise of the Mafu.”
Our story is:
A story rooted in family, resilience, and reclaiming identity.
A heroine inspired by their sister—a warrior, a dreamer, a force.
An Afrofuturistic saga that bridges myth, hip hop and the future.*
We are Gerald and Steven Vreden, founders of First Noble.
Steven was formerly a psychologist, and Gerald a financial director. We both made a career switch to follow our passion for storytelling and mythology, with the goal of preserving and sharing the untold stories of African and Caribbean Legends. These stories, which we missed in our youth and still miss today, hold ancient knowledge that can teach us much about humanity and the world we share. Through a graphic novel, we bring these narratives to life, inspiring young people and adults to discover more about themselves, the world, and Afro-Caribbean culture through the power of entertainment.
This journey is deeply personal. At the heart of our work is Wanda, our sister, inspiration, and co-author. Wanda had a rare gift for creating stories that connected people and made them feel seen and valued. One of these stories, Rise of the Mafu, is a series rooted in Afro-Caribbean culture and identity, reflecting our shared experiences and heritage.
This journey is deeply personal. At the heart of our work is Wanda, our sister, inspiration, and co-author. Wanda had a rare gift for creating stories that connected people and made them feel seen and valued. One of these stories, Rise of the Mafu, is a series rooted in Afro-Caribbean culture and identity, reflecting our shared experiences and heritage.
Tragically, Wanda passed away at just 36, leaving this work unfinished. Her loss was devastating, but her deep passion fuels us to honor her memory. We promised her we would complete the stories, and that promise drives us to bring Rise of the Mafu to life as a graphic novel.
Wanda is more than the inspiration behind this project—she is in it. As one of the story’s main characters, her spirit lives on in the narrative, serving as a tribute to her creativity and resilience. Through this project, we aim to inspire others to embrace their culture, explore their roots, and find strength in their own voices.
Rise of the Mafu #1 is a stand-alone series rooted in Afro-Caribbean mythology and set within the universe of the HIS STORY OF THE WORLD novels. This illustrated story launches an epic graphic novel trilogy, picking up where the first novel left off. You are immersed in a universe where history and destiny are locked in a powerful struggle for survival. In the first issue of this series, we follow the journey of the Vreden siblings, three Afro-Caribbean young adults living in a futuristic city of the Netherlands in the year 2051. Forced to confront dark forces from a distant realm, they’ll discover themselves and master ancient powers passed down by their ancestors—forces so fierce they could mold or annihilate the very future.
Their mission is clear: they must fight to protect and awaken the legacy of their people. If they fail, the future of the universe and its very history will be in danger. Rise of the Mafu #1 transports you into an epic afrofuturistic high fantasy world of adventure. Blending African traditional spirituality, mystery, and cosmic forces; we journey together into several uncharted realms like Sabanna, the ancestral realm, and different dimensions with ancient spirits and powerful deities. On this journey we meet new creatures, like the Bakru—an ominous dwarf spirit feared across the Caribbean and Africa. Traveling Through these realms and distant worlds, we uncover lost African lore and timeless stories that have been waiting for you to be rediscovered.
When dark forces invade, the Vreden siblings are thrust into battle, forcing Gerald to leave behind his life as a hip-hop dancer and face a rite of passage he’s long avoided—a test that could unlock his true power. Haunted by past trauma and fighting through fierce inner struggles, he’s not alone: his sister Wanda and brother Steven are by his side, facing relentless enemies, both seen and unseen, as they attempt to break through the shadows holding him back.
Their journey pulls them into the ancient land of Nengre Kondre, the Motherlands, where the siblings stumble upon a paradise seemingly untouched by time. But this peaceful world hides lethal secrets. As they train with the cosmic Mafu, unlocking powers hidden deep in their bloodline, they uncover a lurking threat ready to tear this paradise apart—and with it, their future.
Together, the siblings must master their ancestral powers, push their skills to the limit, and embrace the legacy of the Mafu before darkness consumes them and their world forever. The fight to survive has begun.
Rise of the Mafu #1 is a stand-alone series rooted in Afro-Caribbean mythology and set within the universe of the HIS STORY OF THE WORLD novels. This illustrated story launches an epic graphic novel trilogy, picking up where the first novel left off. You are immersed in a universe where history and destiny are locked in a powerful struggle for survival.
In the first issue of this series, we follow the journey of the Vreden siblings, three Afro-Caribbean young adults living in a futuristic city of the Netherlands in the year 2051. Forced to confront dark forces from a distant realm, they’ll discover themselves and master ancient powers passed down by their ancestors—forces so fierce they could mold or annihilate the very future.
Their mission is clear: they must fight to protect and awaken the legacy of their people. If they fail, the future of the universe and its very history will be in danger.
Take a look at a preview of the book. Press the picture and start your journey:
Join us in making our graphic novel a reality. Every contribution counts!
You can Donate via iDEAL or Join our Kickstarter launching Nov 23 for exclusive perks
Thank you for your support!
