Rani

Set in the ancient kingdom of Vijayanagara, Rani (2009–2020, Le Lombard) is a historical adventure series that follows the rise of a young woman from humble origins to become a legendary warrior queen. Written primarily by Alcante and Jean Van Hamme, with lush, evocative art by Francis Vallès, the eight-issue saga blends political intrigue, epic battles, and personal resilience. This Belgian series stands out for its vivid depiction of 16th-century India, a rarely explored setting in European comics, and for its nuanced, powerful female protagonist.