One Piece Day (July 22nd) is Almost Here—Let’s celebrate Black Manga & Anime Creators Who Are Changing the Game

Naturally, we’re taking this moment to spotlight some incredible Black manga artists and writers. They aren’t just fans; in fact, they’re the architects of brand-new worlds. Of course, some of us still have mixed feelings. For example, Usopp’s lightened skin in One Piece‘s latest episodes made us feel some type of way. Despite Oda Sensei’s commitment to diverse portrayals in the manga, melanated representation can still be a hit-or-miss across the genre. Nevertheless, the undeniable truth remains: Black artists are increasingly shaping the future of this global phenomenon.

PDA for anime from our faves Michael B. Jordan and Megan Thee Stallion underscore growing mainstream recognition for anime.

For generations, Black fans found unique ways to connect with anime and manga, often through unspoken collective agreements—like the widely accepted notion that Piccolo from Dragon Ball Z is Black. These shared understandings built a foundation of community and representation. Now, we’re seeing that foundation blossom into a powerful movement of Black creators who are not just fans, but the architects of new worlds. 

Here are some 5 Black creators actively developing work that pushes the genre forward:

Emerging Black Mangakas

Tony Weaver Jr. (Creator of The Uncommons)

Weaver is a prolific writer. He leveraged his passion for storytelling into creating compelling manga series including the Uncommons and Weirdo. One features Afrofuturism at its core, while the other is a YA manga that features a semi-autobiographical Black coming of age story. His work features diverse casts and demonstrates a particularly fascinating imagination.

CoryxKenshin (Creator of Monsters We Make)

This popular YouTuber isn’t just a content creator on social media; he’s also the visionary behind what is arguably this generation’s best new shonen manga. Indeed, Monsters We Make offers some of the traditional manga elements we love, like chibi art and right-to-left page progression, all while showcasing uniquely stylized characters. His work powerfully demonstrates why good art is always worth the wait.

Gigi Murakami (Queen of Horror Manga)

How best to describe her work? Simply put, it’s genre-bending. Gigi Murakami, an Ignatz-nominated mangaka, is fearlessly exploring Black experiences via horror manga. Through her daring narratives, she’s carving out bold new paths and proving that Black narratives will thrive in any genre they touch.

Olivia Stephens (Graphic Novelist & Illustrator)

Then there’s Olivia Stephens, an award-winning graphic novelist. Her work, like Artie and the Wolf Moon, skillfully weaves supernatural elements with deeply relatable themes of Black identity and family. Furthermore, her stunning illustrations have graced prestigious publications such as The New York Times and The Guardian.

Keef Cross (Creator of Day Black)

Finally, we have Keef Cross. He brings a distinctly contrasting style that makes his characters even more compelling. In particular, the narrative voice in Day Black offers a uniquely different vibe for the creative world. Cross’s work stands out as a prime example of how Black creators are weaving rich cultural experiences and perspectives into exciting new modes of genre fiction.

What’s Next For Black Anime?

As we look to the future, the horizon for Black creators in anime and manga shines brighter than ever. Indeed, the potential is absolutely boundless. Moreover, this new era offers a vibrant future where authentic Black characters are not just present, but truly celebrated. And trust us, we are absolutely here for every bit of it.

So, tell us: What Black creators are you most excited to see blow up next in the anime and manga scene?