Publisher TOKYOPOP and Noir Caesar Entertainment, a black-owned indie creative company that supports and nourishes content from marginalized communities across various media, have announced their latest graphic novel release – MUTUPO.
MUTUPO is a supernatural action adventure by Zimbabwean creator Kay Rwizi that is steeped in African mysticism and mythology. Originally produced as a webtoon, MUTUPO initially garnered over 10,000 readers in less than 3 months. The digital release is available now with the print edition set to debut on August 13th.
Kuda Rwizi also created an animated trailer for MUTUPO on YouTube and other social media platforms that went viral.
“Kuda Rwizi is a talented artist and epitomizes a new breed of black creator that is emerging around the world and taking diverse influences from pop culture, comics, anime and manga and blending them with black and African culture and characters to bring a new kind of story,” says NOIR CAESAR founder Johnny O’Bryant III. “We are excited to partner with TOKYOPOP to bring MUTUPO to readers.”
MUTUPO
Mutupo – the totem – is an animal or object deemed sacred by a clan or tribe. For centuries Zimbabweans would stay in touch with their ancestry and the practices surrounding their culture by embracing Mutupo.
There are some who can see their totem animal’s attributes as a superpower to augment their own physiology. Using Mutupo is not only rare – it’s also highly illegal. Join Shingai on his journey of self-discovery as he finds himself coming up against other Mutupo users… and the police that oppose them.
MUTUPO creator Kudakwasha “Kay” Rwizi is a Zimbabwean artist, animator and storyboard artist who grew up surrounded by animation and comics. MUTUPO is his first published graphic novel.
Digital Available Now / Print Available August 13th
Source: Press Release
