Los Angeles, CA – 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. Catch the trailer at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxyjXsTkXvE.
“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, Vol. 1, story and art by Kay Rwizi ∙ Print SRP: $13.99 ∙ 162 pages ∙ ISBN: 978-1427877307 ∙ For Teen Readers 16+ ∙ Digital Available Now / Print Available August 13th
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.
Follow Noir Caesar Online:
Noir Caesar Twitter: https://twitter.com/noircaesar
Noir Caesar Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noircaesar
Noir Caesar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoirCaesarLLC
Noir Caesar Website: https://www.noircaesar.com
Get in touch with Noir Caesar: info@noircaesar.com
About Noir Caesar:
Noir Caesar Entertainment is a growing indie creative company that supports and nourishes art from marginalized communities in various media, including animation, film, tv and comics. The brand is one of the fastest growing entertainment and publishing companies in the US, driven by diverse and brilliant creative talents spanning from top notch 2D animation partner studios to exceptional writers, artists, illustrators, producers and division heads, on top of a committed crew of sales and client management professionals. More information at https://www.noircaesar.com.
Follow TOKYOPOP Online:
TOKYOPOP on Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/TOKYOPOP
TOKYOPOP on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyopop
TOKYOPOP on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TOKYOPOP
TOKYOPOP Official Website: https://www.tokyopop.com/
TOKYOPOP on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tokyopop
About TOKYOPOP, Inc.
Founded in 1997, TOKYOPOP brings Asian pop culture to Hollywood and beyond. TOKYOPOP
established the market for manga in North America, introducing the term to the English language in the process, and expanding the market in Germany, publishing thousands of books in both languages, distributing anime and Asian films on home video and television, licensing merchandise to consumer goods and companies, and creating graphic novels of both original content and major IP adaptations. TOKYOPOP’s core values focus on multiculturalism and diversity; aestheticism and artistic integrity; and passionate and positive storytelling. More
information at: https://www.tokyopop.com/.
