Black History Meets Comics: Inside Black Sands’ Success!

What happens when passion for storytelling, representation, and history collide? You get Black Sands Entertainment, a trailblazing company revolutionizing the comic book industry. Led by dynamic duo Manuel and Giselle Godoy, Black Sands is dedicated to showcasing black history and culture through engaging, high-quality stories. Their journey, experiences, and mission were shared in a recent interview on Sway in the Morning, and it’s nothing short of inspiring. Let’s dive into their story and the impact they’re making in the world of comics and beyond.

From Comic Collectors to Creators: The Birth of Black Sands

Manuel and Giselle’s love for storytelling began in childhood, fueled by their fascination with DC and Marvel comics. However, they often noticed a lack of representation in the stories they loved. Manuel reflected, “How about if we did see that representation of ourselves equally as others?” This question sparked the idea for Black Sands Entertainment.

In 2017, they launched their flagship series, “Black Sands: The Seven Kingdoms,” via Kickstarter. It was an instant success, raising $20,000—five times their original goal. Their mission? To tell stories that go beyond the typical narratives of slavery and warlords, bringing to life the rich history, culture, and politics of ancient Africa. As Manuel put it, “No more slave stories, time for kings.”

A Multi-Million Dollar Vision

Fast forward to today, and Black Sands Entertainment is a multi-million-dollar publishing house, having sold over 250,000 copies of their books at $20 each. But their success isn’t just about sales numbers. Their work is widely celebrated for its stunning artwork, sophisticated storytelling, and the unapologetic representation of black characters and history.

From children’s books, like Giselle’s “Maury’s Family Adventures,” to their popular comic series, Black Sands has built a loyal fanbase spanning all ages. As Giselle explained, “We built a loyal community. They see us as a strong black couple and true leaders, which makes them feel comfortable investing in and supporting us.”

Shark Tank and Beyond

Black Sands’ journey took an exciting turn when they appeared on Shark Tank, securing a deal with Kevin Hart and Mark Cuban. Though the deal didn’t ultimately work out due to creative differences, it propelled them to new heights. They have since partnered with Carl Reed, former president of Lion Forge Animation, to produce an upcoming anime movie based on their series. Set to hit theaters nationwide this fall, the film is poised to be a game-changer.

Educating While Entertaining

One of Black Sands’ core missions is educating readers about black history before slavery. Their stories delve into the politics, culture, and legends of ancient Africa, offering a fresh perspective that resonates with both children and adults. It’s a two-for-one deal: kids love the bold characters and action-packed adventures, while adults appreciate the historical depth and rich storytelling.

“They’re trying to get rid of black history,” one fan said during the interview. “Black Sands is my fight right now because I want to learn about my history.” Whether through their books, Patreon offerings, or their upcoming movie, Black Sands is making black history accessible and engaging for everyone.

Building a Community of Support

One of the most remarkable aspects of Black Sands’ success is the community they’ve built. With over 1,300 investors contributing an average of $1,100 each, they’ve raised more than $1.2 million through crowdfunding. Their transparency and dedication to hitting every goal have earned them unwavering trust and support.

“I’m a big receipts guy,” Manuel said. “Every time we set a goal, we exceed it, and because of that, people trust us completely.” This trust has been instrumental in helping Black Sands achieve their ambitious goals and bring their vision to life.

A Lesson in Partnership and Perseverance

As a married couple running a business, Manuel and Giselle credit their success to mutual respect, clear division of responsibilities, and a shared vision. “Respect and forgiveness are key,” Giselle shared. “We address problems quickly and move forward together.” Manuel added, “They can’t be jealous of the business if they’re a part of it.”

Their military background has also played a significant role, instilling the discipline and structure needed to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Together, they’ve built a powerhouse of creativity, resilience, and community impact.

How You Can Support Black Sands

• Purchase their books: Visit BlackSands.com or Amazon to buy physical copies.
• Join their Patreon: For just $5, access all their digital books and support their work.
• Invest: Until February 7th, you can invest in Black Sands Entertainment via Wefunder. Do your research and consider becoming part of their journey.