Valentine's Day isn't the only thing going on in the February, it's also Black History Month! Eagle Eye is fortunate enough to be located in Atlanta, Georgia, a city rich with Black history. And as this history meets the present, a large number of intersectional groups have emerged within the city. Specifically, we've got a burgeoning community of Black fans of anime and manga.
One group that has emerged from this community is Trap Sushi, who put on events throughout the year that "merge the best of Atlanta's cultural diversity with the allure of Japanse pop culture." Attendees are encouraged to show up in full cosplay regalia, dressed to the nines as their favorite characters.
As anime & manga have continued to grow in popularity around the world, Trap Sushi & other cultural crossovers were inevitable. Historically, however, representation of cultural groups outside of Japan within anime and manga have not always been the most respectful. There are many examples of overly-exoticized or down-right caricaturish Black characters, but there are also plenty of examples of positive representation in Animanga.
Naruto's Killer Bee and Bleach's Captain Tosen are two characters from some of the biggest series of all time that serve as pillars of their respective universes. While we're talking Bleach, I would be remiss if I didn't mention Yoruichi, one of the most iconic women in all of Animanga. Her lightning speed and bubbly personality have earned her a place in the hearts of fans around the world. Another iconic character is Dragon Ball's Piccolo, who, while technically an alien from the planet Namek, has also been widely accepted by the Black anime community due to his characterization as an "other" within the story.
Gachiakuta, a recent breakout success, features Black characters in many roles, from the leader of the series heroes to one of the most powerful villains. Kei Urana, the series' author, also regularly illustrates Black background characters, a small detail that most other creators may forgo but that helps to widen the scope of the world.
As anime & manga continue to grow in popularity, it is heartening to see creators uplifting the communities that support their work. Even more importantly, though, it is wonderful to see groups that have traditionally been spurned be able to support each other and create spaces where they can celebrate themselves.
Check out Bleach volumes here.
Check out Gachiakuta volumes here.
Check out Naruto volumes here.
Check out Dragon Ball volumes here.
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