Heroes Unite: Marvel Meets Manga
Marvel meets the manga world! Yes, that’s right! Marvel writer Stephanie Williams and artist Whyt Manga are teaming up for a very exclusive project along with Black-owned manga company, Saturday AM. The collaboration marks the magazine’s venture into the world of light novels, and the excitement is buzzing!
The light novel, titled “Apple Black Origins: Spectrum and the Spectre” is set to be a prequel to one of Saturday AM hit series, “Apple Black”, crafted by Nigerian artist and influencer Odunze Oguguo, also known as Whyt Manga.
Apple Black
Apple Black follows the journey of a young sorcerer, Sano who aspires to save the world, navigating powers bestowed upon him by consuming Black Apples. With three manga volumes already out and the fourth set for release on November 21, the series has been getting a lot of attention!
Marvel Writer, Stephanie Williams
Stephanie Williams, renowned for her work on iconic Marvel titles like Captain America and Scarlet Witch, collaborated with Oguguo on the light novel. Titled “Apple Black Origins: Spectrum and the Spectre”, the story unfolds nine years before the events in the original series. Williams’ experience and unique perspective as a Black female creator have added a fresh dimension to the project, injecting new life into the Saturday AM lineup.
The light novel is scheduled for release in June 2024, and the creators are optimistic about the possibility of more light novels for “Apple Black Origins”, depending on the reception of “The Spectrum and the Spectre” Saturday AM, a champion of diversity in manga ever since 2013. It boasts popular series like "Apple Black" and "Clock Striker," featuring the first Black female protagonist in a manga. The company actively promotes diversity with resources like "Saturday AM Presents: How to Draw Diverse Manga," aimed at helping artists create authentic characters that reflect diverse identities.
Saturday AM's growth over the past ten years has been remarkable, with a presence in major retailers and a strong online platform reaching 38 countries. Clock Striker, another flagship series, has even been featured in international galleries, including the Kyoto Manga Museum in Japan and the Africa Creation Forum. Founder Frederick Jones has hinted at exciting collaborations and media adaptations, with talks underway with major companies for potential webtoons and anime adaptations.
The anticipation is building for the release of "Apple Black Origins: Spectrum and the Spectre" on June 11, 2024. With the success of Saturday AM's existing series and the promising collaborations on the horizon, it's an exciting time for manga enthusiasts and fans of diverse storytelling.