There are very few African Americans who make a career out of creating comic books across the world today, but Manuel Godoy is about to change this reality. Being the only African-American comic book publisher in the world today, he intends to add to his current success to inspire more people of color to consider the comic book industry as a promising and marketable venture. At the current rate he is going, his company Black Sands Entertainment is raking in remarkable revenues, an achievement he is most proud of after years of hard work, sleepless nights, and challenges.
“I originally wanted to be a video game developer, but I did not have the means to finish my first project, so I pivoted to a more sustainable career in comics,” Manuel explained. “Little did I know it would turn out so well.”
The Army veteran and Economics major began writing comic books after finishing college. His original creation, Black Sands, the Seven Kingdoms became a huge success and paved the way for a bright future in the comic book industry. For several years, his company only maintained four core members, who worked night and day to sustain the demands of the business. Today, Blacks Sands Entertainment has several dozens of people working diligently to maintain the brand. Interestingly, it was those four original core members who helped Manuel create the visuals of the Black Sands universe.
As a company owner, Manuel maintains a set of principles and values that remind him of the true mission of his business. He prioritizes controlling costs, attracting customers by offering reasonable rates, and recruiting exceptional talents at affordable rates. Growing together with the rest of his team is of utmost importance to him as a leader. As he is often reminded of his company’s humble beginnings, giving his employees importance and the appreciation they deserve comes naturally to him. At the end of the day, his success will also be theirs, and his fulfillment will also be their fulfillment.
At this point, Manuel is all about making ambitious goals for his company to elevate the lives of every single employee working alongside him so they can bring Black Sands Entertainment to the next level. He is targeting earning an annual income of $10 million in the immediate future. As they work on finishing the first season of Black Sands the anime, Manuel is confident that licensing alone could go as high as $100 million.
Manuel has gone a long way from the small-time comic book creator he once was to the only African-American comic book publisher in the world today, inspiring families of color with the kind of characters and superheroes he has been creating over the years. As he gives children inspiration when they see superheroes who bear the same color as their skin, Manuel is empowering to believe that they, too, are destined to do great things in life. His creations are not only here to entertain. They are also carefully designed to boost their self-confidence. One day, Manuel hopes to see more African Americans thrive and succeed in the comic book publishing industry, using his remarkable example as a beacon of light as they journey towards their own success.
Learn more about Black Sands Entertainment by visiting this website. Follow the company on Instagram and TikTok for updates on its latest projects.
