Composition Media to adapt ‘Black Sands: The Seven Kingdoms’ in anime pact with comic publisher

Composition Media, the nascent US animation studio headed by Hair Love producer Carl Reed, has struck an anime production deal with Black comic book publisher Black Sands Entertainment.

The two companies aim to set a new standard for high-quality content that celebrates African heritage and empowers Black youth. The first project to emerge from their “multi-million dollar” deal will be an adaptation of the comic Black Sands: The Seven Kingdoms into an anime TV series.

Black Sands: The Seven Kingdoms is a geopolitical story that follows a young boy named Ausar whose life goal is to rule Kemet. This goal leads him on a journey to far-off lands in the ancient world. He faces war and ancient gods that seek his death and is accompanied by his kinfolk Seth, Auset, and Nehbet as they travel the world.

Carl Reed, producer of the Oscar-winning short Hair Love, launched St Louis-based Composition Media earlier this year, describing the firm as a “diverse and forward-thinking animation studio.”

It launched with a slate that includes two animated features and an animated kids TV series – 2D animated adult comedy Bad Grandmas, a feature film co-produced alongside Steve Harvey’s East 112; Sky & Luna, the first movie in a a co-production with PoC Studios and Man of Action Entertainment; and Catapult Feud, a TV series based on the board game of the same name.

Founded by Manuel and Geiszel Godoy, Black Sands Entertainment is focused on publishing content that caters to Black families. The duo secured investment from Kevin Hart and Mark Cuban after appearing on the entrepreneurial show Shark Tank. The partnership with Composition Media marks the publishing company’s first foray into the anime space.

“We’re deeply honored to collaborate with Black Sands Entertainment on such a groundbreaking project,” said Reed. “We have an unparalleled opportunity to breathe life into beloved comic stories through the medium of anime, connecting youth with characters and narratives to which they can relate.

“This venture extends beyond mere entertainment – it’s about affirming identity and igniting ambition in a generation that rightfully deserves to see themselves portrayed heroically on screen.”