PRESENTS:
The DIGITAL SERIES
Genre Series Part 1: From Graphic Novel to Global IP
In Conversation with Roye Okupe and Eric Collins
On Tuesday, March 3 at 6 PM UK time, The Black Literary Club launches its new Genre Series with Roye Okupe, award-winning creator of Iyanu: Child of Wonder.
Roye is the founder of YouNeek Studios and the architect behind one of the most successful African-inspired fantasy universes in modern comics. What began as a graphic novel evolved into a 10-book publishing deal with Dark Horse Comics, an animated series greenlit by MAX and Cartoon Network, and multiple animated feature films.
In conversation with Moneymaker host Eric Collins, Roye will break down how he transformed a story concept into a multi-dimensional intellectual property that spans publishing, television, and global streaming platforms.
This is not just a conversation about comics. It is about ownership, world-building, long-term strategy, and the mindset required to scale a creative idea beyond a single book.
🗓️ Tuesday, March 3 | 6:00–7:00 PM GMT
📍 Join us live on TheBlackLiteraryClub.com
About our guests
ERIC COLLINS
CEO & Co-Founder, Impact X Capital Partners
Author, We Don’t Need Permission: Unlocking Black Empowerment for Good
Host, The Money Maker (Channel 4)
A Harvard Law graduate and former Obama appointee, Eric champions creative and economic empowerment for underrepresented voices. He’ll share how writers can think like entrepreneurs and own their creative future.
Roye Okupe
Roye is an award-winning Nigerian-American filmmaker, screenwriter, author, and founder of YouNeek Studios. His African-inspired fantasy universe has earned international recognition, including a landmark 10-book publishing deal with Dark Horse Comics and a groundbreaking animated adaptation of Iyanu: Child of Wonder for MAX and Cartoon Network, where the series ranked #1 on Cartoon Network and top 10 on Max. Roye serves as Creator, Executive Producer, and Showrunner of the Iyanu series and has written and directed multiple animated features within the franchise.
💡 What You’ll Learn
How Roye built YouNeek Studios and structured his creative universe
The journey from independent comic to major publishing deal
How Iyanu moved from graphic novel to animated series and feature films
What executives look for when adapting stories for television
How creators can think beyond one format and build long-term IP
Thank you to OUR Event sponsor
Feather is an AI-driven marketing and measurement company. We help brands understand the real impact of their advertising through fast, accessible brand lift studies and clear insights. Our mission is to make advanced media tools available to everyone, not just the biggest advertisers. We’re proud to support the launch of The Black Literary Club and celebrate the power of stories and community.
Learn more at: www.featheragency.de
