Connecting readers to a world of comics by Black and Brown creators
Black Sands Entertainment, the powerhouse behind The Seven Kingdoms, is more than a comic book publisher — they are a cultural movement. With a mission to uplift Black and Brown creators, they envisioned a platform that would connect indie talent with a thriving audience of over 370,000 fans. Tasked with building an engaging website and mobile app, we delivered a gamified experience brimming with music, animation, and storytelling magic.
Outcomes
Strategic Pre-Launch Momentum
The marketing website we built set the stage for Black Sands Publishing's success. By creating a platform where creators could sign up early, and readers could pre-register, we helped build buzz and laid the foundation for a strong launch that kept audiences excited and engaged.
Engaging Reader Experience
We transformed the reading experience into an interactive adventure through gamified missions, gachas, and lore cards. This approach kept readers engaged, encouraging them to dive deeper into stories, explore new series, and stay active within the Black Sands community.
Creator Empowerment at Scale
We helped Black Sands expand their impact on indie creators by providing a free, easy-to-access publishing platform. The Creator’s Portal opened doors for new talent to publish, engage with a large audience, and access funding opportunities, creating a thriving ecosystem that supported their growth.
So Much More Than Your Average Comic Book Reading App
BSP is far more than just a digital bookshelf — it’s a vibrant stage for storytelling. With an audio-rich, animated interface and interactive elements, even first-time readers become part of the action. Missions, gachas, and collectible lore cards turn every session into an engaging journey, deepening the bond between fan and creator.
Launching a Hub for Creators and Fans
After selling 60,000+ books and cultivating a dedicated following of over 370,000, Black Sands Entertainment sought to extend its influence by empowering new creators. To kickstart this vision, we developed a marketing website that served as a central hub for Black Sands Publishing. Aspiring comic creators could apply for the Creator’s Portal, while readers pre-registered for the app. Early sign-ups gained invaluable exposure, with their work showcased from the app’s launch day.
A Platform for Growth and Connection
BSP redefines indie publishing, offering creators a free, supportive space to publish their work and grow their audience. Through a streamlined application process, creators unlock the Creator’s Portal, connecting with funding opportunities, monetization options, and even the potential for cash bonuses. With interactive features like chapter commenting and forums, creators can engage directly with readers to refine ideas, gather feedback, and build loyal communities.
Gamifying the Reader Experience
The BSP app brings comic storytelling to life with innovative gamification. Readers complete missions to earn rewards, roll gachas to unlock exclusive content, and collect lore cards to dive deeper into their favorite series. With a growing library and dynamic community features, BSP offers an engaging, immersive experience that keeps readers coming back for more, whether they’re lifelong fans or new to the genre.
Seamlessly Managing a Creative Ecosystem
Behind the curtain, we built an intuitive administrative dashboard to streamline BSP operations. From managing creator applications to overseeing flagged content, the dashboard centralizes every aspect of platform management. Black Sands admins can review creator submissions, monitor series and chapters, and ensure the app remains a dynamic and well-curated space for creators and readers alike.
In The News
Kevin Hart Invested Serious Money Into Black Sands Entertainment, And We Spoke With The Black Entrepreneurs Who Got Him To Bite On "Shark Tank"
Black Sands Entertainment is working to make sure the children of the future have real, prevalent, and sprawling visions of what Black heroes can and should be.
Is This Entrepreneur Crazy to Counter Mark Cuban and Kevin Hart?
As Teunis de Raat, and Manuel & Geiszel Godoy pitch their animation company, Black Sands Entertainment, Mark Cuban and guest Shark Kevin Hart have combined to make an offer, but Manuel isn't sure he wants to give up that much equity. But when his counter has Barbara Corcoran saying 'You're nuts,' has he pushed too far? From 'Shark Tank' season 13, episode 10.
Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat Media Company Inks Partnership Deal With Black Sands Entertainment
Kevin Hart‘s Hartbeat media company has closed a partnership deal with Black-owned comic publishing house, Black Sands Entertainment, giving the comedian’s business an equity stake in the company.
Gamifying Engagement
Engagement isn’t just about content. It’s about how users connect with it. For Black Sands, we redefined the reader experience with gamified missions, unlockable content, and lore cards that brought stories to life. If your audience craves more than a product, we’ll help you deliver a journey.
