Why Tony Weaver Jr. Chose Manga Over Marvel and DC

Why manga over Marvel and DC? For Tony Weaver Jr., it wasn’t simply about preference, it was about accessibility, value, and getting stories that could actually last.

Growing up in Atlanta, comic shops didn’t always make Marvel and DC easily accessible, and when Tony finally had the opportunity to buy something, he wanted the most story for his money. Manga gave him exactly that.

In this special NOC Conversation, I sat down with Tony Weaver Jr. to talk about the stories that shaped him, the power of representation, Black boyhood and masculinity, and why young people deserve the freedom to discover who they are beyond the expectations placed on them.

Watch the full conversation above and let us know: What story changed the way you saw yourself?

To donate to Nerds for Literacy, the charity Tony mentions in the video, click this link.