Legend of the Mantamaji: Behind the Scenes New Web Series


What does it take to bring a graphic novel to life? That’s the question being answered in the new web miniseries – Legend of the Mantamaji: Behind the Scenes.

The series follows Legend of the Mantamaji creator and TV director Eric Dean Seaton and his production crew over three days as they bring a key scene from Legend of the Mantamaji Book One to life for the Legend of the Mantamaji Live Short.

“It’s fun look inside life on set and a great way to introduce new readers to the series,” Seaton said. “There is everything people love about behind the scenes footage – interviews with the people working on the film, insight on how stunts and scenes are created and the inspiration behind the story.”

Most people have already seen Seaton’s work without realizing it. Seaton has directed more than 200 episodes of 38 hit TV shows including NBC’s Undateable, BET’s Reed Between the Lines, Disney’s That’s So Raven, and Nickelodeon’s Nicky, Ricky, Dicky and Dawn. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find a show on Nickelodeon and Disney from the last 10 years that Seaton hasn’t been involved in, a formidable experience that viewers get to see on display throughout the Behind the Scenes miniseries. Seaton however, isn’t looking to show off for the cameras, instead he wants to give back.

 “The live action short is a couple of things…first, it’s big thank you card to fans of the series,” Seaton said. “We’re an indie company with a new superhero and people have taken a chance on us. In fact the response has been amazing. We sold out recently at a con (C2E2) and we’ve sold out our initial runs on Amazon twice. The short is our way of saying thank you to the fans for using their power – both on social media and their dollars.”

“Secondly, the short and the behind the scenes series is a chance to gain a bigger audience for the books,” Seaton said. “It’s not easy being the new company on the block. Not only do you have to introduce yourself and your characters to would be fans, you have to do the same to media and the information gatekeepers. It’s an uphill battle for an indie company, we’re definitely the underdog here, but then again, everyone loves the underdog.”

The 12 episode series publishes weekly with the first episode clocking in at four minutes and the other episodes coming in at an internet ready viewing time of two minutes each. The series leads up to the launch of the eight minute film Legend of the Mantamaji: Live Action Short.

“This is an exciting and important step for the series and for the company [“And… Action!” Entertainment],” he said. “We’re able to show that we here for the long term, positioned for growth and we get to show off what the Mantamaji can do which is really fun. I’m living my two big dreams directing and creating comics.”

Check out the books that inspired the new web series today!

eric dean seaton, legend of the mantamaji c2e2

TV Director Brings Diverse Sword & Sorcery Series to C2E2 Chicago

Eric Dean Seaton C2E2, legend of the mantamajiThe brainchild of one of the hottest directors on the small screen, Eric Dean Seaton’s Legend of the Mantamaji, with its high-flying adventure, brilliant art and fast-paced action, is landing at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo this weekend. The series brings together diverse characters that are not tied to stereotypes and has gained the recognition of critics, fans and award committees alike.

With ancient knights, fire swords and 3,000 year old legends, Legend of the Mantamaji is just the kind of graphic novel fantasy lovers dream of – and the kind of series that is changing the face of superheroes in comics. “It shouldn’t be unusual to see ethnically diverse characters and strong women in the genre. Yet, there is still a problem with representation in sci-fi and fantasy – despite readers’ requests,” Eric Dean Seaton, television director [Undateable, That’s So Raven, Austin & Ally, Bella and the Bulldogs] and creator of the Legend of the Mantamaji series, said. With thousands of comics and pop culture lovers attending this weekend’s Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, Seaton looks forward to connecting with fans of the series -and meeting new ones – at Booth 136, Thursday through Sunday, at McCormick Place — 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive.

“At its core, Legend of the Mantamaji is a fantastic adventure series inspired by my years of directing really great shows. People want good stories that have heart, are smart, funny AND represent the broader world,” Seaton said.

Nominated for a prestigious 2015 Glyph Comics Award and riding high off the release of the third book in the series, Seaton recently expanded the national book tour to 14 cities in the U.S. and Canada:

Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo [C2E2] (April 24-26)
East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (May 15 – 16)
Puerto Rico ComicCon (May 21 – 24)
Heroes Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina (June 19-21)
Comic Con San Diego (July 7 – 12)
OnyxCon, Atlanta, Georgia (August 15 – 16)
Wizard World Chicago (August 20 – 23)
Fan Expo Canada in Toronto, Canada (September 3 – 6)
Long Beach Comic Con in Long Beach, California (September 12-13)
Wizard World Columbus in Columbus, Ohio (September 18 – 20)
New York Comic Con (October 8-11)
LA Times Festival of Books (April)
WonderCon Anaheim (April)
Black Comix Arts Festival, San Francisco (January)

You don’t have to be at C2E2 to pick up the series! Read a sample chapter and pick up in our store today!

All Kids & Teens Need Superheroes of Color – Sword & Sorcery Series to LA Book Festival

“Representation matters, and not just to minorities,”Eric Dean Seaton, television director and creator of the Legend of the Mantamaji series said.

“We are sending kids out, unprepared, to encounter a world that is much more diverse and rich than it is made to appear in literature and comic book culture. We are stunting their imagination and their futures with one-sided stories.” With an expected 150,000 book lovers attending this weekend’s L.A. Times Book Festival, Seaton hopes to connect with fans and gain new ones of all backgrounds and ages at booth 743 Saturday and Sunday.

Buy Legend of the Mantamaji Book One Today

250_Sirach“People have sometimes overlooked the series as being ‘just for Blacks,’ or ‘for feminists,’ but that’s their hangup, not the story’s,” Seaton said. ‘The focus is not on the race of the characters. There’s no monologue about being a strong woman in the series. It’s not diversity for diversity’s sake. The characters are focused on figuring out the mystery and coming to grips with the idea that supernatural forces are going to destroy the world. It’s an awesome adventure story with magic, mystery, superpowers, evil doers…everything superhero fans love about the genre.”

The Legend of the Mantamaji series brings together diverse characters not tied to stereotypes and has gained the recognition of critics, fans and awards committees alike. Nominated for a prestigious Glyph Comics Award and riding high off the release of the third book in the series, Seaton recently expanded the national book tour to 13 cities in the U.S. and Canada.female characters in comics, strong female characters

Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo [C2E2] (April 24-26)
East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (May 15 – 16)
Puerto Rico ComicCon (May 21 – 24)
Heroes Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina (June 19-21)
Comic Con San Diego (July 7 – 12)
OnyxCon, Atlanta, Georgia (August 15 – 16)
Wizard World Chicago (August 20 – 23)
Fan Expo Canada in Toronto, Canada (September 3 – 6)
Long Beach Comic Con in Long Beach, California (September 12-13)
Wizard World Columbus in Columbus, Ohio (September 18 – 20)
New York Comic Con (October 8-11)

About Legend of the Mantamaji:

Legend of the Mantamaji tells the story of Elijah Alexander, an Assistant D.A. who has learned that his childhood storybook legends are actually the true stories of his heritage and that he is the last of a race of mystical knights known as the Mantamaji. After realizing he’s only part human, Elijah struggles with the shift in his world and becomes a hunted man charged with ridding the world of an ancient evil no other Mantamaji has ever been able to defeat. The full-color, action packed series has hair-raising plot twists and smart storytelling for all superhero fans.

The books feature artwork by Brandon Palas, colorist Andrew Dalhouse who has worked with From Boom, Dark Horse, Image, Marvel and DC and lettering by Deron Bennett, who was nominated for an Eisner Award for his work on titles like Jim Henson’s Dark Crystal, Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand and Helldorado, among others.

indie comics podcast, indie comics sales tips

Crowdfinders Podcast Interviews Eric Dean Seaton

I sat down with Crowfinders to talk about just about everything! We got into directing, including everyone’s love of “That’s So Raven; world building for Legend of the Mantamaji creating, marketing, our social media successes and my unique way of writing the books that made things easier and faster for me. I also shout out some of our early supporters: Black Girl Nerds, The Shadow League and Thelonious Legend!

Check out the whole interview here: Crowdfinders Episode 9: Eric Dean SeatonCrowdFinders Podcast

OC Register Interviews Eric Dean Seaton for WonderCon

WonderConApr2015Eric was interviewed this week by the OC Register on the festival of pop culture fun that is WonderCon Anaheim. The story discusses cosplay and what is behind the rise in comics in pop culture from subset to mainstream:

But the transformation from geek hobby to mainstream popular entertainment has grown steadily over the past decade due to the rise of the comic book superhero genre in movies and television, said Eric Dean Seaton, a television director and author of “Legend of the Mantamaji,” a graphic novel.

“This is stuff we grew up on as kids and secretly liked,” said Seaton, who is an exhibitor. “And now, for adults it’s nostalgia and for kids, superheroes have become their Greek heroes and history stories.”

If you’re in the Anaheim area, stop by the “And…Action!” Entertainment Table (Booth #1801), meet Eric and pick up Legend of the Mantamaji! If you’re not headed to WonderCon, you can still own a signed copy of Legend of the Mantamaji, just order from our website, all books come signed from the author!

2015 Glyph Comics Award Nominees Announced, Legend of the Mantamaji & Eric Dean Seaton Gets ‘Rising Star’ Nod

Legend of the Mantamaji Glyph Award NomineesThe Glyph Comics Awards recognize the best in comics and with the release of the 2015 nominees, the judging committee shows there is no shortage of talented creators producing quality work made by, for and about people of color. Television directorEric Dean Seaton scored a ‘Rising Star’ nomination for his first graphic novel series, “Legend of the Mantamaji: Book One and Two,” marking another high point in the series’ debut. In the past year, Legend of the Mantamaji has seen Amazon sell outs, been picked up by major distributors including Barnes & Noble, the creation of a 13 city comic convention book tour, Live Action Short and a flurry of excitement from superhero genre fans of all races and ages.

“The nomination came on my daughter Legend’s first birthday, which seems just perfect,” Seaton said. “I am truly honored to be nominated and that people are so supportive of the series. I set out to write a great story first and to make characters that reflect the world around me – multicultural, with strong male and female characters who have depth to their personal stories. It took six years to build the Mantamaji world, working at night after being on set during the day. It was a real team effort and we’re still having so much fun, we’re already well into the next book. There’s so much talent out there, and those nominated represent a very small sample of the great work being published.”

Legend of the Mantamaji Graphic Novel, Eric Dean SeatonThe Legend of the Mantamaji series has been named a “Top Graphic Novel” by Examiner.com and Atlanta Black Star and all three books made the top 10 list for Graphic Novels, Contemporary Women on Amazon. The 2015 Glyph Comics Awards take place on Friday, May 15 at the African American Museum in Philadelphia in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at 6 p.m.

About Legend of the Mantamaji: 
Legend of the Mantamaji tells the story of Elijah Alexander, an Assistant D.A. who has learned that his childhood storybook legends are actually the true stories of his heritage and that he is the last of a race of mystical knights known as the Mantamaji. After realizing he’s only part human, Elijah struggles with the shift in his world and becomes a hunted man charged with ridding the world of an ancient evil no other Mantamaji has ever been able to defeat. The full-color, action packed series has hair-raising plot twists and smart storytelling for all superhero fans.

The books feature artwork by Brandon Palas, colorist Andrew Dalhouse who has worked with From Boom, Dark Horse, Image, Marvel and DC and lettering by Deron Bennett, who was nominated for an Eisner Award for his work on titles like Jim Henson’s Dark Crystal, Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand and Helldorado, among others.

Praise for Legend of the Mantamaji: 
“Standouts include female characters who are smart, strong warriors equal to the male characters in the book with no “a**-to-the-camera” poses, great pen work by Brandon Palas, coloring by Andrew Dalhouse of Boom!, D.C. and Marvel, and lettering by Eisner-nominated artist Deron Bennett.” –Buzzfeed Community

“Fans who bemoan the ‘big two’ for a lack of vision, or effort, to create bold new characters and franchises, should learn that innovation can often be found elsewhere. ‘Legend of the Mantamaji ‘ has all of the excitement, imagination and suspense to be a TV or film series on its own, but instead it is here as a comic to be enjoyed by the masses who crave them. ‘Legend of the Mantamaji’ volume one is a must read for those who crave all of the spectacle and action of superhero comics, yet want a comic which offers creative new ideas and a progressive storyline with real weight behind it,” Alex Widen, Brooklyn Comic Book Examiner

“Legend of the Mantamaji is teevee director Eric Dean Seaton’s (Sonny with a Chance, That’s So Raven, Good Luck Charlie) first shot at writing comics, but this is clearly a professional storyteller with writing chops and a lifelong love of the medium, both of which are on full display here. I am not sure what I expected when I was invited to review Legends of the Mantamaji, but I can tell you I was definitely impressed by the quality world-building and storytelling.” –GhettoManga.com

About Eric Dean Seaton: 
As an episodic director, Eric Dean Seaton has directed 200 television episodes of 38 different hit TV series, including NBC/Warner Bros. comedy “Undateable,” TBS’s “Ground Floor,” BET’s “Let’s Stay Together,” Disney’s “Austin & Ally” and Nickelodeon’s “Bella and the Bulldogs.” He has also directed 18 music videos and two pilots for Nickelodeon, as well as two pilots for Disney XD. Seaton is a Cleveland, Ohio native and graduate of The Ohio State University. Eric, his wife children live in California. Legend of the Mantamaji, named a Top Graphic Novel series by Examiner.com and Atlanta Black Star, is his first graphic novel series.

For Media Interview | Book Review Requests Contact: Terreece M. Clarke, (614) 467-0361 | Press(at)Mantamaji(dot)com or TClarke(at)LifeSliceMedia(dot)com | LegendoftheMantamaji.com

PURCHASE THE BOOKS THAT STARTED IT ALL FOR 15% OFF PROMO CODE “glyph” 

Eric Dean Seaton Extends Book Tour for Hit Graphic Novel Series ‘Legend of the Mantamaji’

Book Tour Legend of the MantamajiRiding high on the release of the third book in the Legend of the Mantamaji series, episodic television director Eric Dean Seaton [NBC’s ‘Undateable,’ Disney’s ‘Austin & Ally’] has added new dates to his national book tour for the popular Legend of the Mantamaji graphic novel series. The tour takes Seaton to some of the most popular comic book and pop culture conventions:

  • Wonder Con in Anaheim, California (April 3-5)
  • Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo [C2E2] (April 24-26)
  • East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (May 15 – 16)
  • Puerto Rico ComicCon (May 21 – 24)
  • Heroes Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina (June 19-21)
  • Comic Con San Diego (July 7 – 12)
  • OnyxCon, Atlanta, Georgia (August 15 – 16)
  • Wizard World Chicago (August 20 – 23)
  • Fan Expo Canada in Toronto, Canada (September 3 – 6)
  • Long Beach Comic Con in Long Beach, California (September 12-13)
  • Wizard World Columbus in Columbus, Ohio (September 18 – 20)
  • New York Comic Con (October 8-11)

“The series has been so well received that we have been able to add more cities and shoot a live action short for the series that debuts in late Spring,” Seaton said. “This entire process has been a dream come true and my favorite part is meeting and interacting with fans. I am offering several exclusives along the tour including the release of the live action short and a sneak peek of the custom Mantamaji costume from the short.”

The Legend of the Mantamaji series has been named a “Top Graphic Novel” by Examiner.com and Atlanta Black Star, sold out twice on Amazon.com and all three books made the top 10 list for Graphic Novels, Contemporary Women on Amazon.

black comic book hero, graphic novel, legend of the mantamajiAbout Legend of the Mantamaji:

Legend of the Mantamaji tells the story of Elijah Alexander, an Assistant D.A. who has learned that his childhood storybook legends are actually the true stories of his heritage and that he is the last of a race of mystical knights known as the Mantamaji. After realizing he’s only part human, Elijah struggles with the shift in his world and becomes a hunted man charged with ridding the world of an ancient evil no other Mantamaji has ever been able to defeat. The full-color, action packed series has hair-raising plot twists and smart storytelling for all superhero fans.

The books feature artwork by Brandon Palas, colorist Andrew Dalhouse who has worked with From Boom, Dark Horse, Image, Marvel and DC and lettering by Deron Bennett, who was nominated for an Eisner Award for his work on titles like Jim Henson’s Dark Crystal, Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand and Helldorado, among others.

Praise for Legend of the Mantamaji: 
“Standouts include female characters who are smart, strong warriors equal to the male characters in the book with no “a**-to-the-camera” poses, great pen work by Brandon Palas, coloring by Andrew Dalhouse of Boom!, D.C. and Marvel, and lettering by Eisner-nominated artist Deron Bennett.” —Buzzfeed Community

“Fans who bemoan the ‘big two’ for a lack of vision, or effort, to create bold new characters and franchises, should learn that innovation can often be found elsewhere. ‘Legend of the Mantamaji ‘ has all of the excitement, imagination and suspense to be a TV or film series on its own, but instead it is here as a comic to be enjoyed by the masses who crave them. ‘Legend of the Mantamaji’ volume one is a must read for those who crave all of the spectacle and action of superhero comics, yet want a comic which offers creative new ideas and a progressive storyline with real weight behind it,” Alex Widen, Brooklyn Comic Book Examiner

sirach_4fullarmor“Legend of the Mantamaji is teevee director Eric Dean Seaton’s (Sonny with a Chance, That’s So Raven, Good Luck Charlie) first shot at writing comics, but this is clearly a professional storyteller with writing chops and a lifelong love of the medium, both of which are on full display here. I am not sure what I expected when I was invited to review Legends of the Mantamaji, but I can tell you I was definitely impressed by the quality world-building and storytelling.” —GhettoManga.com

About Eric Dean Seaton:

As an episodic director, Eric Dean Seaton has directed 200 television episodes of 38 different hit TV series, including NBC/Warner Bros. comedy “Undateable,” TBS’s “Ground Floor,” BET’s “Let’s Stay Together,” Disney’s “Austin & Ally” and Nickelodeon’s “Bella and the Bulldogs.” He has also directed 18 music videos and two pilots for Nickelodeon, as well as two pilots for Disney XD. Seaton is a Cleveland, Ohio native and graduate of The Ohio State University. Eric, his wife children live in California. Legend of the Mantamaji, named a Top Graphic Novel series by Examiner.com and Atlanta Black Star, is his first graphic novel series.

For Media Interview | Book Review Requests Contact: Terreece M. Clarke, (614) 467-0361 | Press(at)Mantamaji(dot)com or TClarke(at)LifeSliceMedia(dot)com | LegendoftheMantamaji.com