Renowned for his versatility as an actor, musician, and writer, Donald Glover, also known as Childish Gambino, is diving into the world of anime. Glover has teamed up with comedian and musician Zack Fox for a quirky new project titled Yoppaman. This anime promises to bring a fresh, unconventional twist to the genre, melding humor, action, and Southern cultural influences.
A Bold New Vision
Fox announced the show on Wednesday, June 12, by sharing an almost three-minute pilot that offers a glimpse into the unique world he and his collaborator Chibu Okere have crafted. The concept of Yoppaman stems from their shared experiences and influences, including iconic series like Devilman, FLCL, and Evangelion, as well as the rich tapestry of black Southern folklore, music, comedy, and fashion.
The Concept
Yoppaman centers around the employees of a run-down, 24-hour diner reminiscent of Waffle House, who find themselves recruited to protect Earth in shiny bodysuits similar to the Power Rangers. “Our question was simple: What if the employees at a dilapidated 24 hour diner beat so many peoples’ asses that they got enlisted to protect Earth in shiny bodysuits?” Fox explained.
Building the World
Fox and Okere have nurtured the project independently, emphasizing their desire to create something that their younger selves would be excited to watch. They avoided rushing to sell the idea to a network, opting instead to develop the world of Yoppaman on their own terms. “The most important thing to us is making something that our kid selves would be excited to watch right now,” Fox noted.
Glover’s Involvement
In 2023, Donald Glover was introduced to the idea and quickly became enthusiastic about its potential. Glover, along with his creative company GILGA, has provided significant support and resources to help bring Yoppaman to life. “It’s been a blessing having him and the folks at GILGA share their platform and resources with us,” Fox shared.
A Sneak Peek
As a special treat for fans, Fox and Okere funded a short pilot to showcase a slice of the Yoppaman universe. This approach allows them to present their vision directly to the audience, rather than merely describing it. “As a gift to y’all we funded a lil short with our own bread so we can show you a piece of our universe instead of trying to tell you,” Fox said, urging fans to spread the word about Yoppaman.
Glover’s Busy Schedule
While Glover is heavily involved in Yoppaman, he continues to pursue a variety of other projects. Recently, he returned to the music scene with Atavista, an updated version of his 2020 album 3.15.20. This reworked project includes official song titles, a revised tracklist, and new vocals from Young Nudy, alongside previous collaborators 21 Savage, Ariana Grande, Ink, and Kadhja Bonet.
Upcoming Releases
Glover is also set to release a second new album this summer, titled Bando Stone in the New World. This album will serve as the soundtrack for an upcoming film of the same name and will mark his final release under the Childish Gambino moniker. Details on this record are still under wraps, though Glover recently previewed collaborations with Kanye West and Kid Cudi on his GILGA Radio show.
The New World Order Tour
Adding to his packed schedule, Glover has announced the New World Order Tour, a massive 58-date journey across North America, Europe, and Oceania. The tour, running from August 2024 to February 2025, will feature fellow genre-bending artists Willow Smith and Amaarae.
With Yoppaman, Donald Glover and Zack Fox are poised to deliver a fresh and exciting addition to the anime landscape. Fans of Glover’s multifaceted career and Fox’s comedic genius can look forward to an innovative and entertaining series that pushes creative boundaries.
