Aku is a character born from a question - “Mom, can astronauts be black?” - and a symbol of every child’s potential for greatness. First created digitally within Web3 by Micah Johnson, the character has been expressed through 10 “Aku Chapter” story videos and 15k unique “Akutar” identities, as well as via collaborations including TIME Magazine.
Currently, Aku is exploring dynamic content pathways for its core character and building The Akuverse, expanding its story world through new characters with potential community ownership.
📝 1: Micah Johnson Launches His YouTube Channel
In Episode 1 - Growing in the Open: Bipolar Disorder - Aku creator Micah Johnson turns the camera around and opens up about his struggles with bipolar disorder. As a form of accountability and growth, he is embracing the concept of "Growing in the Open." He’ll be documenting his experiences while navigating running a business, pursuing his artistic passions, and maintaining a balanced family life.
Subscribe to Micah’s YouTube channel to follow along!
📝 2: UNCMMN Joins the Aku Family
Micah Johnson has worked with CAA - Creative Artists Agency - for some time. Now UNCMMN joins the fold. Here are words from Micah and Stephanie Piza, UNCMMN’s co-founder. More specifics to come!
Micah Johnson:
“I’ve always aimed to empower people through my creativity. It’s my motivator and as I look to expand my work into exciting new verticals, the UNCMMN team alongside CAA provide me with the resources and knowledge to expand the Aku IP and other creative endeavors.”
Stephanie Piza, Talent Manager and Co-Founder of UNCMMN:
“I’m elated to be joining the Aku family and to work alongside Micah and the team to help expand the brand and drive growth. As someone who is deeply passionate about the potential of the Web3 space and representation within it, I cannot think of a more exciting opportunity than being part of such an innovative and mission-driven organization.”
📝 3: Aku Appears on MLB Tonight
Micah Johnson arrived on this year's inaugural MLB Tonight broadcast during an exciting inning. As he talked through Aku and creativity with Chris Young, CC Sabathia, and Siera Santos, the Yankees loaded the bases and reigning MVP Aaron Judge stepped to the plate. Chris Young offered the quote of the game:
"He needs to put his astronaut helmet on right now."
Here’s a clip of Micah speaking on creativity and how it translates across baseball and Web3:
https://twitter.com/AkuDreams/status/165314580192363315
📝 4: Aku Experiments with Wonder Dynamics
Wonder Studio - from the minds at Wonder Dynamics - is an AI tool that automatically animates, lights, and composes CG characters into a live-action scene. The Aku Team is experimenting with it to overlay Aku on real people. Not only is it fun, but it represents an overall mission to use dynamic tools to unleash better, faster, high quality content.
📝 5: Aku Explodes Onto GIPHY
Aku now has a brand account with GIPHY, which means it will show up via GIF search on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Type keywords such as Aku, Akutar, or Akuverse and enjoy.
The GIPHY account is crossing 6M views as we speak, and timely GIFs will be added periodically. Happy Mother’s Day!
Click here to check out more Aku GIFs
📝 6: Aku Builds His Bedroom in oncyber
Oncyber is a metaverse platform that makes it easy for anyone to create their own 3D, immersive galleries. Aku World I - based on Aku Chapter I’s hallway - was the first experience created earlier in 2023.
Here’s a sneak peek of the Aku Chapter III World, one of two coming soon. If you’re perceptive, you may notice something else interesting about the scene!
📝 7: Aku.World Releases Its Community Hub
Another Aku mission is more accessible information in more places. Alongside the launch of this Substack, the Aku.World site adds a Community Hub to present:
News Bulletins
Shareables (GIFs)
Community Spotlights
📝 8: To The Moon God Pod
It's been all about the artists lately on "To The Moon God Pod", with Bryan Brinkman, Glass Crown, and Thr33Som3s consecutively featured.
JWow and Love0x continue to impress with their now 37 weekly interviews. The podcast and YouTube show began by profiling Aku Moon Gods - collectors of all 10 original Aku Chapters - and has expanded to include all sorts of inspiring voices.
Tune in to all episodes of “To The Moon God Pod” here: YouTube, Spotify
📝 9: Justin Fredericks Is Happy
We love to see the community sharing Tweets with AkuDreams tags on Twitter! Here is one via member Justin Fredericks featuring Pharrell Williams, his impeccable vibes, and his connection to Aku and Doodles releases.
https://twitter.com/justfred_ar/status/1654113287515279362
Feel free to share yours by tagging AkuDreams or using the hashtag #WeAreAku
📝 10: Jose Antonio Ojeda Is On the Move
Member Jose - @ojedasbodega - has been on the move lately and took Aku along with him and his family! Disney: check. Universal: check. Puerto Rico: check. It’s awesome to see the Aku Statue in the wild.
Other places to get involved in and follow along with the Aku movement:
Well put together, informative great insight and it appeals to the readers brilliant!!!
Great to see a Roadmap for the community. Hope this one will stay updated :)