Tony Weaver Jr.: A Renowned Storyteller and Advocate for Representation

Tony Weaver Jr.: A Renowned Storyteller and Advocate for Representation

Tony Weaver Jr. is a renowned storyteller who gained popularity on TikTok for his love of anime and manga. He is not only the creator of the award-winning webcomic series called The UnCommons, but also the founder of Weird Enough Productions, a national nonprofit organization. Tony has been recognized for his talent and was selected as the first comic writer for Forbes 30 Under 30.

Being part of the Black community holds great significance for Tony. He acknowledges the privilege of standing on the shoulders of cultural innovators from previous generations. He draws inspiration from influential Black writers like James Baldwin, August Wilson, and N.K. Jemisin, as well as his own parents who overcame poverty to provide him with a solid foundation. Tony sees himself as a torchbearer, continuing the legacy of creativity, love, and perseverance within the Black community.

The TikTok community has played a pivotal role in inspiring Tony. Prior to joining the app, he struggled to find an audience for his stories and felt that representation didn't matter to others. However, TikTok provided him with a supportive community of like-minded creators and enthusiasts who appreciated his stories and embraced him as an individual. This newfound inspiration allowed Tony to confidently share his stories and be his authentic self. His username, simply his own name, symbolizes his journey towards self-acceptance and the courage to be true to himself.

As a writer and creator, Tony aims to create inclusive worlds where everyone can find their place. He believes that despite the potential for an amazing world, many people's lived experiences do not reflect this kindness. Through his content, Tony hopes to provide a warm embrace and a sense of relatability, allowing readers and viewers to momentarily escape the challenges of the world.

Outside of TikTok, Tony has a passion for collecting sneakers, figurines, and playing video games. He also actively engages in charitable endeavors, such as collaborating with his followers to donate toys and figurines to young people in foster care. He is excited about TikTok's upcoming game streaming tools for creators.

Looking ahead, Tony aspires to expand his career in entertainment. While he has made a name for himself as a writer, he envisions adapting his projects into animated series, television shows, and films. He draws inspiration from successful creators like Issa Rae and Donald Glover, aiming to secure an overall deal with a major streaming platform and create iconic intellectual properties.

On TikTok, Tony's goal is to be an inspiring and accessible role model for young people with stories to tell. He wants to be known as "everyone's nerdy older brother," offering quirky motivation and guiding them through dark times. Tony encourages young creators to use their stories to make a positive impact on the world, just as he strives to do.

For emerging animators or creators aspiring to follow in his footsteps, Tony advises them to consider the emotions they want to evoke in their audience. By keeping this in mind throughout the creative process, setbacks and writer's block can be overcome. Tony believes that chasing that desired emotional response will result in authentic and meaningful work.