INITIATIVE: "Spider Stories, the African fantasy," an [ANIMATED SERIES]
Get into this: I came across a Kickstarter campaign today for a new animated series called 'Spider Stories'!
"Spider Stories follows the tale of Princess Zahara who is thrown into hiding after the royal family is overthrown by a corrupt neighboring kingdom. While traveling with a misfit caravan of merchants she meets a wandering drummer griot who introduces her to the spirit world. Armed with a mystical staff, the fearless princess embarks on a quest to reconnect with the spirits, reunite her homeland, and reclaim the throne."
How badass does THAT sound? I love it!
This project is a venture by the brothers John and Charles Agbaje. They are known for their 'Project Zero' graphic novel series, and are now venturing into animation territory.
Check out the brothers' introduction video:
More from the brothers:
"We are developing an 11 minute animated pilot for a fantasy adventure series called Spider Stories. Your pledges will go towards funding a team of animators to get it done at a professional level of quality. Once completed we'll be taking Spider on the road, pitching it to see if we can get it picked up with the goal of turning into a full fledged animated series."
I think these brothers have struck GOLD! Their story is "the product of a variety of influences." From "Nigerian folk tales of the Tortoise and Anansi the Spider" to "modern fantasy epics like Avatar: The Last Airbender"! This is bound to be a hit, if it takes off!
Check out the Kickstarter link provided at the top of this article for more, detailed information about the project. If you feel led to give, give. If not, no worries! But spread the word, and help these brothers share their story, and broaden the landscape of animation with a tale, the likes of which we don't often (if ever) see.
Below are some concept drawings of characters and the like for your viewing pleasure!
