The Next Ultranite
Concept by: TomTCarts
What is
The Next Ultranite
about?
Welcome to Horizons. A massive floating island high above the cloud line approximately 900 miles in length. The inhabitants of this skyward world are humanoid-avian creatures known as Avianites. Mechanical machines powered by wind and steam that dominate the wind ways surrounding the continent. Making home in the massive forests as tall as skyscrapers and in the mountain ranges that spread through the rough and twisting terrain.
The avianites that fly and roam these lands are the figure heads that rule the machines and skies, with powerful abilities that enhance their everyday lives and dreams. Some choose to cook, farm, retire, fly, and even protect the innocents from the darkest of evils that plague their society.
Meet Ikari, a stubborn and courageous avianite, born without an ability under his fathers legacy as captain of the avian defenders known as Talons. This special force uses their abilities to invent, analyze, enforce and save those in need. Ikari will be tested, face dangers unimaginable, and push onward to succeed in his dreams, otherwise he may be overcome by the darkness inside him.
Forging new friendships and testing existing ones, he will fight alongside his flock and push back the evil of the werenites that continue to plague Horizons. Uncovering dark secrets and truths about the Ultranites, trained by the previous to grow strong not only physically, but mentally as he takes on his new burden and destiny that will shape the future of his world.
Ikari will shoot for his dream of becoming a Talon, mastering the two abilities that were forced upon him and now interwoven into his fate to become The Next Ultranite.
Characters
Ikari Kotama
(He/him)
Ikari is our protagonist. He always dreamed of becoming a talon though he was born without any abilities of his own, he strives for his dream no matter what.
Not till an evil threatens his best friend that he is caught in the cross fire. Almost consumed by the darkness, he is saved by his father who had to sacrifice his own powers for his son.
Now Ikari has two abilities instead of one. A feat only achieved by Ultranites. He will learn to wield them together, along side his new flock-mates, they will fight back the evil that plagues his home. While learning to become The Next Ultranite
Zaiyo Terrador
(He/him)
Zaiyo is Ikari's close friend and rival. As kids, they did everything together. Though Zaiyo would run off to train most of the time because he too, had a dream of becoming a talon captain.
He's the best of the best, good at everything he does. He's quick and smart, its hard to pass anything by him. Though this may also be his downfall.
His relationships will be tested, choices made for the sake of his dream. Or his friends.
The rest of the characters have been conceptualized and written. but not yet made in Blender.
FAQ
How is it done?
The Next Ultranite is a 3D animated series in the style of 2D and anime TV shows. The project is a stand-alone project created entirely by myself within Blender 3D. Seem like a lot of work? I have grown to be a technical artist within Blender and understand its tools to the point where setting up character rigs, asset libraries, and utilizing the eevee render engine, along with understanding the animation style and pipeline, I have grown to work smarter and not harder on my own without the use of any AI.
Why are you making this series?
As an artist, it is my passion to create and I've always dreamed of making a project like this. I don't plan to make this for fame or money, if it happens then I accept it. That's not what it's about though. I want to pour my emotions and experiences into this series and tell an incredible story that will hopefully inspire at least one person to create. It's something that keeps me going and knowing that I have this goal, despite my mental issues, I want to see it through.
Entirely by yourself?
Yes... Well, mostly. While I do the majority of the pipeline and voice act some characters, I can't do everything. I have skills in lots of places, even creating sound effects. I'm not against trying to learn something new if I have to. But I will eventually need other voice actors, and potentially a musician for a soundtrack. I have commissioned talented artists for concepts as I want to pay and help other artists. But from the pre-vis, to the 3D models and animation, to video editing and compositing, I am confident in what I can achieve.
How long have you/will you be working on this?
The project started back in June of 2021. It was the tail end of quarantine and I finally got the hang of using Blender after using Maya for so many years. During quarantine I found myself engrossed in watching anime. For the energy and stories of the scenes, with the unique pieces and characters that I personally feel is lacking in western entertainment. In anime and manga, they're not afraid to try something crazy, and it may end up a huge success. They're main focus is the energy of a scene, not so much making the best drawing. Take "That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime" for example, that's an incredibly creative and "out-there" idea that wouldn't be thought of here. And it tells such a fun story that has me at the edge of my seat, that it has become popular.
I've always wanted to make a huge project since I was young and first getting into animation, that when Blender made sense to me, it gave me the opportunity to create whatever I wanted in the quality and style that I desired without many limits. I struggled to do that with Maya, whereas Blender has been my catalyst for creation.
Since then, I've been creating iterations of character rigs, story ideas, effect ideas, and how I wanted to go about the pipeline for this project. Now-a-days it's been so developed that I have something concrete and taking shape in my vision. I will always be working on this series, it's something that keeps me going and gives me an outlet for myself and my emotions and passion. Even if it means it doesn't finish for another 30 years, I don't think I'll ever quick working on this.
Programs Used
Blender
Primarily done in Blender. Models, Rigs, Animation, Compositing, Effects.
Davinci Resolve
Video editing, SFX, adjustments.
Affinity Photo
Storyboards, Sketches, Textures.
