New Motion Comic Ascent from Akeron launches on Kickstarter

Ascent from Akeron is a post-apocalyptic thriller told in 12 episodes. A destroyed city festering at the foot of a tower that rises like a monolith from the center of the island. The people of Akeron are permitted to exist by the unseen superior beings that live above the clouds, so long as they provide electricity to the tower. A 17-year-old boy, Machai, befriends a group of rebellious teenagers. When they accidentally discover a treasure chest filled to the brim with ‘ancient’ superhero comics from the 20th century, they take fate into their own hands – rising up against the sinister forces that rule over their city.

The motion comic features animated elements, visual effects, a soundtrack by Mark Tschanz, and
sound effects. Ascent from Akeron is 12 episodes. The prologue and episode 1, to be released this fall, introduce the world of Akeron and the story’s main characters. Episodes 2 and 3 are set for release later this fall. The crowdfunding campaign is launching to fund at least one additional episode: http://kck.st/1VNPupK

Writer William Maher worked as a vfx supervisor in Hollywood for many years. His vfx career has
included many comic book adaptation favorites, including Mars Attacks, X-Men, X-Men 2 and Batman &
Robin. Intrigued by the impact of these superhero franchises, Maher initially started developing the Akeron storyworld as a way to explore the concept of a world without superheroes.

I started to wonder what difference it might make if comics didn’t exist at all. What if there was no such enlightenment? What if there was only work and obedience. What if kids who grew up in
such a controlled world would suddenly discover comics? Superheroes. Resistance. Fight.
Passion. Love. What would happen inside them? What would they become?

After the award-winning interactive graphic novel The Art of Pho, producers Wolting, Felix and
Pallotta continue their exploration of the medium. Ascent from Akeron is their most ambitious motion comic yet.

Our previous motion comics were adaptations of existing books. This time, we wanted to work
with original IP. The compelling and multi-layered story-world of Akeron drew us in, and we see
possibilities for this story to be expanded to film or TV.

One of the main challenges for the artists was to visualize a world immersed in a state of perpetual near-darkness. The world-building aspect of Akeron became extensive, according to the producers.

The creators went to great lengths to refine the visual look and the intricate systems that define
how this fictional world operates.

For more information visit: www.ascentfromakeron.com