johnagbaje

behind the scenes development of the 'Spider Stories' african fantasy animated series.

[johnagbaje]

Sheik. Low key this one’s my favorite. Zelda disguised as a ghost-like desperado. A gunslinger instead of a ninja. An eye patch instead of those bangs. But still, Sheikah symbols engraved on the hat band. Sheikah colors on the poncho. Definitely took a direct Clint Eastwood reference from The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Not mad about it. Imagine Sheik with a guitar instead of a harp. . . . #mask #sheik #sheikah #gunslinger #cowboy #ninja #zelda #legendofzelda #blackzelda #drawingwhileblack #triforce #Blackheroes #ocarinaoftime #talltales #folklore #harmonicaoftime #blackfantasy #fanart #blackart #zeldafanart #americanmyth #myth #legend #redraw #zeldaredraw #blackredraw #dopeblackart https://www.instagram.com/p/CFJMR7UJ33h/?igshid=4hl83bprluns

[johnagbaje]

Testing

[johnagbaje]

A saturday night #drawing #pencil #settlein #oldsketchbook (at Los Angeles, California)

[johnagbaje]

Described in 3 fictional characters

[johnagbaje]

Lt. Veronica

[johnagbaje]

Back in the saddle. #project0 #thumbails

[yagazieemezi-deactivated2022030]

[yagazieemezi-deactivated2022030]

Spider Stories: An African Animation

Here’s a project that I’m definitely going to be keeping a keen eye on! Spider Stories is an African inspired action cartoon set in a fantasy world that follows the tale of Princess Zahara who is tossed into hiding after her royal family is overthrown by another kingdom. Armed with a mystical staff, the fearless princess embarks on quest to reconnect with the spirits, reunite her homeland, and reclaim the throne.

“We have to recognize that culture used to flow through storytelling, and now it flows through media. So within the continent, we want to have images that African children can grow up with that look like them and have names like them and neighborhoods that look like theirs that they can identify with. Thirty to 40 years down the line, when they’re doctors and lawyers and presidents, the positive associations they have with the characters will be real parts of their identities.” – John Agbaje

Read more about the creators and the characters

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Dedicated to the Cultural Preservation of the African Aesthetic

[johnagbaje]

Good looking out

[johnagbaje]

With a small team, limited budget, and lots of heart we are proud to present the Teaser Trailer for Spider Stories. 

I'd like to give a congratulations to our Central City Tower composer, interns, and advisers, as well as the Animation Libation production team. And to the backers who got us started. Feels great to reach this milestone and see the characters brought to life. 

We embellished the credits to let the music play but this isn't the end.

More to come.

[johnagbaje]

so i exaggerated a little bit ... the hawk general's sword is loosely based on a maasai lionspear. a fitting weapon the the lion tribe's archnemesis.

... may be less loose in the future

[johnagbaje]

family.

we'll have plenty of action, but we need to emphasize that there will be a lot of heart as well. its a story about family.

[johnagbaje]

scene stealer

[johnagbaje]

Magical seeing Spider Stories in the big screen. We had a great time at the World Animation Celebration Festival. Thanks to everyone who came out!

[johnagbaje]

everyone’s gotta dress up! … giancarlovolpe

happy halloween. 

[johnagbaje]

sick ride. a closer look at how the hawk soldiers get around.

[johnagbaje]

updated hawk soldier turnaround for the one-shot. halloween costume anybody? 

[johnagbaje]

i actually really love the back and forth in the creative process. the teaser is going to be incredible. we had great collaborators in @animationlibation. 

Thanks guys

[johnagbaje]

Don't miss the debut teaser at the Animation Magazine festival next week! Come on out if you're in the area.

Los Angeles Film School Theater 6363 Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90028