In This Week in Animation News, I’ll take a look at the previous week in the world of animation in order to get you caught up on everything you might have missed. It’s your one-stop shop for news regarding cartoons, anime, and animated web series. We’re talking movies, TV shows, digital shorts, and everything in between!For the latest animation stories we’ve already covered on the site this week, take a look at the following links. Then, check out a selection of new stories below. Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Are You Disney's Live-Action 'Kim Possible'?

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Image via Disney

Casting has begun on a live-action Kim Possible movie for the Disney Channel Original Movie franchise, 16 years after the popular character – a typical high school girl who, in her spare time, saves the world from evil villains – debuted in the animated comedy/adventure series that became a global hit. The series was lauded for its empowered female role model who uses her brain, heart and expertise to save the day. Throughout 87 episodes and two original animated movies, Kim Possible traversed the social hierarchy of high school and, with her hapless sidekick Ron Stoppable and his naked mole-rat Rufus by her side, thwarted power-hungry villains Drakken and Shego, among others.

The live-action movie script writers are the creators of the animated series – Emmy Award-winning creators/executive producers Mark McCorkle and Robert Schooley – and Josh Cagan (The DUFF, Bandslam). The movie is co-directed and co-produced by Adam B. Stein and Zach Lipovsky. Blyth Nailling is the casting director.

Adam Bonnett, executive vice president, Original Programming, Disney Channels Worldwide, said:

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Image via Disney

"Mark and Bob created an enduring character and kids all over the world found a friend in her, an average girl who just happens to spend her off-school hours thwarting evil villains. Although Kim Possible 'can do anything,' kids and tweens found that this animated redhead was just like them. As we embark on the fun challenge of making Kim and Ron fully dimensional, I'm thrilled to be working again with Mark and Bob and to welcome the addition of a dynamic creative team – Josh, Zanne, Adam and Zach – into a world where anything is indeed possible."

The original animated series, launched in 2002, inspired two hugely popular animated original movies, Kim Possible Movie: So the Drama in 2005, which was the first animated title in the Disney Channel Original Movie franchise, and Kim Possible: A Stitch in Time in 2003.

In addition to its Emmy Award and eight nominations, the series' other accolades are from the Parents' Choice Foundation, the International Animated Film Society's Annie Awards and Italy's Pulcinella Award for Best Program and Best TV Series for Children.

'Coco' Deleted Scenes Include Commentary from Co-Directors Adrian Molina and Lee Unkrich

Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and winner of 11 Annie Awards, Disney•Pixar's Coco also finds its way onto 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and On-Demand on February 27th.

Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (voice of newcomer Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt). Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Hector (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history.

 

Animated Bob Marley Film In the Works with Fox and Universal

Well here's a weird one. As Variety reports, Twentieth Century Fox Animation and Universal's music banner Polygram Entertainment are teaming up for a Bob Marley project that's described as “an animated musical love letter to the late Marley’s legendary music and to the people of Jamaica” Kenya Barris (Black-ish, Girls Trip) is writing and producing the project.

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Image via Magnolia Pictures

Cedella Marley, daughter of Bob and Rita Marley, produces along with Polygram Entertainment chief David Blackman and E. Brian Dobbins of Principato-Young. Fox Animation Co-Presidents, Andrea Miloro and Robert Baird said of the project:

“We not only have the opportunity to build new relationships for the studio, but we get to tell a story, inspired by the music of Bob Marley, one of the greatest music legends of our time.”

Marley added:

“My father has inspired art and artists around the world and I’m excited to embark on a new creative venture that highlights his incredible music. We are thrilled to work with Kenya Barris and David Blackman on this project as well as a Fox Animation who gave us this platform to introduce a new generation to my father’s music.”

'My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic' Season 8 Release Date Revealed

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Image via Discovery

On Saturday, March 24th at 11:30a/10:30c, Discovery Family premieres the eighth season of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic with 26 half hour episodes complete with seven original songs, new characters and tons of friendship! New episodes of the Hasbro Studios’ produced animated series will also stream live and on demand on Discovery Family GO, the network’s TV Everywhere app.

Following the events of My Little Pony: The Movie, in the back-to-back season premiere episodes titled “School Daze Part 1” and “School Daze Part 2,” the Mane 6 discovers that the Friendship Map has expanded to show the world outside Equestria. Through two exciting original songs, Twilight Sparkle learns that friendship needs to spread beyond the limits of the kingdom and decides to open her very own School of Friendship. But things come to a head when the new non-pony students ditch class on Friends and Family day, putting the entire school in jeopardy!

This season, viewers will witness major milestones featuring the introduction of Starlight Glimmer’s parents, Princess Celestia's big acting debut and Spike’s journey to adulthood -- getting his wings. Additionally, the Mane 6’s Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are accompanied by six new creatures including Ocellus the Changeling, Silverstream the Hippogriff/Seapony, Smolder the Dragon, Gallus the Griffin, Yona the Yak and Sandbar the Pony, joining them on epic adventures throughout new and familiar lands such as Mount Aris, Everfree Forest, Las Pegasus and more. Fan-favorite characters Maud Pie, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Queen Chrysalis and Discord return with exciting storylines and a whole lot of magic!

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Image via Lionsgate Home Entertainment

Leading up to the season eight premiere, Discovery Family celebrates all things pony by binging the most magical episodes from the past seven seasons during the PONY PALOOZA takeover beginning bright and early at 6a/5c on Saturday, March 17th and running all week long during the day up to the season premiere on Saturday, March 24th at 11:30a/10:30c. Revisit legendary moments throughout the series including the royal wedding of Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and Shining Armor, the crowning of Twilight Sparkle as a princess, the birth and “Crystalling” of Baby Flurry Heart, the origin of the Mane 6 cutie marks and classic guest appearances from “Weird Al” Yankovic as Cheese Sandwich, Patton Oswalt as Daring Do super fan Quibble Pants and William Shatner as Grand Pear.

'Batman: Gotham by Gaslight' Clip Shows Off a Stunning Fight Sequence

This is an all-new clip featuring Batman and Jack the Ripper in hand-to-hand combat atop a dirigible flying high over the streets of turn-of-the-century Gotham City.

Batman: Gotham By Gaslight is now available from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital.

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Image via Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

Go Behind the Scenes of 'The Star' for the Blu-ray Release

Sony Pictures Animation’s The Star arrives on Blu-ray + DVD + Digital February 20th from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. The heartwarming animated comedy follows a small but brave donkey named Bo (voiced by Steven Yeun), who yearns for a life beyond his daily grind at the village mill. One day he finds the courage to break free and finally goes on the adventure of his dreams. On his journey, he teams up with Ruth (voiced by Aidy Bryant), a lovable sheep who has lost her flock and Dave (voiced by Keegan-Michael Key), a dove with lofty aspirations, along with three wisecracking camels voiced by Tracy Morgan, Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey. Bo and his new friends follow the star and become accidental heroes in the greatest story ever told.

Rounding out the all-star voice cast including Gina Rodriguez as Mary, Zachary Levi as Joseph, Grammy Award-Winner Kelly Clarkson as Leah the horse, Anthony Anderson as Zach the goat, Ving Rhames as Thaddeus the dog, Gabriel Iglesias as Rufus the dog, Patricia Heaton as Edith the cow, Emmy and Tony Award-Winner Kristin Chenoweth as Abby the mouse, and Christopher Plummer as King Herod.

Bonus Materials Include:

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    Image via Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
    Star-aoke: Sing-Along with Bo & Friends: In this all new song, sing along with your favorite characters including Bo, Dave, Ruth and the unforgettable camels
  • "Life Is Good" Dance-Along: Shake your tail feathers and move your hooves in this fun dance along
  • Lyric Sing-Along Videos: Enjoy the eclectic and inspiring music of THE STAR with these colorful lyric videos that allow you to sing along with your favorite recording artists
  • “The Star” by Mariah Carey
  • “Can You See” by Fifth Harmony
  • “Children Go Where I Send You” by Kelsea Ballerini
  • “We Three Kings” by Kirk Franklin
  • “Life Is Good” by A Great Big World
  • Sweet and Sparkly Stars: Create star-themed cookies to be enjoyed year round
  • Star Mason Jar Votives: Let the light of THE STAR shine with this simple yet stunning craft
  • Faith All Year Round with DeVon Franklin: A children’s sermon discussing the themes of the film and how to keep the spirit of this inspiring story alive in us every day
  • An All-Star Cast: Meet the stars of the film and explore the exciting voice cast who bring these amazing characters to life

Crunchyroll Expo 2018 Arrives September 1st!

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The Crunchyroll Expo returns September 1-3, 2018 at the San Jose Convention Center. Tickets went on sale on February 8th, but we'll have more information for you as it becomes available. Last year’s event drew more than 16,000 attendees for three days of featured guest speakers, artists, and exhibitions, premiers of multiple anime series, a massive costume contest, and more!

[EMBED_TWITTER]https://twitter.com/crunchyrollexpo/status/959574448662695936?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw[/EMBED_TWITTER]

See How 'Early Man' Was Made in 12-Minute Video with Animation Director Will Becher

EARLY MAN is the new prehistoric comedy adventure from four-time Academy Award® -winning director Nick Park and AARDMAN, the creators of WALLACE AND GROMIT and SHAUN THE SHEEP. Shot in Aardman’s own distinctive style, the film will take audiences on an extraordinary journey into an exciting new world unleashing an unforgettable tribe of unique and funny new characters voiced by an all-star British cast.

 

Set at the dawn of time, when prehistoric creatures roamed the earth, EARLY MAN tells the story of courageous caveman hero Dug (Eddie Redmayne) and his best friend Hognob as they unite his tribe against a mighty enemy Lord Nooth (Tom Hiddleston) and his Bronze Age City to save their home. Hiddleston and Maisie Williams (Goona) will be joined by additional voice cast playing characters from the Bronze Age city to be announced in the coming weeks.

[EMBED_TWITTER]https://twitter.com/will_becher/status/960468817196519424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw[/EMBED_TWITTER]

'Usagi Yojimbo' Animated Series in the Works with James Wan Producing

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Image via Dark Horse Comics

Usagi Yojimbo, the famous rabbit Samurai most commonly associated with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, will be getting his own animated series at long last. BC reports that the animated adaptation of Stan Sakai's comic book creation will be co-produced by Gaumont, Sakai, James Wan’s Atomic Monster, and Dark Horse Entertainment’s Mike Richardson and Keith Goldberg. Gaumont’s President of Animation, Nicolas Atlan recently made the announcement.

Envisioned as a CG-animated series, the plan is to begin production in 2018; Gaumont is currently seeking a broadcaster to get involved with the development process. Usagi Yojimbo takes place in 17th century feudal Japan in which anthropomorphic characters--like the title hero himself--populate the world. Miyamoto Usagi, a.k.a. Usagi Yojimbo, is a ronin warrior, a skilled swordsrabbit, and one-time bodyguard for a Japanese War Lord. Now masterless, he wanders a "world of immense castles and humble villages, encountering dinosaurs, Yokai, cats, bats, bounty hunters, giant snakes, and even aliens, facing exciting adventures at every turn, always ready to help."

Here's what Atlan had to say about the project:

“Usagi Yojimbo has been much sought after for many years, and we are honored to work with Stan Sakai to translate his multi-generational stories into the first ever TV series. Usagi Yojimbo’s blend of history and mythology, clever balance between action and comedy, and real-world touchpoints combined with the supernatural, together with the passionate fan base that Stan has already amassed, makes this an incredibly exciting property to develop with our partners Atomic Monster and Dark Horse Entertainment.”

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Sakai also commented:

“We get fan mail from readers of all ages across the globe who have been asking to see Usagi Yojimbo in his own TV series. With Gaumont, James Wan and his team at Atomic Monster, and Dark Horse Entertainment, we have the best creative talent on board to bring the adventures I have been creating for over 30 years to life.”

Oscar-Nominated Animator Glen Keane to Direct 'Over the Moon' for Netflix and Pearl Studio

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Image via Netflix, Pearl Studio

Legendary Academy Award-nominated animator Glen Keane will direct Pearl Studio’s Over the Moon as a world premiere animated film exclusively for Netflix. The news was jointly announced by Peilin Chou, Chief Creative Officer of Pearl Studio and Melissa Cobb, Vice President of Kids & Family for Netflix.

Over the Moon is an animated musical adventure feature film about a girl who builds a rocket ship and blasts off to the moon in hopes of meeting a legendary Moon Goddess. The film will be released in 2020, theatrically in China, and to Netflix members around the world.

Keane most recently directed the acclaimed Academy Award® nominated animated short film Dear Basketball, which won Best Animated Short this past weekend at the 45th Annual Annie Awards honoring the best in Animation. He is a multi-award winning distinguished veteran of Walt Disney Feature Animation who trained under Walt Disney’s legendary "9 Old Men." In 2012, he left Disney to form Glen Keane Productions as a way to further his artistic explorations in animation, design, and film.

For Over the Moon he will bring his considerable talent, artistry and experience to this modern-day retelling of the classic Chinese myth. The film is written by Audrey Wells, produced by Gennie Rim and executive produced by Janet Yang. Songs will be written by Christopher Curtis, Marjorie Duffield, and Helen Park.

“I am powerfully drawn to characters who believe the impossible is possible,” said Keane. “Over the Moon has just such a heroine as its centerpiece. The compelling script by Audrey Wells has tremendous heart and humor that called to me and I had to respond. I'm honored to bring this story to life alongside my producer Gennie Rim. We are both looking forward to creating a wonderful film and partnership with Melissa Cobb at Netflix and Peilin Chou at Pearl Studio.”

Masaaki Yuasa's 'Mind Game' Arrives in LA & NYC Theaters

GKIDS is proud to present the cult classic Mind Game, from famed anime director Masaaki Yuasa (Devilman: Crybaby, Lu Over the Wall). Mind Game will open at the Landmark Nuart in Los Angeles on February 16th with a special midnight screening, which will be duplicated exclusively at additional Landmark Theatres locations for one-night only (additional night available in select locations), and will open in New York at the Metrograph on March 2nd for a traditional theatrical run.  For tickets and more information about national engagements, please visit www.mindgamemovie.com.

Here's the official synopsis:

Buckle in and prepare to surrender yourself to an exhilarating and wildly entertaining ride. Cult classic Mind Game is an explosion of unconstrained expression - gloriously colorful images ricochet in rapid-fire associations, like Masaaki Yuasa's brain splattered onto the screen in all its goopy glory. Audiences will begin to grasp what they are in for early on as loser Nishi, too wimpy to try to save his childhood sweetheart from gangsters, is shot in the butt by a soccer-playing psychopath, projecting Nishi into the afterlife. In this limbo, God - shown as a series of rapidly changing characters - tells him to walk toward the light.  But Nishi runs like hell in the other direction and returns to Earth a changed man, driven to live each moment to the fullest.

Look for our interview with Masaaki Yuasa this coming week for Lu Over the Wall (2017), his latest feature, which won the grand prize Cristal for a Feature Film at Annecy International Animation Film Festival, the most prestigious international festival for animation, and was also an official selection at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. It will be released in theaters by GKIDS in late spring 2018.

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Image via Studio 4°C

Fox Orders Kevin Hart Animated Series 'Lil Kev'

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Image via Universal Pictures

Deadline reports that Fox has ordered Lil Kev, an animated pilot presentation that's based on Kevin Hart's comedy. Hart will voice alongside Wanda Sykes, Keith Robertson, Gerald “Slink” Johnson and Deon Cole.

Written by Michael Price (The Simpsons) and Matt Claybrooks (Everybody Hates Chris), the 20th Century Fox TV/Lionsgate TV project is among Fox's push into more animated series; other projects include a pilot presentation for an Amy Poehler half-hour comedy with The Simpsons‘ veterans Mike and Julie Scully,

Fox's entertainment president Michael Thorn said of Lil Kev:

“It’s About Kevin Hart’s experiences growing up and how his relationship with his mother and his community led to his optimistic, positive outlook despite some of the challenges and circumstances that he grew up with."

Lil Kev tells the story of "a 12-year-old, pint-sized, optimistic, highly imaginative kid who navigates growing up in the crime filled inner-city of North Philly with the help and sometimes hindrance of his strong, quick-tempered mother, drug addicted father, pessimistic older brother, ex-con uncle and wise-ass talking dog."

'Mary and The Witch's Flower' Returns to Theaters!

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Image via Studio Ponoc

Mary and The Witch's Flower, the debut title from Studio Ponoc, will get a special encore screening following its successful premiere in cinemas. Tickets for Mary and The Witch's Flower encore will be available online starting today either by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. A complete list of theater locations will be available on the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

Mary and The Witch's Flower returns Saturday, February 24th at 12:55 p.m. local time (screened with English dub) and Monday, February 26, at 7:00 p.m. local time (screened in original Japanese with subtitles)

This stunning, action-packed fantasy adventure is the second collaboration between Academy Award-nominated director Hiromasa Yonebayashi and two-time Academy Award-nominated producer Yoshiaki Nishimura.

Mary is an ordinary young girl stuck in the country with her Great-Aunt Charlotte and seemingly no adventures or friends in sight. She follows a mysterious cat into the nearby forest, where she discovers an old broomstick and the strange Fly-by-Night flower, a rare plant that blossoms only once every seven years and only in that forest. Together the flower and the broomstick whisk Mary above the clouds, and far away to Endor College - a school of magic run by headmistress Madam Mumblechook and the brilliant Doctor Dee. But there are terrible things happening at the school, and when Mary tells a lie, she must risk her life to try to set things right.

Check Out a Clip from 'Fairy Tail: Dragon Cry'!

Natsu discovers something that holds unimaginable power - the Dragon Cry! Own It 3/6 on Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack & Digital HD: http://funi.to/2lYplLR

First Clip from 'LEGO DC Super Heroes: The Flash' Checks in on the Title Hero

In LEGO DC Super Heroes: The Flash, Reverse-Flash manipulates the Speed Force to put The Flash into a time loop that forces him to relive the same day over and over again - with progressively disastrous results, including losing his powers and being fired by the Justice League. The Flash must find a way to restore time to its original path and finally apprehend his worst enemy before all is lost for The Flash … and the world!

Along the route, The Flash encounters numerous new characters being introduced to the popular DC Super Heroes series, including The Atom; B'dg, a squirrel-esque Green Lantern; a pair of legendary super pets in Ace the Bat-Hound and Krypto the Super-Dog, Batman and Superman's faithful canine pals; as well as Aquaman's trusted seahorse, Storm.

Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment and the LEGO Group, LEGO® DC Super Heroes: The Flash will be available from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Digital starting February 13. WBHE will distribute the film on March 13, 2016 on Blu-rayTM Combo Pack and DVD.

Stellan Skarsgard Stars in the First Trailer for 'Gordon & Paddy'

The forest’s police chief Gordon is about to retire and he needs to find a new assistant. Paddy, a clever mouse with a great sense of smell seems to be the right candidate. Together they have to solve Gordon’s last case – the mystery of squirrel’s missing nuts. Could it be the fox that took them? Gordon and Paddy will soon find out.

Variety shared the international trailer for Gordon & Paddy, Linda Hambäck’s film about a retiring forest police chief and his search for the best candidate to replace him while solving one last case.

Here's how Jan Naszewski of New Europe Film Sales pitched it ahead of its world premiere at Berlinale:

“’Gordon & Paddy’ is a wonderful and exciting family detective story. We fell in love with the charming characters, the positive message of the film and its great visual style. It fits perfectly into New Europe’s catalog of quality animation. We are preparing a whole slate of such projects. It’s great to be working with Linda again, who gave us our first ever film in early 2010, which helped me to start the company.”

Written by Janne Vierth, Gordon & Paddy is based on Ulf Nilssons and Gitte Spees internationally published books. Animation for the film, which also features the voice work of Melinda Kinnaman and comedian Felix Herngrenwas, was handled by Dockhus Animation while the music was composed by Martin Landquist.

GKIDS Lands Domestic Rights to 'Satellite Girl and Milk Cow'

GKIDS proudly presents SATELLITE GIRL AND MILK COW, an action-comedy like you have never seen before.

 

An out of commission satellite picks up a lovelorn ballad on her radio antenna and descends to Earth to find the source of such sincere emotions. But on the way she is caught in the crossfire of a raging magical battle and is transformed into Satellite Girl, complete with Astro Boy-like rocket shoes and weapon-firing limbs. Meanwhile, the balladeer in question - a loser 20 something at a café open mic - meets the fate that befalls all broken-hearted lovers: he is turned into a farm animal. But love knows no bounds, and aided by the wise and powerful Merlin - a wizard who has been turned into a roll of toilet paper - our duo must evade the all-consuming incinerator monster, the wily pig witch, and other nefarious adversaries in an attempt to be together. From the brilliant and slightly twisted mind of writer/director Chang Hyung-yun, SATELLITE GIRL AND MILK COW is a heartfelt and wildly entertaining commentary on the possibility for human connection in the crazy, mixed-up, post-modern world we live in.

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Image via GKIDS

GKIDS, the acclaimed producer and distributor of animation for adult and family audiences, announced that it is has acquired the North American distribution rights to Satellite Girl and Milk Cow, from acclaimed Korean director Chang Hyung-yun. Sales agent INDIESTORY represents the title worldwide.

Satellite Girl and Milk Cow is available for streaming now via the VRV Select channel on VRV, an audience-focused aggregation platform, and will be followed by a theatrical and home video release this summer.

"I knew from the moment I first saw Satellite Girl and Milk Cow that we had to be involved," said David Jesteadt, GKIDS' president. "It is safe to say that you are unlikely to have ever seen anything like this movie before-a truly original, fantasy anime sci-fi rom-com, just bursting with humor and heart. I'm hoping as many people as possible get the opportunity to see this remarkable film."

'The Axiom Chronicles' Is 'Star Wars' Meets 'Samurai Jack'

A sci-fi/western animated series about a young outlaw, robot overlords and a highly sought-after energy source called the Axiom.

The fine folks at indie animation studio Edison Creative reached out to share their awesome teaser for The Axiom Chronicles, a sort of sci-fi/Western that Syfy rightly described as Star Wars-meets-Samurai Jack. I think Genndy Tartakovsky himself would be impressed.

The story takes place "on a dystopian planet in the far reaches of the cosmos, [where] an evil sentient mechanical entity known as the Mechno-Hive has enslaved the organic races as their labor force. By controlling an ancient and mysterious crystaline power source known as the Axiom, they exert their tyrannical will on the entire planet," as the team's Kickstarter page describes it. The fate of that world rests with the anti-hero Rake who must "learn to control the ultimate power of the Axiom for good, and bring peace to the world he calls home."

If this interests you, there's a wealth of information available at their Kickstarter page, which has less than three weeks ago in order to get funded. Go help them out!

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Image via Edison Creative