Here Are Three Black-Produced Animated Projects You Should Know About

Black representation in animation is scarce which sucks but that doesn’t mean producers aren’t trying. In these constantly volatile times where the leader of the free world is constantly judging books by their covers, it’s important to remember the guys that are trying their damnedest to lean forward and make a difference in the adult animation industry. So, let’s spotlight three black-produced projects you need to know about coming from black producers that are every bit as awesome as anything you’ve seen on television.

An upcoming LeSean Thomas-produced anime for Crunchyroll dropped its first trailer this week in front of Fandom Event’s Anime Nights and it’s definitely something you should know about.  Children of Ether boasts an impressive staff, including character designer Hiroshi Shimizu (Michiko & Hatchin), storyboard director Shingo Natsume (One Punch Man), and animator Mitsuo Iso (Neon Genesis Evangelion).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5GS29oEdFk


 

As you know, Tyler, the Creator, has a new animated series that should be premiering on Adult Swim any day now called The Jellies. The series is the television adaptation of the Golf App version of the series which already aired its first season, though we can expect changes to the aesthetic when The Jellies drops as the show’s creator lets loose some details about representation in black animation in this clip. Note, the original take on The Jellies featured a white lead character, but the Adult Swim take will feature a black lead character.

The Jellies follows a family of Jellyfish and their 16-year-old human son who suddenly realizes that he’s adopted. The series stars  Phil LaMarr, Blake Anderson, AJ Johnson and Kevin Michael Richardson and is co-created Lionel Boyce, and Tyler the latter of whom the series will feature both music and voice work from the popular rapper and producer.

Read our review of the Golf App season here.


 

Imagine if anime crossed with Crown Heights, Brooklyn? Welp, that’s exactly what is happening here as Stephane Metayer revealed a teaser trailer for an upcoming animated series adaptation of the already established comic series Tephlon Funk. The teaser was produced by D’Art Shtajio with Hiroki Itai (Kill La Kill) as the director.

Tephlon Funk is a story about a young girl named Inez, caught up in a series of events in the gritty streets on Queensbridge where she meets Gabriel and changes her life dramatically.

According to Complex.com, other players on the team include David Tako (Character Designs & Turnarounds) and James Stanley (Early Storyboards – First Draft) along with Henry Thurlow (Director) and Arthell Isom (Art Director and Background Artist) and Metayer (Production/Composition).