Transolar Galactica The Sci-Fi Web Series - A Review

Journey Into Hilarity

Transolar Galactica is a sci-fi comedy web series that satirizes popular tropes of genre icons such as Star Trek, Star Wars, Firefly and Battlestar Galactica.

Written by Clancy Bundy and Adam Harum, the series recounts the adventures of the crew of the S.S. Transolar as they traverse the galaxy epically fumbling one mission after another.

Led by the arrogant and inept Captain Remmingtion Trigger (Isaac Joslin), the rest of the crew includes:

• Petty Officer McCall (Adam C. Boyd) The constantly beleaguered ship's engineer

• Security Chief Reginald Murdock (Clancy Bundy) A testosterone-riddled, shoot first ask questions later macho man

• Samson (Adam Harum) The meek communications officer with a mysterious past

• Pilot Charles Sang-Soo Yasaki (Jade Warpenburg) The rational and lone voice of reason aboard a ship of misfits

The first season of the show is comprised of ten episodes averaging between 3 and 7 minutes in length. Each installment is a stand alone episode, which makes the series very accessible to new viewers.

Let me just say, Transolar Galactica skillfully succeeds in poking fun at the most nonsensical tropes of many beloved sci-fi franchises.

For example, one episode addresses the illogical risks the command staff take in going on almost every away mission. On other hilarious occasions, you witness what really happens when a space vessel is pushed beyond its physical  limits.

Even the show's  terrific cinematography is a send-up of one of J.J. Abrams' widely ridiculed directorial affectations.

However, the lynchpin that makes the humor work is the performance of Mr. Warpenburg as Pilot Yasaki.

His rational objections to the absurdities around him generates a major portion of the show’s humor - and serves to drive home the satire.

Without his straight-man reactions, most of the comedy would fall into unfunny, over-the-top camp.

A Skilled Crew

On the production side, the show features striking sets, costumes, and visual effects - especially the virtual computer displays and controls.

What makes the production value all the more impressive is the entire first season was produced on less than a shoe-string budget.  

The eye-popping results serve as a testament to the exceptional skills and talents of all involved.

The official series trailer is available for viewing below:

To watch the complete season one episodes, check out the show's channel on YouTube.

If you want to know more about the production and how you can support the series, visit the official web site: TransolarGalactica.com

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The Super Alliance - A Web Series Review

Average Joe No More

Produced by Awkward Alien Productions (LOVE the name!), The Super Alliance is a web series about John Jupiter (Bruce Novakowski), an average Joe who suddenly discovers he has telekinetic powers.

Reveling in his new found abilities, John does what most of us would do in his circumstance - test out our new powers on everything around us.

Unfortunately, John's life will take a 180º turn from the ordinary to the bizarre with the receipt of an unusual invitation.

A Strange Offer

Shortly after discovering his unique ability, John receives a strange invitation from the enigmatic Rob (Frank Rose Bailey IV) to join a group of misfits who call themselves "The Super Alliance."

Rob reveals he knows about John's newfound powers, and insists he would make a great addition to his organization.  

Skeptical, John brushes him off, but he soon finds himself the target of mysterious forces.

Is The Super Alliance what they appear to be, or do they have a hidden agenda?

 Inspired by Geek Icons

The series producers have stated their inspiration came from the work of geek icons such as Stan Lee and Joss Whedon.

Their influence is clearly evident in John Jupiter's character and origin:

• Like Stan Lee's Peter Parker or Joss Whedon's Buffy Summers, John is an everyman, not a powerful alien or wealthy playboy

• Despite his powers, he still must deal with problems in his career and relationship

• He is just learning to deal with his gift. Becoming a do-gooder isn't high on his list of priorities - yet

• John unwittingly becomes the target of unknown, hostile forces

 An Alliance Worth Joining?

As of the date of this writing, The Super Alliance has released two episodes containing seeds of a compelling take on the superhero genre.  

Here is the official series trailer:

This is an independent production with a very limited budget, so it isn't quite as polished as other similar projects. However, the passion and love of the genre shines through in the plotting and cast performances.

Still in its infancy, the producers have stated five additional episodes will be released later in 2014. 

i found the universe of The Super Alliance engaging enough to join up to see where the story goes.

To watch the series, visit its official YouTube channel: TheSuperAlliance2013.

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Top 19 Sci-Fi Web Series Of 2013 Part Two

The Rest Of The Best

Last week,  we presented the first half of our top 20 sci-fi web series of 2013 list.

This week, it's our privilege to feature the best of the rest!  

So, what made these projects stand out amongst their accomplished peers?

All of  these series, though each quite different,  share one common trait: they excel in reinvigorating stale, cliche´d genre tropes by infusing them with fresh, exciting ideas.

So without further ado, prepare to re-enter the portal for another visit to worlds fantastic - as represented by these exceptional series!

*Note: All of these series were discovered and featured in 2013 by The 7th Matrix despite many having completed production prior to this year.*

9.  They Live Among Us

 They Live Among Us is a supernatural web series set and filmed in the gritty underbelly of Los Angeles.

Populated with wistful ghosts, love-stricken fallen angels, insatiable demons, and other ethereal beings masquerading as humans, the series is a 21st century morality tale.

The series centers on supernatural beings who attempt to seduce the forlorn of the city with promises of love,  fulfillment, and the attainment of dreams deferred.

This struggle mirrors series creator Anne Lower's own battle to retain her artistic integrity in the face of the commercial demands of Hollywood.

As a result,  Ms. Lower's writing gives They Live Among Us a beautifully haunting, elegiac sheen that is extremely compelling to watch.

Continued

8.  The True Heroines

What if housewives in the 1950s possessed superpowers?

Welcome to the world of the sensational web series The True Heroines.

A period piece a la Mad Men, but with the comic book sensibility of Heroes, the series follows the post-World War II exploits of Margie, Dottie, and Pearl - three beautiful women who must reconcile their domestic lives with the fact they are super-human.

Unfortunately, the mysterious agency responsible for granting them their unique abilities now wants to permanently silence these extraordinary women.

With its unique premise, charismatic cast, and gorgeous set pieces, The True Heroines is one of the most entertaining and distinct web series currently on the web.

Continued

7.  Osiris The Series

On the surface, Osiris appears to be a straight forward sci-fi action series about the exploits of a man who can not die. 

However, just beneath the surface is a deeply philosophical rumination on life, death, and the true cost of immortality.

When you meet Osiris, you encounter a handsome, brilliant, charming and arrogant man who is used to getting whatever - or whomever he wants.

After living countless lifetimes watching those he loves eventually die, Osiris embraces a purely hedonistic lifestyle he uses to keep others from getting too close.

Complicating his life is a sinister organization intent on capturing him at all costs to learn the secret of his immortality.

Osiris the series is an engaging romp that succeeds in pumping out hot action while not getting bogged down by its own existential themes.

Continued

6.  Wastelander Panda

This Australian import is one of the most extraordinary sci-fi series currently on the web.

Wastelander Panda is set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland akin to Mad Max,  but that isn't the extraordinary part. 

What makes this project unique is its protagonist: a live-action, anthropomorphic, giant, talking panda bear named Arcayus!

Wastelander Panda chronicles the journeys of Arcayus and his companion Rose, as they traverse a desolated landscape laid waste by an unmentioned cataclysm.  

It sounds insane (it is!), but this gorgeously shot series works.  

This ambitious series is epic in scope due in part to stunning cinematography, top-notch special effects, and a fascinating mythology. 

Wastelander Panda is wildly imaginative sci-fi, and a blast to watch.

Continued

5.  00c6

 00c6  is an entirely Chinese production, and is a still undiscovered sci-fi gem.  I'm betting that won't be the case for long.

The series envisions a dystopian, haunting future for China in which its controversial one-child policies have resulted in the decimation of the female population.  

The resulting social upheaval hasthrown the country into a dark age.

Men are chosen by lottery to fight to the death in a brutal contest for the right to become temporary companions to the few women remaining.

What makes this series so innovative is its prominent social commentary, as well as  its transmedia components,  which include viral videos and a web site with additional content that can be unlocked.

This project is proof web series can be just as affecting as other, more traditional media.  

00c6's bold vision and unflinching social commentary earn it a place on this list.

Continued

4.  Progress The Series

Progress is an exceptional steampunk web series with a most original premise:  set in an alternate 19th century England, citizens of the empire all have access to the internet - powered by steam!

As theseries opens you are introduced to hacker Oscar Lerwill.

Bored, Oscar accidentally stumblers upon a file uploaded to the internet by one of the most infamous figures in all of history.

Oscar quickly finds himself embroiled in the insane machinations of  a certain Whitechapel terror.

Progress is a visual treat with impressive Victorian sets, costumes, dialogue and visual effects - all with the flamboyant flourishes found only in the steampunk genre.

Armed with its truly original premise and excellent production value, Progress is poised to become a seminal work in the steampunk genre.

Continued

3. Super Knocked Up

What happens when a powerful superhero and his sworn arch-enemy have a baby together after a one-night stand?

You get the smart and hilarious comedy web series Super Knocked Up!

Set against the backdrop of a world where good and evil super-beings are commonplace, you witness two people re-negotiating their relationship and their lives after an unplanned pregnancy.

Though a comedy, there are also more than a few moments of poignancy as Captain Amazing and Darkstar come to terms with their new reality -  being parents.

Brilliantly conceived (pun intended) by creator Jeff Burns, Super Knocked Up is a wonderful blend of comedy, drama, and comic book homage.

Continued

2. HPlus The Digital Series

 HPlus is the epic web series which boasts X-Men director Bryan Singer as an executive producer.  

It'salso the only project on this list produced by a major studio -  the digital entertainment division of Warner Brothers.

However, HPlus' producing pedigree is NOT the reason it's on this list - it's because of its vision and scope.

Set in a near future, most of the world has abandoned cell phones, tablets, and laptops in favor of a new technology that connects the human nervous system directly to the internet.

Now external hardware is unnecessary in order to access the web, make phone calls, or consume streaming video or music.

It seems to be the dawn of a new golden age of technology - until a catastrophic event throws humanity into a new dark age.

Though made exclusively for the web, HPlus is a spectacular showcase of intelligent writing, smart casting, and production value that easily matches anything you would see on television or in the theater.

Continued

1. Heroes Of The North

 What if the characters in a superhero comic book literally came to life?

They would probably look a lot like the costumed adventurers that populate the universe of Heroes Of The North, an ambitious transmedia project that includes novels, comic books - and the crown jewel - a dynamic, action-packed web series.

Produced and set in Canada, the web series follows a group of superheroes charged by the government to keep the peace, and protect the nation from threats to security both foreign as well as domestic.

Every aspect of this project features production value that looks as if millions of dollars were attributed to the budget.

The far more impressive reality is Heroes Of The North is independently produced and financed. 

This is a powerful testament to the talent, passion, and dedication of the producers, writers, cast and crew.

The plotting is another hallmark, as the ancillary media adds greater depth and complexity to the main storyline. This makes for a truly immersive entertainment experience.

If you love action, intrigue, superheroes and comic books, you will find much to love in Heroes Of The North.

Continued

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There you have it,  the complete listing of top 19 sci-fi web series of 2013.

Each of these projects represent the tip of the iceberg in exciting science fiction being made for the web.  

They are part of a growing vanguard of visionary creators who are  blazing a new trail in entertainment with electrifying filmmaking free from the constraints of traditional media - and sci-fi  fans everywhere are the beneficiaries. 

So please support these innovative filmmakers in any - and every -  way you can!

Wishing you a happy and prosperous 2014,

Rod Faulkner

Founder, The 7th Matrix

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Top 19 Sci-Fi Web Series of 2013 Part One

Sci-Fi Web Series Are The Future

 A few decades ago, science fiction (sci-fi) was a genre treated like a bastard stepchild by almost every studio and network in Hollywood.

For example, the original Star Trek  series was always on the verge of cancellation, but Gene Roddenberry's force-of-personality kept the series on air for three ground-breaking seasons before finally being cancelled by NBC.

It wasn't until years later in syndication did the show reach iconic status, spawning hit spinoff series and blockbuster motion pictures.

The fact of the matter is, Hollywood suits still don't quite get sci-fi - or how the genre can powerfully connect to fans in a visceral way few others can match.

 The Web To The Rescue!

Thank god for the web.

Many talented filmmakers fed up with  the traditional network and studio system are using the web as a viable alternative to bring their unique visions to life. 

With recent technological advances, many of these independently financed and produced projects feature production values that rival content produced by Hollywood.

These sci-fi projects also feature original concepts and themes - unlike Tinseltown, which is obsessed with spewing out a continuous river of uninspired sequels, reboots, and remakes.

All in an effort to strangle every ounce of profit out of once compelling stories.

The web truly is the new frontier for exciting, innovative and fresh science fiction.

For that very reason, I am very pleased to present The 7th Matrix list of the top 20 sci-fi web series of 2013.

Please note, many of these projects were produced in previous years, but all were discovered and featured on the site in 2013.

These web series feature a special blend of compelling premise, exceptional production value, style, and vision that sets them apart from the rest.

So strap yourself in, and prepare to enter worlds fantastic with part one of our top 20  sci-fi web series listing! 

19. Guides The Web Series

 Imagine if the greatest, most enlightened humans to ever walk the earth weren't human at all?  

Instead, what if they were highly evolved, benevolent aliens vainly trying to get backwater Earth to catch up with the rest of the galaxy?

This is the premise behind one of the most funny, witty science fiction comedies of the year.

What struck me most about Guides is while it tickles your funny bone, it  also sucker punches you with cutting insights about the human condition.

Continued

18. Dark Pool

When Dark Pool opens, you are introduced to up-and-coming executive Jim Krall.

Jim seems to have it all: a lucrative career, gorgeous wife, and adorable young daughter. 

However, his world descends into a parent's worst nightmare when his daughter is abducted right before his eyes.

As Jim goes on a desperate search for his missing daughter,  we soon discover all in his life is not what it seems.  

In fact, he and his daughter are at the center of a power struggle between shadowy entities that can literally bend time and space to their will.

Dark Pool is a compelling mystery that slowly unfolds to reveal at its heart a grand, sci-fi adventure.

Continued

17.  Voyage Trekkers

Voyage Trekkers is an unabashed satire of a certain iconic science fiction franchise - and it's laugh-out-loud funny.

Set in the distant future, the series chronicles the adventures of the worst starship in the Galactic Union the GSV Remarkable.

Watch as the dashing, yet moronic, Captain Sunstrike and his long-suffering crew head warp-speed into new heights of incompetency as they traverse the galaxy.

If you enjoyed the cult classic 1999 comedy film Galaxy Quest, you most definitely will find much to enjoy in Voyage Trekkers.

Continued

16. The Silent City

 The Silent City is a captivating post-apocalyptic tale filmed in real abandoned spaces in New York City.

Series creator Rubidium Wu was inspired to create the project after witnessing an eerily empty New York City after it had been evacuated during Hurricane Irene in 2011.

The Silent City follows the journey of a mysterious man known only as Nameless, portrayed with magnetic appeal by Eric Stafford.

As Nameless wanders the blasted cityscape, he stumbles upon another survivor as well as a terrifying, relentless danger.

This project deserves far more attention and acclaim than it has received mainly due to its stellar production value, gripping narrative, and outstanding cast performances.

Continued

15. Abigail Original Series

What would you do if one day you discovered your entire life is a lie?

This is exactly what happens to the titular Abigail - a young woman whose entire life is thrown into chaos when she is held hostage by a mysterious man with deadly secrets.

What makes Abigail  extraordinary is the both the performance of lead actress Meghan Moonan, as well the highly stylized look of the series.

Abigail is asci-fi, action-adventure mystery that will keep you riveted.

Continued

14. Aidan 5

Aidan 5  is an intriguing mix of film noir and hard sci-fi.

The premise is extremely compelling: a man must solve the murder of his own clones.

However, what truly makes this projectstand out is its visual style. 

Filmed entirely in black and white, almost all of the sets are highly detailed illustrations seamlessly integrated with live actors.

Together, these elements form an aesthetic truly unique in the digital space. It's as if a graphic novel has suddenly come to life.

Continued

13. Journey Quest

Journey Quest earns a place on this list of 2013's best not only because it revels in being a good, old-fashioned, quest-based fantasy adventure, but also because of the innovative way it's produced.

Produced by Zombie Orpheus Entertainment (ZOE), Journey Quest relies on its fans for support, instead of network or studio backing.

The reason for this is stated explicitly in ZOE's mission statement:  No Studio, No Network, No Cancellation.

Being solely dependent on fan support for financial as well as creative feedback, Journey Quest producers strive to deliver exactly the kind of entertainment their target audience wants - which is imperative if  the series is to continue.

Continued

12. BAMF Girls Club

What would happen if the most badass heroines from pop culture were domiciled in one house similar to a Big Brother style reality show?

That ingenious premise is behind the smart and funny web series BAMF Girls Club.

Created  by the comedy masterminds of Comediva, BAMF Girls Club imagines  Buffy Summers, Hermione Granger, Katniss Everdeen, Lisbeth Salander, Michonne - and oh yeah, Bella Swann -  as reality show participants who must try to peacefully co-exist under one roof.

Hint: It doesn't go well - with hilarious results!

Continued

11. Dr0ne

In the near future, highly advanced humanoid drones will fight our wars for us.

But what happens when one goes AWOL?

This is the story of Dr0ne, a high-octane, sci-fi action series starring respected character actor Lance Reddick -  best known for his role on Fringe as Agent Phillip Broyles.

While Dr0ne doesn't disappoint in the action department, the plot is just as compelling. The series raises timely questions about the morality of using drone technology in modern warfare.

Continued

10. Neibauer

This sci-fi detective story earns its place on our list primarily due to its premise: In the near future, technology has been developed that allows homicides to be solved by "rebooting" murder victims.  

Complete with a hard-boiled detective, and a murder mystery with twists a-plenty, Neibauer pays homage to film noir classics such as The Maltese Falcon.

Continued

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So there you have it, part one of our top 19 list. Please find out more about each of these extraordinary series - and support the projects you enjoy.

Your valuable feedback is the only way these pioneering filmmakers will be able to continue to produce more exciting work.

And that is a win-win situation for all of us.

The rest of our top 19 listing will be published next week!

Click here for Part Two of our list of sensational series.

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The Four Players: A Dark Live-Action Adaptation of Super Mario Brothers

In 1985, Nintendo released Super Mario Brothers in North America. Its flagship franchise took the then fledging video gaming industry by storm.

With 8-bit surreal landscapes populated with a brilliant blue sky, white clouds, verdant plants, cartoony adversaries, and the two plucky protagonists,  Super Mario Brothers became synonymous with family-friendly electronic entertainment.

Fast forward to the present day, and the franchise has gotten an astonishing makeover.

Written and directed by Evan Daugherty, The Four Players reframes the backstories of Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and her devoted courtier Toad in a series of four live-action, dark and gritty cinematic shorts.

While the concept  may sound very dubious on paper, the execution is a brilliant success.

I attribute this accomplishment to:

• the exceptionally smart script

• gorgeous production designs by Holly Conrad and Jacob Thomsen

• sensational cinematography 

• acknowledgement of iconic gameplay hallmarks in the form of clever easter eggs

In my opinion, the standout among these exceptional shorts is The Soldier, which looks like a forgotten Guillermo del Toro movie!

All four installments are available for viewing below.

The Fixer (Mario)  One man decides he can't let things remain broken any longer:

The Addict (Luigi)  receives a reminder of his past that forces him to rethink his present:

The Star (Princess Peach) contemplates happier times while suffering at the hands of her captors:

The Soldier (Toad) takes desperate action for the sake of his kingdom:

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Collider The Web Series: One Scientist Races To Stop The Apocalypse

Collider The Web Series is one component of an ambitious sci-fi saga being told across several different media including:

• comic books

• mobile apps

• a web site

• and an independent feature length film debuting in 2014

Independently produced by beActive entertainment, Collider is the story of how secret experiments conducted at the CERN laboratories Hadron Collider threatens the very planet itself.

In the eight-part web series, which serves as a prequel to the feature film, you meet Peter Ansay (Iain Robertson), a brilliant physicist based in Geneva, Switzerland.

Peter's research leads him to believe the experiments at the CERN collider could end all life on earth. 

As the web series opens,  you witness his desperate attempts to convince a journalist for an influential newspaper to run his story. 

Let me warn you now, Collider isn't your typical sci-fi web series. There are no futuristic set pieces, very few explosions, and no aliens. 

In fact, almost the entire series takes place in Peter's hotel room. His only interaction with the outside world is via phone or email.

This is strictly a one man set piece, but it is very engrossing due to the superb performance of Mr. Robertson and the sharp script. 

As the series progresses, you witness a brilliant man pushed to the edge of sanity.

Professionally discredited because of the radicalism of his theories,  you are drawn into his isolation, despair, and desperation as he seeks validation for his research he believes will save the earth.

With his warnings falling on deaf ears, Peter decides he must take matters into his own hands - a fateful decision which becomes the flashpoint for the action in the forthcoming Collider  motion picture. 

Because of its unusual narrative structure, Collider The Web Series greatly benefits from a great script written by Catriona Scott, crisp direction by Nuno Bernardo, skillful acting by Iain Robertson, and a brief running time (each episode is between three to four minutes in length).

Despite some subpar CGI sequences, the project achieves its purpose in eliciting intrigue for the explosive events to unfold in the feature film.

Watch the  first episode of Collider The Web Series below: 

The complete web series is currently available on YouTube:  ColliderWebSeries.

The trailer for the 2014 full-length feature film is also now available: 

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00c6 The Web Series - A Haunting Vision Of A Dystopian Hong Kong

“Sciencefiction fiction is not prescriptive; it is descriptive.” - Ursula K. Le Guin

00c6 is a haunting and visionary new sci-fi web series from China.

Described by series creator Marco Sparmberg as a part of an overall transmedia production, 00c6  predicts a disturbing future for Hong Kong in which its gendercide crisis comes to a catastrophic head. 

In the year 2082, the female population of Hong Kong has been decimated due to decades of the Chinese government's controversial one-child policies. 

Exacerbated by numerous natural disasters, Hong Kong has been abandoned by most of the populace as it is slowly being reclaimed by wildlife and the sea. 

Ruling over the remaining population is the mysterious ae Corporation.   

One of ae Corporation's primary businesses is conducting excursions to the islands formerly known as Hong Kong, where men are given the opportunity to compete for the companionship of women.

In reality, these excursions are brutal death matches in which three men must fight to the death, with the survivor "winning" a sexual encounter with one woman.

Filmed in various locations in China, the cinematography is some of the most gorgeous I've ever seen in a web series.  

Misty valleys and vast verdant jungles help transport you to this alternate future. The sound design is just as lush as the scenery, yet it's very subtle. This helps to emphasize the feelings of isolation and desperation the characters feel.

However, what makes 00c6 most extraordinary is how the narrative is executed. The series creators chose a very minimalist approach.

In fact, none of the characters speak a word of dialogue. 

You are required to pay attention to events as they transpire on screen. Information is not spoon fed.  

This "less is more" philosophy is very effective in making the viewing experience more immersive.

Watch the intriguing series trailer here: 

As I mentioned earlier, 00c6 is one part of a transmedia production including:

• a tumblr blog with password protected "insider" content

• a Flickr photo stream with terrific photos from the production

The one criticism I have is the problematic series title. It can be confusing, and I imagine marketing is more challenging because of it.

Still, 00c6 is a prime example of how science fiction can not only entertain, but also comment on relevant social issues of the day. 

To watch the complete series, visit its official channel on YouTube: 00c6 on YouTube.

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Captain Canuck - The Animated Web Series Featuring Canada's Premier Superhero

While most comic book properties in the United Stats feature native superheroes, it's important to realize other countries have their own icons too.

Our neighbor to the north is no exception. 

Not only does the new, animated web series Captain Canuck feature Canada's premier superhero, but it's also made of 100% old-fashioned fun! 

The character was conceived in 1975 by Richard Comely and Ron Leishman, who wanted to create a superhero uniquely Canadian.  The self-published comic book became an instant success.

In the years since, Captain Canuck has garnered a strong cult following both in Canada and in the United States. 

In 2012, the property was entrusted to Captain Canuck Incorporated (CCI) founded by Fadi Hakim.  The CCI's goal is to expose Captain Canuck to a new audience. 

The animated web series is part of that initiative, and after viewing the two episodes now available, I'd say it's a smashing success!

Produced by Big B Comics in conjunction with Scarper Studios and CCI, the premiere episode begins with Captain Canuck, voiced by Kris Holden-Reid (Lost Girl, Dark Matter), attempting to prevent a bomb from destroying the seat of the Canadian government, Parliament Hill.

However, the Captain and his associate, Redcoat, voiced by Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black), begin to suspect something even more sinister is at work. 

What impressed me the most about the web series is its lightning fast pacing.

The moment after the title credits roll, you are immediately dropped into the heat of the action. In fact, more action and intrigue is packed into a four minute episode than some televised dramas have during an entire hour!

Instead of having characters standing around speechifying, a lot of background exposition is delivered using a clever plot device.  

As you witness the Captain searching for the bomb, he is in constant radio communication with Redcoat, who is guiding him by providing crucial mission information.

This expository device is effective in providing essential plot details you need to know without slowing down the flow of the narrative.

The project also boasts very impressive production quality including:

• sensational looking animation 

• engaging story

• sterling vocal cast, most notably including Maslany and Holden-Ried

Experience the exciting world of Captain Canuck by watching the complete pilot episode here: 

To view all future episodes, visit the series official Youtube channel CaptainCanuckInc. 

Discover more about the project at the official web site Captain Canuck.com. 

Like the other stellar web series Heroes Of The North, Captain Canuck is another welcome Canadian contribution to the superhero mythos.

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Neibauer The Web Series - He Solves Crimes By Rebooting The Dead

"I remember, therefore I am." 

Neibauer the web series is a perfect example of out-of-the-box storytelling one can usually expect from independent science fiction online.

Presented by SciFiRiot, the indie sci-fi YouTube channel, the project is a science fiction homage to film noir movies, such as the classic The Maltese Falcon.

Set in the year 2024, the titular protagonist Gene Neibauer is a "Post Mortem Detective."

By use of advanced technology, he has the ability to solve murders by "rebooting" recent homicide victims into the form of sophisticated holograms. He then accesses their recent memories to discover the identities of their killers.

As the first season opens, Neibauer is working on the case of dearly departed Arch Fletch.

Expecting Fletch's hologram a.k.a. “FletchBOOT “to immediately divulge the identity of his murderer, Neibauer is caught off-guard when the man only expresses concern for the safety of his mistress.

Sorry, but to reveal more details would spoil the plot. Suffice to say, the case takes unexpected turns which lead to a truly surprising conclusion.

Directed by Chris Chan Roberson, Neibauer most definitely has a classic film noir feel.

The series has many hallmarks of the genre, including: 

• a hard-boiled, cynical protagonist

• an intelligent, no nonsense Girl Friday

• a case involving missing cash, a lovelorn man, betrayal, and a beautiful woman with secrets

• a gorgeous jazz soundtrack

What also gives the web series a distinctive look is the cinematography.  

Shot entirely in beautiful black and white, you feel transported back to the early days of cinema when Bogart and Bergman ruled Hollywood.

Yet, the series is set firmly in the future - with crisp visual effects on frequent display to reinforce that fact.  

To get a feel for this unique sci-fi crime drama, watch the complete premiere episode below:

Also, season two entitled Zapruder Threshold will premiere on ScifiRiot Thursday, August 22, 2013:

To watch the series, visit its channel on YouTube.

Don't miss this distinctive and stylish, sci-fi crime drama!

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Level 17 - A New Sci-Fi Web Series Makes Its Riveting Debut

Level 17  opens in spectacular fashion by grabbing you by the collar, then throwing you into deep waters.

Set in the near future, the citizens of Adelaide, Australia find themselves suddenly placed under violent lockdown by the paramilitary branch of the powerful IOB corporation. 

While the populace is informed the quarantine of their city is due to a viral outbreak, there are hints something more sinister is at work. 

In the heart of the chaos is Ethan (Hjálmar Svenna), a young man who is struggling to survive in this new terrifying paradigm.

Written and directed by John deCaux, the premiere episode of Level 17 is impressive.

The decision to drop you immediately into the action with little preamble makes for a extremely intense viewing experience. 

You feel as if you are taking this surreal journey along with the protagonist.

Personally, I applaud this dramatic choice because it respects the audience's intelligence.  As the viewer, you are expected to pay attention and connect the dots.  

Also, the series production value is superb - including outstanding visual effects. The editing and cinematography is very kinetic, which lends additional power to the action. 

The overall result is a very engaging narrative.

Check out the intriguing series trailer for a  preview: 

Level 17 is off to an auspicious start.  With more episodes to come, I'm excited for the opportunity to revisit this compelling new world.

I believe you will be too. 

You may watch complete episodes on the series YouTube Channel.

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RCVR - A Sci-Fi Web Series Descendant Of 'The X-Files'

“Two possibilities exist: either we are alone in the universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying.” ―  Arthur C. Clarke

In the years after the original run of The X-Flies ended, but before its television rebirth, no other genre show tackled our cultural fascination with UFOs and alien abduction lore.

RCVR  is a sci-fi web series that is a spiritual descendant of The X-Files. 

Set in the year 1973, the series follows government agent Luke Weber (Daniel Bonjour) with the fictitious Bureau of Information. 

On the surface, Agent Weber's assignment seems to be to track down witnesses of reported UFO sightings to debunk them. 

However, we quickly learn his true agenda is to cover up the government's knowledge of extraterrestrial visitation.

Not only that, Agent Weber and his colleague, agent Sandy Bergson (Catherine Kresge), have also been tasked with tracking down "receivers" - select individuals used by aliens to effect change in our world.

Created, co-written and directed by David van Eyssen, RCVR is an extremely well produced web series.

It looks as if it belongs on television.  

Like The X-Files, the plot is steeped in UFO tradition.

The series tone is deliciously conspiratorial. Our government is attempting to suppress knowledge of the existence of aliens and UFOs. Why? To What end? 

The visual effects are top notch too, and the entire cast turns in exceptional performances.

To date, the series pilot has over 1.4 million views on YouTube.

Watch the trailer to see a sampling of the atmosphere of the series:

RCVR hearkens back to the glory days of The X-Files.  It is a fascinating and compelling excursion into UFO lore and mythology.

UPDATE 09/18/19: Unfortunately, the producers of RCVR have no longer made the series available for public viewing. Should the series be made available again, this space will be updated with the details.

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Grant Morrison's 18 Days - An Ambitious Graphic Retelling Of An Indian Epic You Must See

Acclaimed author and comic book writer Grant Morrison is renowned for many things, but subtlety isn't one of them. 

HIs latest project is so audacious, YouTube chose it as one of the main tentpole events christened to launch its new celebration of geekdom, Geek Week.

18 Days is Morrison's animated, graphic retelling of the epic Indian poem Mahabharata.   

At least eight times longer than Beowulf or The Odyssey, the Mahabharata chronicles ancient tales of Indian mythology, and even contains seeds of the origin of Hinduism.

Central to the work is the recounting of a monumental war between two clans of demigods - the  Kauravas and the Pandavas - as they engage in a cosmic conflict that will determine the fate of all humanity.

The Mahabharata is filled with intrigue, battle, conflicted heroes, demons, and gods. It's a perfect work to be adapted into a modern action-adventure fable. 

In order to bring his adaptation of this epic to the screen, Morrison collaborated with Graphic India, the Indian entertainment firm co-founded by Gotham Chopra (the son of Deepak Chopra).

Graphic India - with its mission to create dynamic characters and stories for the Indian youth market - is the ideal partner to collaborate with Morrison on 18 Days.

The result is an expansive animated series of incredibly gorgeous art, combined with a trippy and surreal premise filled with themes that are quite universal. 

Get an eye-full of the stunning official series trailer: 

I highly recommend 18 Days not only because of its grand scope, but also because it's a vast departure from typical and rote superhero action fare. 

In order to view all current and future episodes, you can only watch the series on its exclusive YouTube channel:  18 Days.

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