LeSean Thomas’ short shows potential; deserves full series
Crunchyroll has an interesting concept in its hands and should be making its short “Children of Ether” into a larger project as a series or film.
“Children of Ether,” directed by LeSean Thomas, makes quick work of establishing its main character, Rhonda, voiced by Camille Winbush (“The Bernie Mac Show”). The short displays Rhonda as a physically capable warrior, as one the first things we see are the trail of bodies she’s left behind on a train.
“Children of Ether follows Rhonda, a woman with a dark past and a mysterious power, as she is pursued by an unknown assailant after the death of her father. Aided only by her wits and a pair of orphans, Rhonda journeys through a decaying, dystopian metropolis populated by raiders, gangs, and the supernatural. As she struggles to survive in this harsh urban tangle, she meets both friends and enemies, and searches for answers about this power, “The Ether”, awakening within her.”
Crunchyroll’s description for “Children of Ether”
Rhonda isn’t invincible, though, as the first sight of her shows that she’s not come through the battles unscathed. Viewers also see a more powerful antagonist appear, giving Rhonda even more of challenge and forcing her to flee, until she’s cornered and unintentionally uses her mysterious power.
Rhonda is on a mission to find someone, someone who can answer her questions about what’s happening to. She’s also on the run because she’s targeted by people since Rhonda hurt someone important to a lot of people — accidentally, she says.
She meets two orphans, Pint and Copper, in a brief scene on her way to the next. Pint is a curious and kind kid, while Copper is smart and an acclaimed doctor, who helps fix up Rhonda’s wounds.
“Children of Ether” boasts beautiful animation which fluidly depicts its action sequences and an interesting dystopian world. Rhonda comes across other characters who offer intrigue.
In 14 minutes, Thomas’ short is able to give viewers a glance at the world and leaves viewers wanting more. The short, while well made, feels like a half-finished episode of a television pilot rather than an intentional effort at creating a short as its own story.
Thomas isn’t new to animation, as he has worked on various projects including “Black Dynamite,” “The Boondocks,” “Legend of Korra” and the Netflix adaptation of his comic book “Cannon Busters.” The short presents the beginning of a story with great potential and also has representation uncommon across anime, with non-white and non-Asian characters rounding out the characters seen onscreen.
Thomas and the crew behind “Children of Ether” should be given proper backing by Crunchyroll and make it into one its Crunchyroll Originals as a full series or film. Crunchyroll has a strong story at its disposal, and Thomas has shown from previous work that he’s a talented storyteller and filmmaker.
Crunchyroll should give Thomas and his crew a chance and provide the support for a full season of “Children of Ether.”
You can watch “Children of Ether” on Crunchyroll or YouTube. Visit LeSean Thomas’ website for updates.
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