If you are familiar with the likes of "Legend of Korra," "Black Dynamite," and "The Boondocks," then chances are you have seen the work of LeSean Thomas. He is an animation producer, director, and illustrator who is currently working on making his very own anime show called "Cannon Busters." The story revolves around "S.A.M, a high-end, royal-class friendship droid who’s joined by a quirky, discarded maintenance robot and a brash, deadly fugitive. Together, the unlikely trio embarks on an unforgettable journey in a fantastic and dangerous world in search of S.A.M’s best friend, the heir to a powerful kingdom under siege."
The promo images and visuals have been broadcasted by LeSean on his Twitter, Tumblr, and Deviantart. Most of the images are behind-the-scenes looks at the character designs, concepts, and animation processes. He has been getting feedback, both positive and negative, from long-term supporters as well as newly acquired ones. Positive feedback comes from people who are excited to have a really good and decent anime that comes from the West. Also, LeSean is increasing the visibility of black professionals within the art world who are creating their own content and making material that appeals to them while also having an audience that loves their work.
The negative feedback is that people do not know how to really categorize this since he has influences from both the Western and Eastern styles of animation style. Some are saying that it is influenced more by one style over the other. And, of course, there is this long standing debate of what makes an animation “anime.” Should the work come strictly from Japan to be categorized as “anime?” Is there only one specific style that is truly “anime?”
Everybody has their own denomination of what qualifies something as true “anime,” but LeSean has not let those who really want to fit his work into a box stop him from making his project into a success. The project is set to come out in January of 2016, and a lot of people who have been following his progress and were backers to his Kickstarter are extremely elated to see the finished product. I am hoping that his work will get picked up by Netflix and Hulu, because he will definitely have a large audience. It would also be beneficial for visibility if he did get the show broadcasted on Adult Swim as well.
Another reason why "Cannon Busters" is going to be really important is through representation, because the main characters are African American, even if they are androids. It is genuinely an interesting plot with a lot of talented people behind it which possesses the potential to be even more groundbreaking. Also, when this comes out, this will encourage young people of color to create images that they wish to see with nothing stopping them. You do not need a formal education since LeSean never went to art school for any of his training in animation and illustration. All you need is a strong work ethic and the capacity to fight for your vision.
