Meet the Minds Behind the Afro-Futurist Anime, "Sentinel Six"
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Here at Gritty Vibes, we get a special joy from watching creatives execute a plan from ideation to completion. When we first met Patrick Stout and Asa Palmer, they were in the midst of an impressive crowdfunding campaign to launch an Afro-Futurist cartoon called Sentinel Six. Along with promoting their mission online, the two creatives hit the streets as well, bringing their story directly to the people through person to person interaction. Weeks later, their campaign was complete, and now we're here to report that they will be delivering a pilot episode to the people, and helping fill a void in black cartoons and animation in the process.
Sentinel Six is bringing something to the world that has rarely been seen. It is an Afro-Futuristic anime about a post war Earth, following the invasion of intergalactic terrorists. Best of all, it is told through the lens of black characters, helping to provide the representation that Patrick and Asa desired as kids. We got to chat briefly about their upcoming project, the state of black cartoons, and more. Read up!
For those who aren’t aware, please let us know what the premise of Sentinel Six is?
Sentinel 6 is an Afro-Futurism anime about 6 young individuals given powers from within the Earth in order to protect the planet and the galaxy. Hundreds of years after The Great Phoenix war, Earth is invaded by Krath Mudaak, an intergalactic warlord who aims to destroy Earth. Because the Earth is without it’s Sentinel, It activates the powers in these six young heroes to rise up and become it’s new protectors.
In one of your promo videos, you mention how impactful the representation in characters like Static Shock and Cyborg was for you guys growing up. Can you expand on how important it is for you both to continue to push that forward in the Sci-Fi genre?
Patrick Stout - As a child I was constantly looking for representation on the big screen. One of my first memories ever is when I went to the hospital for a dislocated arm. My mom said to the nurse, “He was running around with a towel tied to his neck screaming 'Batman Batman’, then jumped off the couch and hurt himself!” I just smiled as they snapped my arm back to place and felt nothing. I was Batman, nothing could hurt me…or so I thought. Flash forward a few years and I’m constantly reminded, quite bluntly, that none of these characters are me. By classmates, “friends” , peers and acquaintances; all would remind me how I can’t be said character because they aren’t black. One afternoon after class, I’m watching cartoons and who do I see riding a metal disk?…Static! I’m watching teen titans around this same time and seeing Cyborg is the most riveting thing for me in every episode. My imagination grew exponentially in a way I didn’t even realize until I was much older. Characters like the Raikage (from Naruto), Mr Terrific (the creator of Batman’s tech) and Spawn amongst others became my fascination. To utilize sci-fi and fiction as a tool to empower black, brown and all youth around the world is my goal as a person on this planet and it all starts with Sentinel 6.
Asa Palmer - I re-watched Static Shock my senior year in college, while rehabbing my torn ACL. Every episode hit me with nostalgia, bringing me back to the Saturday mornings I would run to the television. Out of all the cartoons, Static Shock was my favorite because he was someone who looked like me. That early representation is part of the reason I wanted to grow my hair out. Although I couldn’t fly around or use electricity, I could be like him in the way he acted as a normal citizen. Those values are so important to the youth coming up behind us. Since watching the show as a little kid and again as a senior, there has only been one black superhero movie and a couple shows. Where are the movies/ tv shows for that young kid on Saturday mornings? Where can he see himself and feel good about the skin he’s in? Maybe in a few background characters, sure. Or maybe within Sable Kudzu Entertainment. We want to provide more representation on the big screen, because when you see yourself, you believe in yourself.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXl-hB3OEhM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
What was your process like as far as finding your team and putting these ideas into motion?
We’re old teammates. After Wesleyan, we re-connected in Harlem/NYC and just started hanging out. We realized we had similar passions and feelings and decided to act on them. From reaching out to old classmates, new creatives, and talented people we began to pull together our vision! Apartment hangout sessions became Library writing sessions, rough sketches turned into HD renditions and here we are a few years later! We’ve learned so much about ourselves, the world and each other in this process which has made it easier to write a fantastic story.
What’s some advice that you’d like to give for up-and-coming comic book and cartoon creators?
Believe and invest in yourself. You cannot expect anyone else to do so if you won’t do it yourself. No matter how wild your idea may seem to other people, it is unique to you, keep grinding. Even if they don’t buy in, your passion will drive you further than you can imagine and the world will benefit from your art. Don’t be discouraged by negativity and people who don’t see your vision. Obstacles are inevitable and will only make you and your message stronger. If your purpose is true, and you put in the work you will reach your dreams!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXg6bqEujze/
Anything else you’d like to add?
There is no beaten path, just a void that we must all traverse. Go forward without fear and be your greatest self! You are valuable and I cannot wait to see what you create!
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