Nova Seed

Nova Seed is a captivating hand-drawn, science-fiction animated feature film from 2016 that pushes the boundaries of independent animation. Directed by animation veteran Nick DiLiberto and produced by his own independent Gorgon Pictures, this feature confidently showcases his expertise, creativity, and dedication to the medium. Nova Seed not only pays homage to traditional cel animation techniques but also combines these with a compelling narrative, making it an exceptional addition to the realm of indie animation.

The film sports a retro, almost 80's feel, much in sync with the DIY ethos of independently made animations of a bygone era. This aspect transports the viewers back in time, creating a nostalgic depiction of animation akin to Heavy Metal and Yellow Submarine or even the artfulness of Akira and Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind. However, this nostalgia doesn't take away from an original story that manages to captivate and entertain.

The central plot of Nova Seed revolves around an ongoing war between mankind and an army of genetically enhanced animal beings, known as the 'NEO-ANIMALS.' The human faction is led by a scarred-up, Mad Max-type character named Dr. Mindskull who uses an environmental crisis as a way to create an army of mutant beasts to take over the Earth. At the center of this strife is a lion-human hybrid who must navigate the perils and power dynamics that unfold in this dystopian world.

The protagonist, dubbed 'N.A.C.' – short for Neo Animal Combatant – is a lion-like humanoid created as a weapon by the humans but is captured by the neo-animals early in the conflict. Imprisoned and forced to fight for the opposite side, N.A.C.'s resolve to survive becomes the driving force behind his journey. With his masterly crafted escape, N.A.C. finds himself tugged into a quest of enormous magnitude when he rescues a mysterious being, the titular Nova Seed, the last hope for both humans and Neo-Animals to survive the environmental disaster. This rescue opens a pandora box of conflict and adventure for N.A.C. and the other characters.

Though dialogue is sparingly used in Nova Seed, it allows DiLiberto to focus more on the visual storytelling, exploring his characters and their motivations through their actions, reactions, and the lived environment. The absence of an extensive dialogue drives the viewer to pay closer attention to the seamless flow of the beautifully hand-drawn animation sequences. Nova Seed carries a consistent color palette of retro, natural tones, and hues. It gives the world a sense of timelessness, while the beautiful and varied landscapes provide further emphasis on the environmental themes of the story.

The voice cast featuring Joe DiLiberto, Nick DiLiberto, and Shawn Donovan, relatively unknown but talented individuals, breathe life into their characters using minimal dialogue, emoting through action and intense expressive sounds. The characters, therefore, remain intriguing throughout the film, not over-explaining themselves, and leaving something to the viewer’s imagination.

In a world heading towards computer animation and CGI, Nova Seed feels wonderfully refreshing with its vintage appeal and the intense labor of love exhibited through its detailed hand-drawn animation. The film stands testament to DiLiberto's dedication, having reportedly hand-drawn the entire film over four years, singlehandedly.

Nova Seed's score is another standout aspect of the movie, involving electro-synth beats that complement and enhance the animated visuals and the narrative's gritty, intense pace. Composer Stephen Verrall’s work heightens the film’s action, drama, and emotional moments, making the viewing experience richer.

While Nova Seed's story might appear simple on the surface, its intricate layers of themes exploring environmental responsibility and the potential consequences of genetic manipulation make it a compelling watch with a strong sociopolitical undercurrent. The environmental message is timely and impactful, adding to a growing conversation about climate change and humanity's role in caring for the planet.

In summary, Nova Seed is an undeniable labor of love by Nick DiLiberto, who animates with a respect and reverence to the medium's classic roots. It is a must-watch for those who value storytelling's visual aspect, offering viewers a richly textured world filled with compelling characters navigating a tale of survival, sacrifice, and the complex relationship between humanity and nature.