The Prince of Banes

Expect "Banes 3" this spring

2012-02-10T06:48:00.000-08:00

Last spring I announced that the premiere of the next installment for The Prince of Banes would arrive in December 2011, but I've since accepted paid work for a particular client which has, inevitably, postponed the ever-elusive Chapter 3 -- and probably for the better.

Since Chapter 2's premiere, I've interned with World Events Productions and learned quite a bit from Voltron Force producer Jeremy Corray. After having worked a summer with TV show producers -- with Voltron producers, mind you -- I've rewritten Chapter 3 and re-focused my attention on this story's ultimate end: television production.

Look for the complete Chapter 3 this spring, and look for an exclusive clip this April!

Exclusive clip coming soon

2012-02-09T09:49:00.000-08:00

Look for an exclusive clip this April from Chapter 3!

The Award-Winning Saga Continues

2012-02-03T12:50:00.000-08:00

Grey-eyed Athena takes a slightly new look for Ch. 3

2012-02-02T06:35:00.000-08:00

The grey-eyed goddess Athena becomes more sombre as she faces the consequences of her controversial actions in The Prince of Banes: Chapter 2. Though Zeus had granted her Agathon's assistance in protecting the Doom Child, Phoenix, her request for thus comes at a heavy cost to herself.

My sister Catherine, who had drawn Athena for Chapter 2, will return for Chapter 3 as well, but Abigail, another sister, will tackle Athena's principle design for Chapter 3. Jamie McCall is set to replace the voice of the hero Agathon from Chapter 2 (who had been me), and young Benjamin Keane will replace Naomi Murrell as the Fate-created Prince of Banes. To catch up on Chapter 2, visit my Youtube channel at ArgosAnimation.

From paper to animation

2012-01-12T13:46:00.003-08:00

The Prince of Banes features artwork by my sisters and Catherine and Abigail. Here, you can briefly see the process from paper to animation | The bottom right drawing is a sneak peek at Abigail's Artwork, for which I will base the character design of Artemis, Apollo's twin sister

Find us on Facebook!

2011-12-12T08:40:00.000-08:00

Use Facebook? Find us there and *like* the page for updates and artwork! Chapter 3 has been delayed until 2012 but promises to be more exciting than Chapter 2! The saga of the little boy from the Underworld continues...

CLICK HERE to like the FACEBOOK page.

Chapter 3 Teaser

2011-08-03T17:24:00.000-07:00

Watch a brand new teaser for Chapter 3!

(C) Copyright 2011 Wes Murrell.

Preview the score from Chapter 3!

(C) Copyright 2011 Wes Murrell.

Follow the Saga

2011-08-01T17:15:00.001-07:00

"Banes 3" Production continues

2011-06-21T14:51:00.000-07:00

The saga continues

2011-05-27T20:42:00.000-07:00

Meet Krista - Featured Cellist

2011-05-26T12:03:00.000-07:00

Meet Krista Brubaker, the featured cellist for "The Prince of Banes." Krista is pursuing an undergraduate degree in instrumental music, at Lindenwood Univeristy.

Krista took up playing the cello ten years ago when she joined her school district's sixth grade orchestra. Originally committed to playing the viola, she switched to the cello when her music director announced a need for another cellist. "Probably one of the best decisions I've ever made," Krista has since said.

When Krista's old piano teacher became her new cello teacher, she quit piano lessons to focus on the cello. In high school, she became the principal chair for three years and made it to the Illinois All-State Orchestra for two consecutive years, as well as played in the Central Illinois Youth Symphony, during school.

"I came to college as a graphic design major," she says, "but when I discovered the possibility of a career in music therapy, I realized that a music major was the best choice for me -- just like my mom. The degree I'm working towards right now is a B.A. in Instrumental Music, with the intention of pursuing a Master's of Music Therapy."

Krista joined me (Wes Murrell) in scoring "The Prince of Banes" late into the production of "Chapter 2," but just in time. My sisters Catherine and Abigail Murrell had just joined the team as contributing artists, reinvigorating the project's production. Krista's timely addition to the team, which included writing and performing the cello piece and female vocal part herself, was much-appreciated, elevating the quality of the original score to a fuller, more moving sound. To hear her honest cello, CLICK HERE or click on the embedded video below.

Hades, Lord of the Dead

2011-05-17T15:08:00.000-07:00

Watch Chapter 2!

2011-02-25T21:34:00.000-08:00

"Banes" production finally draws to a close

2011-02-20T20:18:00.000-08:00

(C) Copyright 2011 Wes Murrell.
I've finally finished animating Athena's scene (unless I go back to tweak it). Now it's on to the final scene!

Final Trailer

2011-02-19T22:42:00.001-08:00

This will be the last trailer I post before March 11, my official release date.

Preview the Score!

2011-02-16T06:51:00.000-08:00

Preview the score for Chapter 2, here!

(C) Copyright 2011 Wes Murrell.

Phoenix hides out in the Forest of Nymphs

2011-01-30T05:24:00.000-08:00

(C) Copyright 2011 Wes Murrell
Phoenix, now free from the Underworld, hides in the Forest of Nymphs, until Athena sends Agathon after him. Nymph statue drawn by Abigail Murrell.

Athena visits Agathon

2011-01-26T22:23:00.000-08:00

My Newest Poster Design

2011-01-24T13:22:00.000-08:00

New Artists Join the Team

2011-01-11T12:55:00.000-08:00

(C) Copyright 2011 Catherine Murrell & Wes Murrell.
I'm happy to announce that my sisters, Abigail and Catherine, are on board for "The Prince of Banes." As of today, Catherine and I will be animating Athena together. Catherine's version of the Greek goddess is much softer than mine had been, but I think that that will add a different (and helpful) dynamic to the production. Athena is the heart of this chapter of the story, so I think that this change is quite welcome.

Although Athena looks flirtatious here, my aim will actually be to give her a sort of aloofness and innocence that's mildly akin to that of the forest fairy's in 2009's animated fantasy "The Secret of Kells" (which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film of the Year).

Abigail's role is costume design. She's at work on both Athena's and Agathon's attire. It's going to be awesome.

Watch An Exclusive Clip from CH2!

2011-01-05T18:32:00.000-08:00

Production Continues

2011-01-05T10:27:00.000-08:00

(C) Copyright 2011 Wes Murrell.

The blind priest of the gods (voiced by Jamal Mackey). I'm a little behind on production, but I'm shooting to be done by February.

Screenshot 3

2010-10-31T21:25:00.001-07:00

(C) Copyright 2010 Wes Murrell

Greek General Erastus argues with the priest of the gods over his difficulties in his fight against the Persians.

Gods' War

2010-10-11T15:30:00.001-07:00

Phoenix's escape from the Underworld creates rigid divisions among the gods.

(C) Copyright 2010 Wes Murrell.

Athena opposes Poseidon - Poseidon is brother to both Zeus and Hades. The child from the Underworld belongs to Hades, therefore what right does Athena have to hide him? Furthermore, Agathon suffers Zeus's curse. What right does Athena have to lift it? And the war of the gods begins.

Teaser Shot

2010-10-04T17:50:00.001-07:00

(C) Copyright 2010 Wes Murrell

Just a teaser shot. Phoenix bears the Mark of the Underworld on his back, that all may know to whom is that he belongs -- Hades. The background is actually a photo from my family vacation to Colorado. I've altered it in Photoshop so that it matches.

Opening Sequence

2010-10-04T17:23:00.001-07:00

(C) Copyright 2010 Wes Murrell

From the opening sequence of the second installment. I was inspired to color this scene orange after watching 2007's Rendition, which featured a beautiful shot in which the sunlight painted the mountains and sky orange. It's fairly early on in the movie.

Aetos, the satyr

2010-09-13T10:38:00.001-07:00

Progress Over the Years

2010-07-09T08:09:00.001-07:00

(C) Copyright 2011 Wes Murrell.

(C) Copyright 2011 Wes Murrell & Catherine Murrell.
The Prince of Banes has come a long way, over the years--from the cursed gladiator, Agathon, being commissioned by Aphrodite to watch over the demi-god Eraxymachus; to the cursed hero, now asked by Athena to protect the Fate-created, doom-child, Phoenix. Both the artwork and story have become more intricate, as have the soundtrack and processes of animation. I hope to be done this winter.

Voices Recorded

2010-07-07T10:38:00.000-07:00

I've recorded all the voices and have begun animation.

Deleted Scene

2010-06-02T13:29:00.000-07:00

Catch Up, With Chapter 1!

2010-04-08T14:58:00.000-07:00

(C) Copyright 2010 Wes Murrell. All Rights Reserved.

With Chapter 2's premiere just around the corner, catch up with Chapter 1! Watch it here!

(C) Copyright 2010 Wes Murrell.

(C) Copyright 2010 Wes Murrell.

Still at work

2010-03-11T12:50:00.000-08:00

Hermes Poster

2009-08-05T08:31:00.000-07:00

Apollo

2009-06-19T16:32:00.001-07:00

The Greek Gods

2009-01-27T13:50:00.000-08:00

These are a few sketches of some character designs.

ZEUS, Lord of Olympus

HADES, Lord of the Dead and of the Underworld

PHOENIX, Lord of Doom, and the Bane of all that exists

APOLLO, Lord of Prophecy and Truth

(C) Copyright 2009 Wes Murrell.

A Glimpse at Another Project

2009-01-27T12:46:00.000-08:00

(C) Copyright 2009 Wes Murrell.

This is another one of my projects, several years in the works. I won't post much about it here, but I'll upload info about it once it's done.

New Trailer!

2008-10-08T18:06:00.000-07:00

Cerberus Revisited

2008-09-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

Here's Cerberus, after a little Photoshop CS3. This hellhound guardian lurks in the Underworld's deep, ever watching its powerful gates, with three terrifying heads.

(C) Copyright 2008 Wes Murrell.

Production of Chapter 2 has been postponed. I'm now looking to produce it in the spring of '09, rather than this fall. The cast list has expanded and new music is being written. I'll upload the first official trailer this fall.

Coming Soon

2008-03-11T21:04:00.000-07:00

In Chapter 2, Athena and Zeus deliberate over what to do with the boy god of doom, now that Hermes has stolen him from Hades' care. Meredith Tharp is to voice Athena.

(C) Copyright 2008 Wes Murrell.
(Note: After having further studied Greek mythology, I replaced Aphrodite with Athena, since Athena made more sense in the role. I also renamed Eryximachus "Phoenix").

WATCH CHAPTER 1!

2008-03-10T10:59:00.000-07:00

Aetos & Athena

2008-02-19T21:58:00.001-08:00

The Prince of Banes

2007-12-12T07:17:00.001-08:00

Some Sketches for the Portfolio

2007-08-26T19:20:00.000-07:00

Agathon & Eryximachus

2007-08-06T13:23:00.000-07:00

Chapters 1-4 (of 5)

2007-08-06T13:11:00.000-07:00

I've decided that Chapter 1 will be the only animated one. Animation is too long and tedious a task, and it steals time from other of my projects and activities. Not to mention, I'm losing my zeal for it. The other chapters will be told in some form, though. And Chapter 1 is still coming.

(C) Copyrigght 2007 Wes Murrell.

(C) Copyright 2007 Wes Murrell.

(C) Copyright 2007 Wes Murrell.

(C) Copyright 2007 Wes Murrell.

CHAPTER 5: HADES...

More Stills and Screenshots

2007-07-29T17:22:00.000-07:00

Fullmetal Alchemist one of my favorite animes, has inspired me to up the quality of Prince of Banes. So, that's the plan...

(C) Copyright 2007 Wes Murrell.

(C) Copyright 2007 Wes Murrell.

(C) COpyright 2007 Wes Murrell.

Beowulf--Tartakovsky style

2007-04-26T08:11:00.000-07:00

For my Intro to Graphic Arts class, I had to draw a picture in the style of an artist of my choice. I also had to use a reference photo for that drawing. I chose to draw Beowulf (as portrayed by Gerard Butler in Beowulf & Grendel) in the style of Genndy Tartakovky's Samurai Jack. Beowulf's my hero, and Genndy's a stud.

Other of My Works

2007-04-16T06:26:00.000-07:00

Since Chapter 1 is still unfinished, I thought I would share about other of my works in progress. Not all are pictured here, but most are. Some more important stories, I reserve for a later date.

This comic strip about a knight and his fox ran for a year in the Covenant College newspaper, before I transferred to LU. Scottish is the knight, and Farfrae the fox.

This is a page from a comic strip I created for the Lindenwood student newspaper. However, before this strip ("Son of the Samurai") appeard, I created another, more down-to-earth strip much like "Scottish and Farfrae", and Son of the Samurai was put away for perhaps later use.

This is from a children's book manuscript I wrote and am illustrating and hope to soon publish.

This image is from a cartoon I was going to make back in 2005. The project, intended to be 50 + minutes, was too ambitious for me as sole animator, so I eventually scrapped it. I may upload what I have later.

So This is Corel Painter

2007-04-12T21:40:00.000-07:00

I've recently been introduced to Corel Painter (it's impressive), and I think it would be cool to use it to create backgrounds for my animation. I'm pretty sure that's what the Ninjai gang uses to create their stunning backgrounds for their very impressive animations. The above image is artwork I created in Painter. Since I don't actually own the program, I may not have time to create backgrounds for the animation. But who knows? We'll see what happens.

My First Poster Design

2007-03-21T06:26:00.000-07:00

This was the first poster I drew for Prince of Banes. I drew it a little over a year ago, I guess, back when Prince of Banes was not more than an idea. Compare this image with the new poster. Whereas I like the design of the old image, the artwork is less precise. Agathon is disproportionate and Eraxymachus is very simple. I like Eraxymachus in the new poster because he's darker and has more character and more fear. As god of doom, the darkness fits him, and as a boy, the innocent fear suites him well.

Also, the woman pictured in the old design is Helen, Agathon's wife, while the woman in the new poster is Aphrodite, goddess of love. The demon in the old is Hades, while the demon in the new is one of his officers in the Underworld armies. The hooded man in the old image is Protius, who has been replaced by Falco the Persian (not pictured in either).

As I said above, I like the layout of the old, so I may redraw and modify it. But we'll see. There'll be many posters by the time this is all done.

What is it exactly that I'm doing?

2007-03-19T13:37:00.000-07:00

My posts in these last days have been fewer, but stay tuned for sneak soundtrack clips and a few more screenshots. After the completion of Chapter 1, it's on to Chapter 2 (summer/fall 2007) with fresh characters, screenshots, places, and backstory.

What am I doing with all of this "Prince of Banes" business? As I've said before, my plan is to tell an effective story in a lot of ways. With each chapter I'm building a portfolio. When all is said and done, I will have a portfolio of animated chapters, a complete soundtrack, a teaser poster for each chapter (the chapter 1 teaser previously posted is one example), and a couple posters advertising the story as a whole.

With such a portfolio, I hope to be able to pitch (that is, sell, not throw out) "Prince of Banes" to a party able to take it to a larger scale. Other projects of mine bake in the oven and will be pursued very shortly. For now, "Prince of Banes" is on the rise. And you've yet to know the legend of the cursed gladiator and the God of Doom.

Chapter 1 - See the Full Version in May

2007-03-15T06:54:00.000-07:00

(C) Copyright 2007 Wes Murrell.

Thanks, all, for your encouragement and positive feedback on the chapter 1 sneak peek. I really appreciate your comments and support! The full version of Chapter 1 will be uploaded in May. Stay tuned.

Hermes Screenshot

2007-03-01T22:06:00.000-08:00

(C) Copyright 2007 Wes Murrell

I've decided to upload another screenshot. This shot marks the end of the narrated synopsis. Dialogue and action follows. Peter Nyambui from Tanzania plays Hermes.

Ninjai

2007-02-19T05:55:00.000-08:00

Well, sorry for the recent lackage of updates. School and work have kept me too busy to really work on Chapter 1. I have advanced a little further than where I was at my last post... but only a litte further.

The above image is from "Ninjai," a flash cartoon created by the Ninjai Gang. Just to be clear, I did not create Ninjai, nor do I have anything to do with it. I wish I did. But I don't. For me, it's inspiration and motivation. This gang is incredibly skilled. You should check out their Web site.

Hermes Concept Art

2007-02-09T14:29:00.000-08:00

(C) Copyright 2007 Wes Murrell.

This is concept art for the character Hermes (who appears in chapter 1). His appearences beyond chapter 1 will be brief, if he makes any at all.

With the above design, I wanted to stay true (without being cheezy) to the winged helmet that Hermes traditionally wears. This is what I came up with and liked. Originally, my idea of Hermes was a scrawny, little blue character with very large arctic fox-like ears and big, round black eyes. But when I asked a Tanzanian friend of mine to lend his voice for the character, Hermes took on a much more macho and warrior-like appearance. And I don't regret that. :)

Final Screenshot

2007-02-09T07:07:00.000-08:00

Just a Few More Screenshots

2007-02-08T11:07:00.000-08:00

(C) Copyright Wes Murrell 2007.

Still establishing my style on this project. And yes, Cartoon Network's "Samurai Jack" does inspire me. Hooray for Genndy Tartakovsky (creator).

Screenshots

2007-02-07T07:09:00.000-08:00

(C) Copyright 2007 Wes Murrell

Total production time thus far has been about two weeks. I anticipate that chapter 1 should be done around the end of February. Here are two screenshots of the animation thus far. Both are from the synopsis.

Poster #2

2007-02-05T06:44:00.000-08:00

(C) Copyright 2007 Wes Murrell.

This is another poster I drew for "Prince of Banes." It's more of a teaser poster with its featuring only two characters. I like it though, because I think it communicates much more than the other poster does.

Pictured above, Agathon comforts Eraxymachus after having rescued him from Underworld demons that seek to take his life.

I tried to capture Eraxymachus' innocence and Agathon's determination in the same drawing; Eraxymachus' looking to Agathon for protection, and Agathon's heroic response to that. This poster features the two characters in the story who need redemption; the two who are always together in being always alone. The difference between the two is that Agathon is a fortress, so to speak, and Eraxymachus is a victim in need of that fortress.

The Story

2007-02-05T06:20:00.000-08:00

(C) Copyright 2007 Wes Murrell.

I took a course in Flash animation over J-term (Januray mini-semester) at Lindenwood University (in St. Charles, MO) largely so that I could develop an internet cartoon and tell its story through short chapters. The above image is the poster I designed for my cartoon-in-progress, "Prince of Banes." The tale is rooted in Greek mythology, but I have taken certain liberties with the ancient myths (and will continue to do so as long it continues to improve the story).

Prince of Bane's synopsis: It's the story of cursed gladiator (Agathon [the man pictured above]) who is offered a path to redemption by Aphrodite, goddess of love (pictured above), if he will defend the mortal demi-god of doom, who is but a boy (Eraxymachus [eric-sim-a-kiss] [pictured above]), from the wicked Hades.

Agathon's trials include many battles with soldiers and demons, as well as inner struggles with himself. Most people, I've found, are confused about the title, "Prince of Banes," asking if "Banes" is a place. My answer to that is no. Eraxymachus comes from the Underworld. "Banes," as used in the title, is synonomous with "dooms." He is the prince of dooms. Consider that certain things can be the "bane of one's existence," meaning "end" or "ruin." As god of doom, Eraxymachus is the prince of banes, and the very existence of man's mortality (or any doom) is linked directly to the life of this boy. Don't get it? Watch chapter 1. It'll be finished soon.