Quintin Dorsey, a Black anime writer, is making waves in the animation industry with his ambitious project, “Knight of Abyss.” Dorsey is pioneering a new approach to anime creation by utilizing equity crowdfunding, allowing fans to become owners of the intellectual property.
“Knight of Abyss” follows the story of Knight, a 17-year-old sole survivor of the Ancient Abyss Island of Hope, which was destroyed by a villainous group known as “The Collective.” Along with two war orphans, Ruby and Nao, Knight embarks on a journey to uncover the mystery behind Hope’s destruction and prevent an ominous prophecy called “Night of Abyss.”
Dorsey’s initiative aims to address the underrepresentation of Black creators and characters in anime, tapping into a market of over 60 million Black anime fans across the African Diaspora. He sees this as an opportunity to challenge Hollywood gatekeepers and revolutionize the industry.
“We are creating a new paradigm and forging a new pathway to creating anime,” Dorsey states. “It’s time to take charge as a community and be the change we want to see.”
The project, which Dorsey has been developing for eight years, gained traction on social media, amassing over 20,000 followers on Instagram. Now, he’s seeking funding to bring “Knight of Abyss” to life as both a comic and potentially an anime series.
This innovative approach to anime production not only aims to diversify the industry but also offers fans a unique opportunity to invest in what could become a top-tier anime. As Dorsey puts it, “The power is always with the people; it’s time to restore power to the people.”
While the project faces the usual risks associated with creative endeavors, including potential delays, Dorsey remains committed to transparency and regular updates for backers.
As the anime industry continues to grow globally, “Knight of Abyss” represents a significant step towards greater representation and fan ownership in the medium. With its ambitious storytelling and innovative production model, this project could mark the beginning of a new era in anime creation and distribution.
