MAVERICKS Ep. 4 - Spark Mandrill - a Blender short (award nominated Mega Man X fan-film)
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- Опубліковано 8 чер 2023
- ⚡Here it is!!!⚡
Mega Man X Mavericks - Episode IV - Spark Mandrill.
My fourth animated Blender short film.
After roughly four month of tedious work, it's finally done :-D
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"Mavericks" is my own fictional series about the events after Mega Man X.
It basically asks the question: What if all the Maverick Bosses survived? Showing their side of the events.
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Please consider supporting me on my Patreon. It would mean the world to me!
💙 / demnikoart 💙
As a thank you you'll get:
- Access to my 3D files and assets
- Exclusive Artwork
- Behind the scenes, Work in Progress Videos
- Tutorials
- Early Access to my Videos
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For all the updates please follow me on my social sites:
Instagram: / demnikoart
Twitter: / demnikoart
Artstation: www.artstation.com/demnikoart
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Threads: www.threads.net/@demnikoart
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Created in Blender
Edited in DaVinci Resolve
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This was a very special project for me since I had many first:
- first time a new workflow
- first time using mocap using WonderStudio (wonderdynamics.com/) Thank you for letting me participate in the Beta.
- first time using myself as a reference for animation
- first time using previz
It was also one, where the concept and edit was completely open from the beginning. There was no script or storyboard. It was supposed to be a frantic and fast cut thing. So there is no real template how to plan something like that. So previz was a very crucial step for me.
This helped me a ton in figuring out how to pace it, where to set cuts and what shots and camera angles work and how the story is conveyed.
It worked super well and from now on I will definitely use it in every film I make.
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Music:
Epidemic sound: “Over the edge” by Hampus Naeselius
Tunetank: “Running man” by oldways
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Thank you to the following people that helped me directly and indirectly with this project:
- Ian Hubert: / mrdodobird
for all the great tutorials and assets, which I used in this video!
- William Landgren: / @landgrenwilliam
also for his assets and the motivation to push yourself further than possible.
- My Girlfriend Vera, who has to put up with my night sessions for working on this and the over night renders. The next Electricity bill is on me 😉
- The CG Geeks Discord group
You guys helped me sooooo much with ideas and pushing my capabilities even further than I had before. With all your knowledge and tips and insider infos from the industry, it truly became a big leap for me.
Thank you!!! 💜
- Oleg Ushenok (www.artstation.com/olegushenok)
For his really great Kitbash Set which I used a ton in this.
- Joey Carlino ( / @joeycarlino )
For his tutorial on electricity ( • Lightning Arcs with Ge... )
This literally saved this project. There are many good tutorials on electricity effects but Joey created one that is so flexible, customizable and looks super realistic. Thank you!!!
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This is a work of fan fiction using characters from the Mega Man world, which is trademarked by Capcom.
This is a fan project which is 100% created by me and is used in a non-commercial way.
Both Mega Man and Spark Mandrill are characters created and owned by Capcom, and I do not claim any ownership over them. No copyright infringement is intended. - Фільми й анімація
Spark Mandrill never has to worry about putting his Christmas lights away.
😄
I love the underlying tone of this series. Implying that X may have been holding back against the mavericks and not killing them, and that his mercy may come back to bite him.
Yep, that's one of my main motivations for this series. To show things from a slightly different perspective. Without just good and bad but with some nuances. Glad you like it 😊
Honestly to me it feels like, X SHOULD have comfimed the kill.
Because leaving them in that state between life and death seems lile a fate worse than death
@@RexMK- Well, we can say he does, just before fighting the last boss.
@@RexMK-
Canonically, he does kill them.
Say what you will, but X is still something of a soldier (the Maverick Wars aren't called "wars" for no resson). X and Zero basically kill most of not all of the major Reploid bosses they fight in the series.
But with fan stories, you can clearly take liberties with the extent of their destruction. So it be what it be.
@@SuiteBid I know, is just that, X doesn't give me the vibe of someone who would leave someome hafl dead because he is holding back to not hurt them, that seems to me, a bit out of charater, even taking into account X's pacifist tendencies.
Either X would have tried capture the Maverick leaders or capture them, not just leave them in that poor state. (To me he would see abandoning someone in that state as the opossite of mercy)
Hence my argument, what I interpretated here in this series is that X, intended to kill the Maverick Bosses in combat, but he understated their durability, or he SHOULD REALLY Confirmed his kill of them.
I still enjoy the animations for what they are tought.
So, basically Spark Mandrill giving himself a kickstart with a fusion reactor?
Hot damn!
Basically yes 😁
@@DemNikoArt I'm looking forward to the day you show something with Armored Armadillo. With his old warrior behavior, you could go in so many directions. :)
@@NevermindThee He will probably be in episode 7 or 8 😉 And I still haven't decided 100% which route to go with him. His warrior past is really interesting but I could imagine not many players know the lore and would be rather confused. But we'll see ☺️
@@DemNikoArt You would be surprised. Since speedrunning went viral, the fanbase grew quite a bit. Then came certain youtubers, MMX Engine is being worked on...
Ah, I'm rambling. Do what you want, I'll just wait in silent anticipation. You got this. :)
Megaman is such an underrated but a missed potential as a franchise. This makes me only dream about a Megaman X movie that's as cool as these short films
The horror MegaMan X I never asked for but now want badly. How awesome!
The lore has a lot of potential for some dark stuff. I'll try to explore it a bit more 😉
These episodes keep getting better and better. Never stop being amazing.
I try not to 😉
Happy that you can see a progress in my work. That's a good feeling 😊
@@DemNikoArtI agree too. This is outstanding work.
Who's next?
And I like to have your opinion, "I know that at this moment, you are making x1 boss, if you manage to create all the mavericks (if Vile, Zero, and Sigma included), you are going to do the next series?
And even make X, and Dr. Light w/o Armor?
@@rudolphdouglas6765
The next one will be 🪲 😉
Regarding your question: there will be X in the final episode 9. Who else is still in progress. But after that I won't do X2 and on. It's just too much. It takes months just for one. But I hope to create a satisfying conclusion to that series 🙂
@@DemNikoArt cool
Ohhhh Mandrill has never looked so intimidating, amazing touch at the end
He never seemed that intimidating, now I think he's quite possibly the most terrifying of all the Mavericks.
“Yo... this animation is really good”
(Jokes aside very great job, Spark Mandrill looks brutal, it looks like an actual movie, i would love if capcom made a Mega Man X game in this style)
Thank you!!! Yeah, that would be insane. But my hopes are very low for that 😮💨
Pardon me, but is that the Ibis glitch effect on your pfp?
To see these guys in such lovingly redesigned detail is breathtaking. Not trying to be ridiculous in saying that but these maverick designs and little teaser like clips are a total treat to watch
Thank you! That's great to hear 😃
The animation is gorgeous as always. I also really loved that after Spark Mandrill finishes recharging the aspect ratio suddenly changes, really cool effect.
Yes!!! Thank you for noticing!!! 💜
If they all go out to find X, I can’t wait to see how he’s designed.
Hehe I am too 😉
But yeah, it will be shown in the final episodes.
@@DemNikoArtwill they get into a fight if they do.
@@leviotis2048 We'll see 😉
Can't say more right now, sorry.
They're regrouping at Sigma's place.
@@jekblom123 We'll see ;-)
Duuuude, the quality of this is insane. This looks like a top-tier blockbuster film. All the details! The spacious feeling of the environment! All done superbly, great job! Now to show this to all my Mega Man friends.
Wow thank you for this nice feedback! You never know when or how something works until you read it. Happy it worked for you 😊
Also thank you very much for your support and for sharing it with your friends 👏
I love this. It makes the Maverick virus feel more like something sinister that fundamentally changes the people who it infects and the way they work, and not just a way to indoctrinate new bosses. I mean, the X1 bosses used to be Maverick hunters after all. And all these animations clearly come after their first defeats, like their armor rotted away and only left their frames
Yep, true. Thanks for noticing :)
I also kept it vague if it is still the virus controlling him or if he is himself or just a bit of influence of the virus. We'll see in the future what will happen with him ;)
As a fan of the Mega Man X series, I am thoroughly impressed with the way you handled this. This is WAY better than the explanation for how these guys came back in the Maverick Hunter X PSP remake where Sigma just took their spare bodies and crammed a dummy AI in it and gave them orders to fight X in the fortress.
Thank you very much! That makes me happy 😊
It still needs some suspension of disbelief that they survived the fight with X.
But I'm planning to give an explanation for that in the future too (hopefully) 😉
@@DemNikoArt Well, hopefully with this continuing story, we'll see how the remaining 4 Maverick bosses come back online to get payback. X is in for the fight of his life if these guys could survive a fight with him. And don't even get me started on Sigma! Though...I do wonder what X and Zero would look like.
@@SonicPrimus Hehe we'll see how it goes after all 8 have been shown. X should definitely be prepared. What will happen will remain a secret so far. But we'll see X in episode 9.
It's still open if Zero and Sigma will appear. Story still developing 😉
This is the most terrifying one of the bunch. Mandrill looks like a monster. And it looks like he's lurking in the depths of Chernobyl. I couldn't have asked for a better short of my favorite maverick.
I'm a Mega Man X super fan and I LOVE THIS! I know this is about the mavericks but I still can't wait to see X in this realistic 3D style. Keep'em coming!!
Hey Jess, thank you very much! 💜
Glad you like it 😊
Yes, the first eight episodes are about the mavericks. But there will be some final episodes, where all the stories come together. And then we'll meet X for sure 😉
Damn that ending with fully charged mandril was gorgeous, good luck with future projects
Thank you!!!
Yooooooooooooooo Holy moly. The music, the atmosphere! Really loving it!
Words cannot describe how AMAZING and glorious these Maverick animations are! As a huge Mega Man fan, every time I see you release a new one, it brightens my day. I know it's a gigantic undertaking, but I hope that eventually you get to make videos for Mavericks of at least the first 4 X games. Thank you so much for your efforts!
My pleasure! 💜 It's do great to read such nice words. All Mega Man fans deserve more than what we get from Capcom.
But the first 4 X games??? 😆
Yeah no, that's not gonna happen!
Two episodes per year when I'm really fast. When I'm done with X1 it's gonna be 5-6 years of my life. So you do the math 😉
Plus I also have many ideas for original ideas. Don't want to make mega Man content for ever 😅
@@DemNikoArt No worries! I understand completely, and it was more wishful thinking than anything! What you are doing right now is more than enough for the fans. Keep up the amazing work!
I cannot get over how incredible this has become! I've watched this on loop wayyy too many times as this point. Amazing work man!!! DONT STOP EVER!!!
Thanks Rami!!! 💜
Hahaha... just keep watching 😉
And no, I will never stop 😬
That was SICK! So intense!
This legit feels like a death love and robots short and i love it
Thank you!!! 💙
The series is actually a big inspiration for me and I'd love to work on one episode in the future.
Glad that inspiration came through 😃
Spark Mandrill looks G-Damned POWERFUL. I love this series and hope you do the rest of them!
Thanks! That's my plan. Currently working on episode 5 😉
Brooooo, damn, this is so damn good. If people tells me this is going to be a MMX movie, I'll probably believe it. This is so cool, congrats man 👏🏼
Thank you!!! I wish it could be a full movie. But it's only me with my spare time 🙂
But with all the episodes together, it will be kinda like a short movie.
@@DemNikoArt If you ever get to finish all of them, I really hope to see a kind-of mashup for them all, like condensing all the clips into a minute or two, almost like a trailer of sorts!
Maybe the ending to the project could be with all of the Mavericks meeting eachother, compelled to make one last alliance to get revenge all together on he who left them in such a deplorable state... The Maverick Hunter, X...
@@TheKorenji Well, there will be actually some final episodes where all of the stories come together. But what will happen, I won't tell yet 🤫
But a mashup is a cool idea!
I will definitely cut everything together into one long film after I'm done with everything, that's for sure 😃
This is so immersive, I wish I could play in this universe. It’s a great tribute on a classic. Thank you!
My pleasure 💜
Sparkmandrill is and will always be my favorite maverick, loved him when I first played X when it launched 😁😁😁😁
Awesome! He is indeed a very cool character. After creating his episode, I like him even more 😃
Incredible!
The quality of both the models and the editing keeps growing. It looks like a professional film.
Very good job!
Thank you! 💜
That's great to hear. That means I'm improving. You can't always tell when you're doing this for years.
That was epic! Definitely my favorite so far.
Nice, thank you!
YOOOOO! The shoulder and wrist lights in the dark though! What great reference detail! It gave me goosebumps! Gah, I am geeking out so hard! I hope more are in development! I echo everyone's sentiment about a movie in this style!
Haha thanks for noticing! 😊
And yes, currently working like crazy on episode 5. And going well. Will be my longest so far with over 4 minutes.
And still no call from capcom about a movie, sorry 😉
Godamn i forgot how cool this series was
Hahaha... please don't forget :D
That is the coolest Spark Mandrill i've ever seen
This is really great work Niko.
Thanks Rob! That means a lot! 🙂
@@DemNikoArt you're very welcome. This looks great
GOD, this one was incredible, i admire you
🤗
Holy crap you keep improving. I wish we had a whole movie of this content. The buildup in these clips is off the charts.
Oh holy balls!!! That was worth the wait!!! 🤯🤯🤯 If I was fighting Spark Mandrill and he came at me like that, I'd quit lol
Haha yeah. I would be like: NOPE 🏃🏻♂️
@@DemNikoArt 🤣🤣🤣
I like to think that these videos are after X has defeated them and now they are getting for the boss rush in Sigmas Castle.
Well it kinda is the inspiration for that concept. The official idea for this is just "what if they all survived?" But what happens next won't be revealed yet 😉
If any of the Mega Men gets their own Official Live Action movies, the people involved in making these shorts definitely should be involved
"the people involved"... meaning me? 😁
@DemNikoArt Yeah! I said it like that incase you were more than one person, like Ben 10's "Man of Action" or Digimon's "Akiyoshi Hongo"
Don't have enough words! Amazing work!
Master! , This Animation is Incredible; You are the right one to make a movie about MegaMan
Just gimme some money and some people and I make it happen 🙌
GOD DUDE YOUR ANIMATIONS ARE SO COOL!!❤❤
Thank you! 😊😊😊
That was amazing. The animation, sound effects, and music were spectacular. Great job!
Thank you 💜💜
Just started catching these... Well done! Now I need to see an fps hybrid MegaMan X with some Sigma fueled souls level of gameplay. You have no idea how strong a project like that would be.
Awesome Work! 🙌
Very impressive. I love the big finish at the end. Your skills are incredible, man. : D
Thanks a lot! Happy you like the ending. It was very important to get the power right. ⚡⚡⚡
@@DemNikoArt You're very welcome. You certainly nailed it.
I don't want to die before this becomes all we hoped it to be.
I hope you don't! There is still a long way to go 😉
I have been enjoying this series and love the reimagining of the bosses, I cant wait to see how the rest turn out. Especially Flame Mammoth.
Thank you!
I can't wait either 😁
Will start on the next one soon.
Flame mammoth will probably come in episode 6 😉
my goodness dude.... wow!
this spark mandrill come back so cool, 1:48 hell yeah
Another wonderful episode done. Well done, good sir!
Capcom, hire this man, please!
Well thank you very much! 🫡
And yes!!! Hire meeeeee!!! 🫨
@@DemNikoArt I gotta say though, Sparky with that ravage body in full power? That looks more menacing than when his in full form.
This is awesome. I freaking love it. What a great contribution to all things Mega Man. Thank you!
You are very welcome ✌️
dude, this is sick, I like how the cinematography is evolving!
Yep, that way a major goal for that episode to play around more with interesting angles and with lighting. I have always a goal for each one. To learn a specific thing. And that was for that. Glad it worked 🙂
😮 I was completely blown away by this… like wow what an incredible job. You keep getting better and better
Thanks! That great to hear 😊
That big finish! *chef's kiss*
I had to 😎
Woah. It's looks like an PS1 game intro but in HD. Beautiful and inspiring job. Congrats.👏👏👏👍
Is PS1 really a compliment??? 😄
oho. i feel like it was coulda been tragic bgm at the start but that would be much like sting chameleon
good job man
This if frikkin epic! And beautifully animated! :D
Spark Mandrill has always been one of my favorite Mavericks! ^^
That's great to hear. I'm glad I could do him justice :)
Absolutely amazing work Nikodem, well done...
Thank you! 💜
This is the most sick shit I've ever laid eyes on
Yooo when he lit up! That was awesome 🔥 Love ur work as always - keep it coming brotha!
That was awesome!
I'm loving this series. It kinda shows how these guys come back at the end of the game when you have to face off against them one after another before the final boss fight. I know it would take a ton of work but it would make my mind melt if we could see a final show down b/w X and all the mavericks after they've all come back for vengeance.
So, that was an inspiration for their resurrection, but I believe that in the game lore, the second confrontation is just an empty copy of them with basic functions. I won't go for that.
And what will happen in the finale, I can't spoil. But many wish for some form of confrontation and I will definitely have something like that ;)
@@DemNikoArt
Awesome, I can't wait to see it, keep up the great work!
Sure he super charged himself. But it also looks like Mandrill just stopped that reactor from exploding, too. 🤔
Yeah he actually did. I left it kinda ambiguous on purpose. You can interpret it in many ways. One way is that the power plant is his home and he wanted to keep it from exploding. Even with his last breath. A side effect was that he was supercharged. I'm sure he was surprised too 😁
@@DemNikoArt that’s so awesome, great job! I’ve always loved the idea that the Mavericks weren’t bad to begin with, but corrupted. I like to think what they were like if it weren’t for Sigma.
Always Epic, excited to see who you revive next. I am guessing either Flame Mammoth or Boomer Kuwanger.
perfectly okay if I am wrong.
Thank you! And yes, one of them 😉
Okay this is amazing.... I am curious to see what you do for the other four and possibly anything else like Vile. Seriously. This made my day thank you!
Aaaaaw. That's great to read. Yeah I have some cool ideas for the others 😉
But I can't say now if vile wipp be there or when. You just have to wait 😉
This looks so good!!! Wth!!
Damn this is effin sick!!!
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
This is LEGENDARY! Absolutely splendid!!
These always give me goosebumps
Nice, mission accomplished 👏
Yoooo that one was fire 🔥🔥🔥
This literally brought tears to my eyes its so epic.
Wow!!! I never thought this one would bring these kinds of reactions. Thank you! 🥲
OMGGGGGGGGGGGG ITS SO COOOOOL!!!!
Nice Video Amigo! I like so much of Spark Mandril
Incredible
Support commentary for DemNikoArt 🤯
Keep going with these style and make more like this one.
Thank you for all your comments!
I will 🫡
Saw your stuff on Reddit. This is insanely cool!!
Nice, thank you. And welcome 🤗
At this point, looks like you want to revive the canceled Maverick Hunter FPS 😂
I loved your work, new sub!
Hehe well, it maybe was on my inspiration board 😁
Thank you for the sub 💙
Dude just stopped a nuclear meltdown saving thousands just to rejuvenate himself and go out to find X and get revenge.
Yep... apparently :D
All these shorts are amazing! It’s like watching a movie trailer but better! I cannot wait to see your future projects!
Haha that's a good compliment 😄
Thank you!
The shot of him glowing in the dark near the end is absolutely stunning and a testament not only to your animation skills, but also your artistic skills. I'd love to see more of that kind of footage if we ever see more of Spark Mandrill.
Thank you! 💜
And yes, we may see him again. 😉
It's amazing!! love it, I can feel the spark mandrill when he want to get to the reactor!! Amazing designs, animation and story!!
Thank you! 💜
Happy it all works for you.
That was incredible. This makes the mavericks look very intimidating. Keep up the great animations!
YEAAAAHHH this is sick!!! 🔥
I had to take a whole day to comment on this because I was just looking at it. GOD DAMN THIS IS GOOD.
Hahaha thanks. Hope it was worth it
@@DemNikoArt oh it most certainly was.
incredible 🤩
It's awesome man! I need a full a movie now lol. A fight would be wonderful
Hmmm... a fight is planned for the next one 😉 Don't know how, since I have never done it before. But it's in my head so it needs to happen 😁
Every episode is great but they keep getteng better!Keep up the good work!
I will 👊
Oh hell yeah! Der Dude ist richtig sauer! xD Wenn seine Lichter im Dunkeln angehen... Junge ist das gruselig! So sehr ich Mega Man auch mag aber da muss er sich diesmal wohl echt warm anziehen! xD
Hahaha wohl wahr. Der ist jetzt auf dem neuen Level ⚡🦧
Freut mich dass der Gruselfaktor rüber kommt 😃
Outstanding.
Amazing animation, really nice :)
tengo toda la esperanza hermano que netflix o quien sea vea esta arte,muero de ganas de ver un live action de megaman x
Woah! I didnt realise you posted it already! It looks insane! Its so well made and high quality. Even more than a lot of movies 😮 You did an amazing job ☺
Taaaaank yooooou!!! 💜
Yeah after a while you lose the sense of quality and you're unsure how it turned out. But glad to hear that. Especially from someone from the industry 😉
Man you just keep improving and improving damn! So good dude!
Thanks you. That's great to hear! As the artist yourself, you never really see the improvements. So sometimes you doubt yourself if there is some progress.
Thanks!!! 💜
"It’s lights out/ Lights out for you/ I think you’ve sparked a war/"
"It's lights out/ Lights out for you/ Humans are no more
Yo keep this up! I have been mega Man X fan for years. I want to see more of Mavericks
That's very cool!!! You will see more of them ;)
This is absolutely great! 🔥
🥰
Definitely worth the wait he looks more prepared than the other mavericks so far I wonder who is next. Keep up the good work and don’t be afraid take your time rushing things never work masterpieces require time and this series shows that.😊
Thank you very much! ☺️
And yes, I will definitely take my time with the next one. Have a very special idea with it. And I will do something that I have never done before sooo... Wish me luck 👀
And here's a little hint about who will be next: 🪲
I'm really loving this series. Imagine after all the events of Megaman X1 the defeated mavericks end up reactivated or resurrected and then terrorize the city as revenge for the maverick hunters.
Thank you!
Well if they actually terrorize the city or not is still open. You will have to wait and see 😉
@@DemNikoArt You know it would be quite interesting if these resurrected bots are no longer afflicted by the virus but the sheer amount of rage to being terminated and betrayed still drive them to be violent and dangerous. Still there is a possibility for them to be rehabilitated and reformed and it would put a huge wrench in the Maverick Hunter's operations if they have to deal with traumatized robots rather than full on Mavericks.
@@JadeMythriil Exactly. Way more interesting 😃👌
That whyt I'm trying to do here. Show the events from both perspectives with some nuances. Not just good and bad. There is a lot of potential in the lore.
amazing like always
Awesome stuff! Look forward to seeing more!
: D
You will. But first I need a vacation 😅
@@DemNikoArt No rush, personal well being comes first.
I feel like after all these mavericks gather up together they are gonna go back with sigma and get upgraded
We'll see 😉