People Are Vanishing. The Only Clue is a Kaiju Black Cat.
Urban Empire is an indie urban fantasy graphic novel, crafted for fans of high-stakes mysteries, studio-grade animation, and unforgettable characters.
When struggling journalist Cassio Sun attempts to solve a case that could define his career in a Los Angeles filled with turmoil, he discovers his dad's newly adopted stray holds a massive secret.
The scale of Attack on Titan, the mystery of Scooby Doo, the heart of Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Big City. Bigger Mystery. Kaiju-Sized Cat.
Brought to life by Latino creator Antonio Orion and illustrator Tyler Burns, Urban Empire delivers movie-grade visuals and an unforgettable bond between a struggling journalist and his giant-sized cat. Sign up now to get exclusive preview pages and launch-day discounts.
Characters
Los Angeles, As It Truly Is
- A diverse ensemble reflective of LA's real demographics, anchored by protagonist Cassio Alejandro Sun, a Mexican-Chinese journalist determined to prove himself and achieve upward mobility in a dying industry.
- Evelyn Seo-yoon Lee, a fired Korean-American journalist blacklisted by the tech industry after investigating serious allegations
- Mateo Castillo Martinez, a struggling Mexican-American first-gen college grad working as a cashier at iconic SoCal chain Burger Bungalow
- Kaila Thomas, an aspiring singer-songwriter (aka barista, petsitter, delivery driver, substitute teacher) on the verge of being priced out of Los Angeles.
- Kiki the Kaiju Cat. She's just a normal black cat, who has the ability to grow into a multi-story tall kaiju when her cone of shame is removed. No biggie.
From Script to Page
Why Back Urban Empire?
- Urban Empire brings the real texture of Los Angeles to life, combining a high-stakes fantasy led by authentic, multicultural cast of working-class underdogs navigating the maze of freeways known as LA.
- Written by a Florida State University creative writing alumnus trained by Pulitzer Prize-winning and Fulbright scholar professors, combining literary precision with animation-grade story structure.
- Brought to life by a talented illustrator with experience working as a pre-viz artist on Marvel Studios projects (The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Eternals), bridging high-concept action with raw, character-driven heart.
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Thematically rich, exploring what it costs to make it in a modern metropolis in an era of profound inequality, wrapped inside a high-stakes mystery that escalates into giant-scale kaiju mayhem.
- Original Music Soundtrack: Includes an exclusive Urban Empire soundtrack EP produced by writer and award-winning composer Antonio Orion, elevating Urban Empire into a fully immersive, multimedia experience.
Origins
Urban Empire started from a very real, very chaotic inspiration: writer Antonio Orion’s adorable and often angsty tiny black cat Kiki.
While taking a Writing for Animation class at Hollywood’s iconic Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB), Antonio couldn't shake a single, hilarious question: What if this harmless little stray had the power to expand into a multi-story kaiju and wreck absolute havoc on Los Angeles?
What began as a comedic pet concept rapidly evolved into a high-stakes urban fantasy mystery, blending sharp character dynamics, giant-scale action, and a deep love for LA.
From Sketch to Full Color
Professional Level of Craft
Every panel of Urban Empire is built with extreme attention to detail and a passion for visual storytelling. From the initial rough thumbnails that lock down cinematic pacing, to crisp, expressive linework, and finally atmospheric lighting and color, each page undergoes a rigorous production pipeline to bring a studio-grade animation experience straight to the page.
Illustrator Tyler Burns brings his professional experience as a pre-visualization artist on Marvel Studios films (The Fantastic Four: The First Steps, Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness, Eternals, etc) to bring Cassio and Kiki's world to life.
Meet the Team
Small Moments Meet Massive Scale.
Urban Empire balances blockbuster kaiju action with the quiet, nostalgic warmth of classic hand-drawn storytelling. The gentle story of an underdog journalist, a rescued stray black void, and the unbreakable bond that keeps them grounded when everything else falls apart.
Experience a graphic novel where slice-of-life comfort meets breathtaking urban fantasy.