Image – Arsalan Awais

In the vast and ever-expanding realm of animation, there exists a hidden gem that sparkles with enchantment and uniqueness—Netflix’s “The City of Ghosts.” This delightful series has captured the hearts of audiences young and old, weaving a tapestry of exploration, friendship, and cultural appreciation. As we embark on a journey to unravel the magic of “The City of Ghosts,” we’ll discover why this animation artifact is a remarkable and essential addition to the world of animated storytelling.

At first glance, “The City of Ghosts” might appear like any other children’s animated series, but don’t be fooled by its charming exterior. Created by Elizabeth Ito, this Netflix original takes us on an extraordinary adventure with a group of spirited kids known as the Ghost Club. Armed with a unique gift to communicate with the ghosts of their city, these young investigators set out to unravel the secrets of various historical landmarks and uncover the stories of the departed spirits residing within them (Rogers, n.d.).

Why It’s an Important Animation Artifact

Embracing Diversity and Cultural Appreciation

One of the most significant aspects that set “The City of Ghosts” apart is its deep appreciation for cultural diversity. The show is set in Los Angeles, a melting pot of various communities, and each episode celebrates a different culture and its rich history. Through the eyes of the Ghost Club, viewers learn about traditions, customs, and folklore from around the world. It fosters cultural understanding and encourages children to be curious and respectful of different backgrounds—a vital lesson in today’s interconnected world.

2. Empowering Young Minds

“The City of Ghosts” empowers young minds to explore and embrace curiosity. The Ghost Club members embark on thrilling quests, and with each adventure, they showcase critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. These positive representations of young characters not only inspire children but also foster a sense of agency and self-confidence, showing that their voices and actions can bring about change.

3. A Refreshing Blend of Animation Styles

The series blends different animation styles, including documentary-style live-action footage, stop-motion, and traditional animation. This creative choice adds layers of intrigue and novelty to the storytelling, captivating viewers with its diverse and imaginative approach.

4. Encouraging Exploration of History and Heritage

As the Ghost Club uncovers the hidden stories of the city’s landmarks, the series subtly encourages its audience to appreciate history and heritage. It instills a sense of pride in the local community’s past and promotes the importance of preserving historical landmarks for future generations.

5. Promoting Environmental Consciousness

Apart from celebrating cultures and history, “The City of Ghosts” subtly addresses environmental issues. Through their adventures, the Ghost Club champions the importance of protecting the city’s natural wonders and fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment (Ito et al., 2021).

Conclusion

In the animated world, where a plethora of choices awaits audiences, “The City of Ghosts” stands tall as a brilliant gem, illuminating screens with its magical and educational essence. The series not only entertains but also educates, celebrating diversity, friendship, and the preservation of history and the environment. It serves as a captivating animation artifact that leaves a lasting impression on young and old alike. So, whether you’re a curious child or a young-at-heart adult, join the Ghost Club on their extraordinary escapades, and let “The City of Ghosts” spirit you away into a world of adventure, culture, and discovery.

References

Ito, E., Chapman, B., Ligeon, D. and Nuñez, A. (2021). City of Ghosts. [online] IMDb. Available at: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10380896/ [Accessed 30 Jul. 2023].
Netflix Futures (2021). City of Ghosts | New Series Trailer | Netflix Futures. YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWjLexwj4eQ [Accessed 25 Feb. 2021].
Rogers, A. (n.d.). Netflix’s ‘City of Ghosts’ Maps a Better Way to See LA—and Everywhere Else. [online] Wired. Available at: https://www.wired.com/story/netflix-city-of-ghosts/ [Accessed 30 Jul. 2023].

As stated before, since diya is an essential plot device, the fire animation needed to be very fluid and I tried a test animation, where I roto-scoped my hand movements.

Firstly, I recorded a video of my hand doing the exact movement that I wanted. For the skin tone I went with an Olive green texture as it is the most common skins colour of the Asians. The matchstick top had to black as well, for the burnt effect. Next after tracing it and colouring it in procreate, I animated it using after effects.

At first I wanted to draw the fire frame-by-frame but decided on making it digital. I found the perfect tutorial for this on YouTube, where an effect called CC Mr. Mercury helped me achieve. To add a bit of grainy effect I applied a simple choker and to sell the effect I added a combination of box blur and cc composite.

When ever you are dealing with a light object there is always ambient light on the respective object that is dealing with it. In order to do this, I fiddled around with drop shadows and the glow effect and after a few hours I was able to achieve this.