Children of the (Null) - Animeverse

Children of the (Null) is an original anime micro-series created and directed by Port Rhombus as part of the expanding Clean Error Universe – a dystopian world built on music-driven data, glitch-energy, and the mysterious beings known as Error Children.

Initially conceived as a small experimental concept, the project gained unexpected traction on social media following the first teaser release. The audience response transformed it from a standalone visual into a developing anime-verse, complete with characters, lore, and episodic structure.

This case study showcases how we built the visual identity, narrative foundations, characters, animations, and audio pipeline for the series using a hybrid workflow of traditional creative direction and advanced AI-assisted tools.

Concept & Creative Direction

We set out to answer a question:

“Can an original anime concept be produced at high quality using AI-assisted tools – without sacrificing artistic direction or storytelling depth?”

We needed:

-A unique anime art style, not derivative of existing IP
-An integrated worldbuilding vision for the Clean Error universe
-Two compelling original protagonists
-A tone consistent with classic cyberpunk anime
-Animations that feel filmic, stylized, and emotionally driven
-A pipeline fast enough to produce ongoing 30–90 sec shorts, but controlled enough to maintain character consistency.

We handled the full creative development, including:

Story & Worldbuilding Development

We Invented the Children of the (Null) as a distinct branch of the Clean Error universe:

We developed the personalities, backstories, and motivations of the two protagonists:

1.) Solina Null — a data-born assassin whose weapon is music and glitch resonance
2.) Kyra of the Fracture — a brilliant “gadget girl” capable of manipulating system glitches

Designed the mechanics behind Error Birth, Null Codes, Refractants, and “Clean Error Energy.”

Built the ongoing episodic storyline for future releases.

Character Creation

Port Rumbus crafted:

-The visual identity of both characters
-References, sketches, and design direction
-Color palettes, outfits, and iconography

Art Direction & Styling

-Identified a signature visual look blending classic anime with modern digital noir. -Directed Sora 2 and Midjourney outputs to maintain consistent: -line weights -character proportions -lighting style -mood and cinematography -Created all branding, logo design, and scene transitions

All animations were:

-Designed, staged, and scripted by Port Rhombus -Produced in Sora 2 and Veo 3 + Midjourney using carefully crafted prompts and custom images/drawings.

Synced and mixed using ElevenLabs narration and vocal effects

Every final result is a Port Rhombus creation, with AI functioning as a tool, not a replacement. More will follow, with this project as we make more episodes and scenarios to build out the story.