NovaStars AC: A Retro Space Saga Born From Passion and Pixels
If there’s one thing anime has taught us, it’s that great stories don’t always start in a boardroom — sometimes, they begin with two friends gaming at 2AM, shouting about dying stars and space politics. And that’s exactly how NovaStars AC came to life.
This indie sci-fi anime, presented by NewRetro.Net, has been quietly (and now not-so-quietly) turning heads with its bold visual style, killer voice cast, and an intergalactic plot that somehow manages to be both emotionally deep and action-packed. If you haven’t heard of it yet, buckle up — you’re about to get schooled on one of the freshest animated series in the galaxy.
First Episode:
Let’s talk about the Mitra Solar System. Sounds peaceful, right?
It’s not.
A dying sun is about to explode and wipe out everything in its reach. You’d think that would be the cue for civilizations to come together, hug it out, and save the day.
Nope. Welcome to NovaStars AC.
A Star on the Edge — And So Is Everyone Else
Five alien civilizations, each more advanced and uniquely weird than the last, are scrambling to avoid cosmic extinction. As the central star spirals toward a supernova, desperation sets in — and diplomacy goes out the nearest airlock.
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President Titain wants peace. He’s the cool-headed, sharp-jawed leader trying to prevent war with actual conversations.
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Lord Deltizkar? Not so much. He’s the armor-clad imperial warlord who decides the best way to survive is to take control of all the space stations... by force.
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Aurellia is caught in the middle — part scientist, part strategist, and (probably) the moral compass of the whole show.
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Then there’s Hail, a young soldier/pilot/possible shounen protagonist-in-the-making, whose arc feels like it could go from “kid with potential” to “space legend” real quick.
Throw in a mysterious fire-priestess named Pyre Maiden Tor’Vohl, a wildcard engineer called Zagsmith, and the regal-yet-fierce Queen Rose (who’s out for Deltizkar’s blood), and you’ve got a solid ensemble of spacefaring drama.
Each of these characters comes from a different species and culture, and the show does a surprisingly good job of giving them all their moment to shine (even if their planets are literally dimming).
The Look: Neon Cyberpunk Meets Saturday Morning Sci-Fi
Visually, NovaStars AC is like a time machine got stuck between the 90s and 2080. It's bold, it’s retro, it’s glitchy in the best way — the animation leans heavy into neon cyberpunk vibes, with deep purples, electric blues, and the occasional red warning light blinking somewhere ominously in the background.
If you grew up watching Gundam and Batman Beyond while playing Mass Effect on the side — congratulations, this series was basically made for your brain.
And we haven’t even talked about the soundtrack yet. It’s synthwave goodness. Think “running through a starship corridor in slow-mo while laser fire echoes behind you.” Yes. Exactly that.
The Voices Behind the Mayhem
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the voice cast, because it’s kind of wild for an indie project:
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Christopher Sabat (aka Vegeta from DBZ, All Might from My Hero Academia) brings that iconic, booming menace to Lord Deltizkar. You’ll feel the dread every time he talks.
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Megan Hollingshead (hello, Pokémon Nurse Joy nostalgia) gives Aurellia a calm, grounded presence in a world full of chaos.
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Bryce Papenbrook (yes, that Bryce) voices Hail, and he’s got the energetic, slightly brash delivery of a guy who’s about to fly into danger with nothing but a smirk and a blaster.
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Mark Britten brings gravity and gravitas to President Titain, making sure the “peace talks” scenes don’t just feel like a glorified space PowerPoint presentation.
Oh, and the narration? Done by James Seawood, whose voice could make reading cereal ingredients sound like an epic monologue.
The Indie Magic — Bonsai House & Beyond
The show is produced by a small studio called Bonsai House Productions, run by two friends — Jacob and Anthony — who basically took their gaming banter and turned it into an actual universe. (Take that, all those times your mom said gaming wouldn’t lead to anything.)
They teamed up with an animation studio, Kenaris Animation, and artists like @deltizzleart and @ssjin3 to bring this neon-soaked, interstellar drama to life. The result? A passion project that looks and feels way bigger than its indie roots.
Here’s the kicker: they launched the whole thing on YouTube, free to watch. Because in true indie spirit, NovaStars AC is about making cool stuff and sharing it with people, not hiding it behind 18 paywalls.
So Where Does NewRetro.Net Fit In?
Glad you asked.
Our brand, NewRetro.Net, proudly presents NovaStars AC: Origins — a spin-off prequel with all the synth-heavy, VHS-glitchy aesthetics you’d expect from us. Think of it like a mixtape of backstory, with a whole lot of retro heart. It explores the earlier conflict between Queen Rose and Lord Deltizkar, and it’s chef’s kiss for fans who want to dive even deeper into the lore.
And yeah, while you're vibing in the NovaStars universe, it might not be a bad time to check out our retro jackets, sunglasses, and sneakers. Just saying — if you’re watching space warriors fight for survival in neon armor, why not look the part?
Why It Works (and Why You Should Watch It)
Despite being a small project, NovaStars AC punches above its weight. It's got heart, it’s got high-stakes drama, and it’s got just the right amount of vintage charm. Plus, it’s not afraid to get a little weird, a little philosophical, and a little gory (hey, space is rough).
You can tell the creators care about every detail — from world-building to soundtrack, from character arcs to fan shoutouts. This isn’t just an anime. It’s a community-in-the-making.
And honestly, don’t we all want to say we got into the cool indie anime before it blew up?
So, you’ve met the main players. You’ve felt the weight of the dying star looming over the Mitra System. And you’ve gotten a taste of the neon-infused visual candy that NovaStars AC throws at your screen like it’s trying to win an 80s anime remix contest.
But we’re just getting started.
Let’s dive deeper into the saga, where alliances are tested, loyalties fray, and cosmic battles rage like your Wi-Fi when someone dares to stream on two devices at once.
From Diplomacy to Dogfights: Episode 2 and Beyond
Episode 1 set the stage — or rather, blew up the stage and replaced it with a ticking celestial time bomb. By Episode 2, titled Enemies and Allies, things escalate fast.
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Queen Rose enters the scene in full force. Not just a name-drop anymore, she’s mobilizing her fleet and putting her elegant foot down. (And if we’re being real, she kind of gives Galadriel-meets-Star-Lord energy.)
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President Titain, still the galaxy’s favorite space dad, starts forming a fragile coalition. It’s like The Avengers, but with more alien skin tones and way fewer shawarma breaks.
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Hail gets promoted from background energy boi to full-blown action lead. Rumor has it, his mission in this episode includes piloting a starfighter inside an active space station under siege. The kind of maneuver you try once in Star Fox 64 and immediately crash into a wall.
And then there’s Tor’Vohl, the mysterious Pyre Maiden, who finally makes her grand entrance. She’s all cryptic wisdom, flowing fire-lit robes, and a sense of “I know something you don’t, and it’s probably very bad.”
What’s cool about this episode is that the battles feel earned. There’s strategy, betrayal, and yes — some incredibly satisfying laser cannon shots across a starlit void.
Origins: Not Just a Backstory, a Whole Vibe
If you haven’t watched NovaStars AC: Origins yet (presented by your favorite retro-lovin’ folks at NewRetro.Net, of course), you’re missing a brilliant slice of character lore wrapped in a synthwave-flavored time capsule.
This isn’t just a flashback — it’s the foundation of why Lord Deltizkar is the absolute worst (but also kind of fascinating), and why Queen Rose is way more than a figurehead with great hair and a tiara that probably doubles as a tactical weapon.
The retro 90s animation in Origins gives off serious Outlaw Star and Macross nostalgia, and the color palette? It’s like someone poured a lava lamp into a storyboard — in the best way possible.
And speaking of aesthetics…
Let’s Talk Looks — Because Style Matters
We’ve already mentioned how NovaStars AC doesn’t just walk the retro walk — it teleports through it.
The series blends 2D digital animation with subtle 3D elements, dramatic lighting, and bold outlines that pop off your screen like a comic book panel in motion. And the characters? Distinct, instantly recognizable, and dripping with personality.
Each species in the Mitra System has a unique design language:
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Deltizkar’s faction = angular, aggressive, full “galactic dictator-core”
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Titain’s crew = smooth lines, elegant tech, peace-through-style
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Tor’Vohl’s people = ceremonial garb, glowing runes, definitely smell like incense
Even the space stations look different depending on who’s controlling them. It’s a masterclass in visual storytelling.
Fun fact: the animators reportedly tweak the planet’s lighting and atmosphere as the star worsens — meaning the environment changes with the plot. That’s not just animation; that’s art.
From Screen to Shelf: Merch with Meaning
Let’s be honest: we all love a good story… but we also love a great T-shirt.
And NovaStars AC knows it.
From glow-in-the-dark enamel pins (the AC logo shaped like the nova star — yes please) to comic book reprints with holographic covers that shift from “stable star” to “yep, we’re doomed,” the merch is more than just gear — it’s part of the narrative.
They’ve even got character postcards that, when scanned with your phone, play voice lines or clips. Because why settle for posters when you can get AR-enhanced fandom?
And hey, if you’re already vibing with the NovaStars aesthetic, you might want to check out the actual retrowear from NewRetro.Net — bomber jackets, shades, denim, sneakers. Think of it as suiting up like you’re about to join Hail on a starfighter run. Only with more pockets.
Behind the Nova: Trivia You Can’t Un-Know
Here’s some cosmic brain candy:
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Zagsmith, the shady engineer with possibly too many side hustles, is named after a dev’s gamer tag. And he might be the sleeper fan-favorite by Season 3. Calling it now.
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The “Iilysk” space stations? Anagrams of “Skylii,” one of the concept artists’ usernames. Deep cuts for the real ones.
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A full slice-of-life spin-off might happen. There’s talk of a chibi-style mini-series where all five civilizations compete in a galaxy-wide cooking show. You laugh — but you know you’d watch it.
What’s Next? Star-Sized Hype
Season 1 is still rolling out. Volume 2 is right around the corner, and it’s reportedly going to be longer, smoother, and even more explosive.
Future episodes promise to:
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Let us see each civilization’s homeworld (imagine the design possibilities).
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Introduce new characters — including a rebel general with a past connection to Tor’Vohl.
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Push Aurellia into center stage as a key to either scientific salvation… or an accidental disaster.
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Possibly give Lord Deltizkar a tragic backstory that’ll have you yelling “NO, I WON’T FEEL BAD FOR HIM… but okay maybe a little.”
Meanwhile, the NovaStars AC: Origins line is expanding, with more episodes planned to show how the original alliance fell apart — and maybe hint at how it can be reborn.
Final Thoughts Before the Next Lightwave
NovaStars AC isn’t just a web series. It’s a love letter to 90s anime, space epics, and indie storytelling. It’s what happens when creatives go full throttle with no corporate gatekeepers in sight.
It’s also proof that style and soul can co-exist — a cosmic tale where synth beats, laser blasts, and character-driven arcs collide like meteor storms.
So whether you’re here for the lore, the action, the visuals, or just to see if Aurellia and Hail will finally team up for real (c’mon, just one buddy mission!), there’s something in the Mitra System for you.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to rewatch Volume 1 while wearing my NovaStars tee and matching retro shades from NewRetro.Net. What can I say? Gotta match the vibe — even if I’m just watching from Earth.
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