What is Black Sun?

Black Sun is an epic space opera series written by Dustin Corallo, penname Daniel Crux. The series is focused on a band of space pirates who, under the employ a mysterious yet captivating patron, embark into the galaxy to seek out its greatest mystery, as well as claim a once lost family legacy. All the while gaining much wealth and treasure along the way.

The series is presently at six books, with a minimum of ten and a maximum of thirty books planned altogether. Each of these books are divided into sets of ten – which the author refers to as “sagas” – with each saga pertaining to the beginning, middle and end of the overall series.

Though the overall plot remains constant throughout each book, the characters in question explore a multitude of adventures, whether it be simple acquisition of treasure or a side conflict that necessitates their involvement.

This is made possible by an expansive, deeply immersive setting, an entire galaxy of potential and possibility, to say nothing of the factions and inhabitants therein. Overall, Black Sun can best be described as a cross between a modern space opera and a swashbuckler adventure, combining both old and new story elements and tropes into a most unique experience. One well apart from any to the present day.

Book I – Rise of the Flint Pirates

Having scraped out a living within an ever-hostile galaxy, Jonathan and Alexander Flint, sons of the most (in)famous pirate to ever exist, remain destitute to their life of survival and little else. Then, following a chance encounter, the Flints are hired by a mysterious woman, Lorelei, for a “simple” task: to steal an advanced warship from one of a heavily fortified basin. Working fast, the Flints gather a crew, infiltrate the fortress and, though not without several setbacks, successfully hijack the U-7501 from her birth. Such a great triumph would only prove to be the beginning of their voyage…

Book II – Quest of the Siren

With the newly rechristened Black Sun and her crew under their command, the Flints, and their patron, at last embark on their quest: to seek out Arcadia, the Milky Way Galaxy’s greatest unknown. Through this quest, the Flints will do battle with forces of the Terran Empire, travel to an uncharted and seemingly accursed world, as well as come face to face with the most dangerous foe possible. All the while gradually taking their first steps as the reborn Flint Pirates.

Book III – Legacy of the Predecessors

Badly beaten through their previous encounter, the Flint Pirates nonetheless proceed to their ultimate destination: the lone world of Ephesus, where Arcadia is said to lie. Unfortunately, however, their enemy is aware of their plans, and so gathers his fleet to claim the prize for himself. Now effectively cornered and greatly outgunned and outnumbered, the Flint Pirates nonetheless choose to fight with their backs against the wall, with Ephesus as their battleground. Their objective to hold out as long as they possibly can, all the while waiting and praying for a miracle at the end.

Book IV – Call of the Moon

One year has passed since the Second Battle of Ephesus, the Flints’ trial by fire. Now an ascending force within the galaxy, the Flints continue to pillage and plunder across the stars, gathering a sizeable fortune through it all. Yet, through these gains and celebrations, Lorelei finds herself in contact with another force altogether; one strangely distant, yet utterly unfathomable in its scope. This only serves as catalyst toward the Flints’ next venture, in which, confronted with the possibility of a galactic-scale war, they must embark into one of the galaxy’s most chaotic sectors and seek out the mysterious Black Moon. All the while a new enemy pursues them, intent on reaching the Moon himself to fulfill his own aspirations.

Book V – Curse of the Nebula

The Black Moon affair having come and gone, the Flints return to their usual pillage and plunder, only to have another chance encounter with an old acquaintance from the Imperial Senate. With their interests aligned for the time being, the Flints voyage into the Outer Rim, in which a secret war is being waged between two corporate entities, one of which holds a direct connection with one of the Flints’ senior officers. With the war rapidly escalating and no answers to its cause, or its end, forthcoming, the Flints must act quickly before the rest of the galaxy becomes embroiled in this horrid conflict.

Book VI – Fury of the Phoenix

As the Flints continue to reach greater heights with their wealth and status – ever drawing closer to regaining their lost legacy – the four Pirate Clans have stood by and watched apprehensively. Not at all content with such passivity, Lady Ching Shih of the Red Phoenix Clan chooses to take direct action and end the Flint Pirates before they can rise any further. Through this, the Flints come to face the might of the Red Phoenix in full, with Lady Ching’s son and heir apparent as their field commander. Having little other choice, the Flint Pirate can only take back to the fight, now with their very survival on the line.

Book VII – Gold of the Lost Empire

Another chance encounter, this one with a researcher and distant relative of one of the Flints’ own, leads the Flint Pirates on a new voyage. One that would see them sail to a most legendary world, one said to hold much in the way of gold. Even so, the Flints are far from the only pirates seeking this world and its treasure; another band, one far more willing to shed blood, has also taken interest. Thus, the Flints must once again fight as well as race for their newest prize, even as their immediate enemy pursues and other forms of opposition lay within their path.

Book VIII – Children of the Cosmos

Through their coming upon a strange derelict vessel, one seemingly manned by children, the Flints soon become embroidered in a new conflict. One that would see them face the Solomonari, a criminal syndicate known within the darker corners of the galaxy for their illicit and most horrific deeds. All as a mysterious evil begins to make itself apparent both to the Flints, as well as the galaxy at large.

Book IX – Faith of the Heretic

Many years after the Third Leo War (or Third Terran Jihad), Caliph Salman of Leo at last perishes. With Crown Prince Ismal still missing, the Caliphate’s throne is taken by the deranged Prince Mamluk, who immediately sets out to affirm his rule and eradicate his enemies. Through this passage of events, the Flint Pirates, through the imploring of their Leo tactical officer Barbarossa, must take part in this civil war in the making and ensure that Mamluk’s claim to the throne remains thoroughly contested.

Book X – Wrath of the Behemoth

As the Flints draw ever closer to Arcadia, a most ancient evil emerges before them. A great and powerful entity, one that has been recorded through the multitudes of galactic mythology, now enters the galaxy at large to inflict death and destruction upon all within its reach. Now finding themselves fighting alongside their former enemies against this much greater foe, the Flints must now do battle against this beast said to have bones of brass and sinews of stone. Lest it set the entire galaxy ablaze.

Jonathan Flint

Captain and elder brother to Alex. Calm, collected and somewhat introverted, Jon has been a pirate since he was thirteen, having been forced into the “family business” following his mother’s death. As a result, he is very weary of the universe around him and holds a distinct distrust for most other sentients, though this is balanced by his personal code of honor and dedication to do right in even the most trying of times.

As the up-and-coming leader of the reborn Flint Pirates, Jon has much in the way of potential and latent skill, but at the same time has much to learn, and so acclimates to his position ever gradually. He is also a highly capable combatant, especially when utilizing his Devilblade Astaroth, which he oft uses to fight whole forces of enemies at once. Additionally, Jon holds a great passion for art and culture, such that one of his habits is quoting from such sources as the King James Bible, Shakespeare, Friedrich Nietzsche, and William Blake.

Alexander Flint

First Officer and younger brother to Jon. Compared to his stoic and withdrawn brother, Alex is brash, boisterous, and highly outgoing. Also unlike his brother, Alex entered the “family business” somewhat later in his lifetime, and so benefitted from higher learning before coming of age. From this development, Alex is more open to the galaxy at large and the sentients he meets within, though he remains completely loyal to his brother and tends to follow his lead.

Befitting his status as a pirate, Alex is himself a skilled fighter in which, through his Devilblade Forneus, is capable of fighting multitudes of enemies at once. Simultaneously, Alex, through his educated background, is something of a modern-day polymath, having an interest and expertise in a multitude of subjects, particularly those involving the sciences.

Lorelei

Science Officer as well as the Flints’ patron. A highly mysterious woman, much of Lorelei’s background remains unknown to those around her, such as her real name and the race and world that she hails from. What is known, however, is that Lorelei seeks Arcadia, a (presumed) remnant of the galaxy’s most ancient civilization, and so has enlisted the Flints and their entourage to aid her in her quest.

Though very much a cunning manipulator and schemer, Lorelei is not without a heart and seems to hold a high regard for the pirate band in her service. In particular is her relationship with Jon, to whom she is especially flirtatious and chiding, while also holding a strong fascination, near obsession towards.

Alongside being a scientist and researcher, Lorelei is also a renowned singer, having traveled around the galaxy beforehand as the diva Undine. Through this status as an accomplished songstress (as well as an equally accomplished thief), Lorelei is (in)famous throughout much of the galaxy as the White Siren.

Barbarossa

Tactical Officer. A Leo, Barbarossa is a proud and aggressive warrior, having originally been a participant in the Third Terran Jihad (or the Third Leo War as it is known to Terrans). As a result, he doesn’t take fondly to the Flints and their followers when they steal the U-7501 before him, and twice attempts to kill Jon, with the latter attempt earning him a cross scar on his face. Nonetheless, upon being formally inducted into the crew, Barbarossa acclimates quickly, retaining both his professionalism and the combat skills he had honed from the war.

Though the crew remains distrustful of him, they still consider Barbarossa one of their own, and follow his commands whenever Jon and Alex are both off the ship. Being a Leo, Barbarossa is a most devoted follower of Aslan, the patron god of his race. Despite his falling in with “infidels”, Barbarossa’s faith remains steadfast as he continues down the path Aslan has apparently set for him.

Howell Davis

Helmsman. Something of an oddity among the Flints, Howell Davis’ most noteworthy trait, besides his skills at the helm, is his penchant for the female gender. Known through much of the galaxy as the Lady Killer, Davis portrays himself as the quintessential swashbuckling rogue, one that the ladies especially flock to in droves. It’s safe to say that Davis has a bed partner in virtually every port in the galaxy, and where one is not available up front, he can easily gain.

Despite this, as well as his projection as the more heroic breed of pirate, Davis is actually a noted cynic who thinks little of heroism and honor, more often than not acting in the standard pirate lines of cowardice and self-interest. As a result, Jon and Alex, who he has already double-crossed, keep him on a tight leash and hold little regard for him beyond his helmsmanship. Even so, Davis remains one of the Flint Pirates still and, despite his forwardly unsavory character, is possibly far more than he appears to be.

Anna Reed

Operations Officer. Brought up in a prominent family, Anna possesses a distinct aristocratic bearing, especially in the company that she now keeps. Though as much a pirate as any, especially when grog (alcohol) is involved, Anna is highly educated and holds an unmatched acumen toward business and finances, which makes essential in her post as operations officer.

This is contrasted with her possessing a fierce temper and very limited patience, especially toward individuals such as Howell Davis, who continuously tries to woo her. Nonetheless she is extremely loyal to the Flints, who have come to aid long before, and remains committed to her posting aboard the Black Sun, ensuring that what would otherwise be a slipshod operation would instead be a successful and lucrative enterprise. Jon and Alex in turn respect her highly, and often defer to her when it comes to the logistical side of the “family business”.

Granuaile

Communications Officer. As a Lyran, Granuaile, or Gran for short, possesses auditory senses that are second to none, alongside a penchant for signals and languages to match. This makes her invaluable as the Black Sun’s comm officer, in which her superior sense of hearing working in cohesion with the Sun’s advanced sensors has proven highly advantageous for the Flints.

In terms of personality, Gran is a very cheerful, upbeat woman who exerts positivity in whatever company she is in. She tends to get along with anyone and everyone, though the one she’s closest to is Kaiser, who, once again thanks to her superior hearing, Gran can converse with on a normal level (despite Kaiser being mute). Other than that, Gran holds a deep regard and loyalty for Jon and Alex, to the point of standing beside them in the face of an ever-hostile galaxy.

Kaiser

Security Officer. A Herculean, Kaiser is a large and very imposing sentient, oft compared to a living Greco-Roman statue. Despite such an appearance, as well as his belligerence against perceived enemies, Kaiser is very much a gentle giant to those he cares about, namely the Flint Brothers, who he had previously served as a bodyguard toward when Jon and Alex were children.

In fact, it is through the death of the boys’ mother and Jon and Alex’s initial disappearance that Kaiser was afflicted with his muteness, a trauma that he carries well into the present. Nonetheless, Jon and Alex still hold great regard for their former “babysitter”, who, as the Black Sun’s Security Officer, continues to carry out his original duties in many ways. Aside from the brothers, Kaiser is especially close to Gran, the one being on the ship that he can directly communicate with.

Maximilian Braun

Chief Engineer and the Black Sun’s original designer. Perhaps the most renowned Terran engineers (among other titles) in the present age, Braun very much exemplifies the “mad scientist” stereotype. An eccentric genius by nature, Braun would end up joining the Flints and turning over the then-U-7501 over to them out of “boredom” toward his posting within Terra’s science community. Despite that eccentricity however, Braun is very open and friendly toward his new compatriots, taking well to his new lifestyle as a pirate despite what one would think.

Having lost approximately sixty percent of his organic body in a failed experiment some centuries ago, Braun lives into the present day as a cyborg, as emphasized by his goggled eye sensors and artificial right arm. The latter, despite Braun’s apparent genius, proves to a be a highly problematic mechanism for the engineer, seemingly acting on its own despite its owner’s protests and attempts to reign in.

Apache

Chief Medical Officer. An Aquilan healer of unknown age and background, Apache was the personal physician of Jon and Alex’s mother, and so continues his posting as the “family doctor” well into the modern day. Though highly skilled in his trade, such that both Jon and Alex refuse to have any other doctor besides him, Apache is known for his cantankerous and irritable disposition, having little patience for most of the sentients and events around him.

Nonetheless, as their Captain and First Officer both abide by him, so do the rest of the Flint Pirates, who rely on his medical expertise to see them through conflict after conflict. Apache, in turn, is a staunchly professional “medicine bird” who, despite repeatedly bantering that the Hippocratic Oath is a Terran invention, looks out for his patients’ best health. At the same time however, he clearly does not bother with any kind of bedside manner.

Fuma Kaguya

Raider Commander. The daughter of Lord Fuma Kotaro of the Blue Dragon Clan, Kaguya is a strange but no less welcome fit among the Flint Pirates, the descendants of the now lost Gold Dragon Clan and Lord Fuma’s former enemy Lady Morganna Flint. Through this reportedly tense relationship, Kaguya has known both Jon and Alex since childhood, being something of a younger sister to Jon and a best friend (and perhaps something more) to Alex.
To others, Kaguya is a very withdrawn individual, being very polite to those around her, yet distant and somewhat awkward in conversation. This is contrasted by her disposition in battle; as a kunoichi (female ninja), Kaguya is an extremely skilled warrior and assassin, one capable of annihilating any enemy, or enemies, she may face.
Unlike the rest of the Flint raiders, who use conventional gunnery weapons and armaments, Kaguya prefers blades, namely her ninjato sword and accompanying shuriken and kunai, to dispatch her enemies, which she does with great speed and precision.

Charlotte Boyington

Fighter Commander. Famous throughout the galaxy as the Blue Comet, a Terran fighter ace without peer, Charlotte Boyington, or Boss, has since left her Imperial Starfleet service and turned to the mercenary’s life, through which she would come to join the Flints. There, she acts as a mother hen of sorts to both her fellow pilots as well as the rest of the ship’s crew, while also having noticeable camaraderie with fellow war veteran Barbarossa.
When not in the cockpit of her Corsair, Boss is generally laidback and easygoing, oft seen smoking from her corncob pipe, drinking grog in a relaxed manner or conversing simply with her fellows. When in battle however, Boss very much lives up to her old moniker, leading the Black Sun’s fighter contingent (unless Jon is doing it himself) against enemy forces with great effectiveness. Whether her target is an enemy fighter, capital ship or installation, Boss will shoot it down all the same while ensuring both the pilots under her command as well as their mothership live to see their latest triumph.

Bartholomew Cheney

Raider Sub-Commander. A veteran Imperial Marine who has served in numerable wars and conflicts on His Imperial Majesty’s behalf, Cheney would come to resign from military service following the Second Battle of Ephesus. If that wasn’t shocking enough to his former superiors, Cheney would go onto join the Flint Pirates, who he had fought against in that very same battle.
Despite such a dubious background, Cheney has well proven to be a great asset to the Flints, both as Kaguya’s second-in-command as well as a highly capable soldier and fighter. Such is his deeds in Imperial service that he was initially known as the Dread Soldier Cheney, only for that moniker to change to the Dread Pirate Cheney upon his new affiliation.
Outside of combat, Cheney is outgoing and extremely flippant, with a penchant for wearing t-shirts with sarcastic slogans written on the front and/or back. He is also one of the few members of the Flint Pirates that abstains from drinking grog, instead preferring non-alcoholic beverages such as coffee and tea.

Black Sun is coming soon as an animated series!

Projected release date of the first season, September of 2024.

The Story

Black Sun is an epic space opera series written by Dustin Corallo, penname Daniel Crux. The series is focused on a band of space pirates who, under the employ a mysterious yet captivating patron, embark into the galaxy to seek out its greatest mystery, as well as claim a once lost family legacy. All the while gaining much wealth and treasure along the way. The series is presently at six books, with a minimum of ten and a maximum of thirty books planned altogether. Each of these books are divided into sets of ten – which the author refers to as “sagas” – with each saga pertaining to the beginning, middle and end of the overall series. Though the overall plot remains constant throughout each book, the characters in question explore a multitude of adventures, whether it be simple acquisition of treasure or a side conflict that necessitates their involvement. This is made possible by an expansive, deeply immersive setting, an entire galaxy of potential and possibility, to say nothing of the factions and inhabitants therein. Overall, Black Sun can best be described as a cross between a modern space opera and a swashbuckler adventure, combining both old and new story elements and tropes into a most unique experience. One well apart from any to the present day.

Credits

Production Studio: Essence Cartoon

Executive Producer: Nikos Ligidakis

Producer: Robert Cerrone

Voice Actors

Jonathan – John McGarey

Alexander – Christian Cerrone

Lorelei and Anna Reed – Michelle Holmes

Barbarossa – Lonnie Howard

Howell Davis – L. Connor McGeverly

Granuile and Fuma – Cara Gregg

Apache – Alex Corallo

Braun – Tom Sherlock

Music by: Tom Sherlock & John McGarey

Screenplay by: Dustin Corallo

Original Screenplay by: Christopher Dalton

A production of Lost Arcadia LLC