2026 State of Apeiros Address

2026: Still No Teleportation, But These New Character Designs Are Pretty Close

Hey everyone,

I wasn't sure how to start this update post as life has very much caught up with me on some things outside of my control (non-Apeiros related) but regardless I've "slowly" managed to get back on schedule although most of December my time and attention was spent fighting the untimely demands of life. (If I haven’t responded to texts, emails, etc. please give me a few more months, I’ll reply back… I promise 😣🤞)

However, mentally, I’m always in the clouds of creativity and so this new art piece is a bit of a teaser to share with you all as we wrap up on the final chapter (what was supposed to happen in Dec, but see below on status)

Apeiros x PEZ

I’ve had this ideas since 2023 but was unable to find the right artist and style to bring it about it in a cool way. Until now...

I think Pez dispensers are the OG of collectables like Funko pops and since seeing this backpack, I thought it’d be cool to do an illustration of them due to the fact Pezzes are generally an unexpected item/brand to do an art of mashup of—making the design even more special for Apeiros characters.

Seeing the layout of this pattern on the book bag was the main inspiration for the art.

Finding the artist for this wasn’t easy, but artof.lucasm on Instagram was the perfect fit for the retro cyberpunkish vibes I imagined originally.

I may turn these into stickers or pins at some point, depends if demand is there for them. Hope you all like them, let us know what you think in the comments!

P.S. as a secret that’s not-so-secret there’ll be a different version of these coming out by another artist. I could decided on which so I went with both. Stay tuned!

---

Status of Manga

Now that things have relatively stabilized and I'm back to a semi-normal work rhythm and finished putting out fires, I've been able to get back on track for finishing up the last chapter of Apeiros. This chapter isn't the actual last one regarding the reading order, but it is possibly favorite and wanted to give it the care and attention it needed.

Ideally, for myself I would like to have everything done and out by April-May timeframe again before summer is really here and between the team and I we’re working as diligently as we can. The finer details are what makes it or breaks it.

But as you can see here...

The entire Apeiros World Odyssey manga printed minus the last chapter in progress (CIP)

...we’re almost there.

~thank you for sticking with us, it’ll all be worth it!

『Doni』

Apeiros World Odyssey - December 2025 Update

It's been a while...

Hello all,

It’s been some time since a real post on Substack, 2025 hasn’t been without its own unique challenges, adventures, and doubling down on grinding out the work on Apeiros World Odyssey.

So while progress slowed, we hadn’t stopped. Deciding to put all the focus these past couple of months on redoing a few of the chapters/story and rethinking my understanding of manga...

A decision that was greatly influenced by this book:

Dr. Mashirito’s Ultimate Manga Techniques

The tl;dr - My Xerox Parc Moment

Kazuhiko Torishima was the 6th Editor-in-Chief of the world’s most popular manga magazine... Shonen Jump at Shueisha, the publisher of the magazine. And also the man directly responsible for discovering Akira Toriyama from a contest Toriyama entered on a whim and who obviously came to create the world’s most influential manga series that broke through to introduce Japanese manga and culture to the world at large in a mainstream way.

I mention this because I wanted to learn EXACTLY how my predecessors in this space (Japanese artists and publishers) think and approach the art form. Had I had this book back in 2022/23 (the english version only released this year) I would have approached Apeiros World ‘very differently’ and so I pivoted on some things to align with the most purist way of manga.

Eventually I’ll do an in-depth review of the book at some point.

Since manga and anime have become mainstream (like Hip-Hop), there’s some dilution in the sense of “what truly is or isn’t” manga. Something Torishima touches on throughout Ultimate Manga Techniques.

What gives this book a strong placement above many other “How-to Draw Manga” books is that this one gives the perspective of not just an EIC of a large publisher, but the Japanese cultural mindset that breaks down the fundamentals of manga. Not just a bunch of ‘subjective’ artistic choices.

Yes, I’m aware Bakuman exists...but like I mentioned, this book covers the fundamentals in a more practical way than in Bakuman.

Volume 01 Status

Now that you all know why things have been radio silent due to the mini ‘training arc’ I’m wrapping up the final details on this last chapter that has come to be my favorite so far and that I hope to have it out to you all ASAP after the changes to the lettering and typesetting has been completed.

We’re still going at a good pace to close out this final chapter while juggling the other demands and responsibilities of life, so we thank you all for your patience and support so far. It hasn’t gone unnoticed or unappreciated and will be rewarded when things are ready for a full-blown announcements on ETA. (Yes, this means 2026 😣)

recent pics of WIP - Canva has the best free whiteboard tool without project limits

Lorecraft Podcast

During this time I’ve been working diligently on a new podcast with my brilliant co-host Ava Do. We cover topics such as creativity, entrepreneurship, writing and storytelling; and interviewing other creatives to learn their perspectives and backgrounds. So please give a view, like, follow, and share!

--

More cool things on the way. Thank you all,

~Doni

‼️Apeiros World Brand Merch Pre-Order Announcement

🔥 Pre-Orders NOW OPEN! Limited Brand Merch Has Arrived! 🔥

Hello world,

The moment you've been waiting for is finally here! And we're thrilled to announce the first-ever release of our limited edition merch and apparel collection!

Placement is approximate on apparel & character prints

We've poured our hearts into creating something truly special yet simple, and we know you're going to love it. From super-soft tees to creative mood inspiring posters, each piece is designed with thoughtful care towards what the true essence and visual uniqueness that is the world of Apeiros.

This starting launched was decided to coincide with some additional social media coverage that will be dropping some time this week across Instagram.

So that is why you all are getting a sneak peek of the designs before the general public…

but..

There’s one more thing…

Given that you all have been supporting this project since its early inception, it only felt right to include a discount to the community here! So when the links go live to purchase on Friday, use the code:

SUMMER25

for 10% off :)

This is a limited run, so if you want to be among the first to rock this first ever collection of Official Apeiros World Brand gear, now's your chance!

👉 Pre-orders are officially open Friday noon EST! Don't miss out – once it's gone, it's gone. Found here:

• https://apeirosworldproject.com

• https://linktr.ee/apeirosworld

---

Last but not least, updates on the manga for Apeiros World Odyssey will be coming in another update at the end of the month.

So likewise pre-orders for volume 1 will also be opening if you missed the 2023 Kickstarter as we begin shifting to print production.

Stay awesome,

:)

First Looks! Apeiros World Odyssey Updates: Collector's Edition Samples! Art Progress, New Podcast & More!

Collector's Edition - New art & WIP - Project status - & Podcast logo first look

• Collector's Edition

• New art & WIP

• Project status

• Podcast logo first look

--

First and foremost a continued thank you and deep-hearted appreciation to everyone who's supported this project since its inception. We don't take your patience and support for granted, and never will.

There's a lot of goodies jam-packed in this update for you all, filled with exciting visuals and big news on AWP!

Major Update: Collector's Edition Tier Samples - (...finally!)

Recently I was able to finish carving out time to reach out to some manufacturers to produce the Collector's Edition Box for backers of that pledge. The original inspiration and design is a play off of the classic SNES game boxes 🎮 from Nintendo (please don't sue us...😅) There's something about the retro design of those game boxes that stuck out to me in a reimagined and redesigned look with the branding of Apeiros World. So it was a no brainer!

Halfway through the sourcing process I thought about how to elevate the packaging experience for you all and decided to create a different, more premium look. I've always been a fan of great package design and who else is more a master at it than Apple!

So, backers of this tier will have the option to choose if they want the lid and base box or stick with the SNES style (*Note: We'll confirm when confirming address updates when shipping out. If no response then we'll send the SNES box.)

These CE boxes are a limited run... 151 - so that means each will be numbered with a certificate of authenticity and available only at conventions and/or the official website until all sold and gone for good! More details when the item is finalized.

Visual Showcase 1: New Environment Concept Artwork

This piece has been months in the making of and I'm excited for the turnout of this concept art piece done by the supremely talented Rok-Mo. I wanted to capture more of the grander visuals that make up Apeiros as this narrative and adventure unfolds. To show a bit of the grandeur that was Apeiros before its downfall. To evoke a moody feeling majestic wonder as Ezra is manipulating one of the Elements of Apeiros in his hands... I hope you all love it as much as we do!

Environment Concept Art by Rok-Mo

This artwork will be featured on the new website soon to launch.

Visual Showcase 2: New Character artwork WIP

Next up is some stylized pieces for Ezra and Khadija done by Andrew Russell.
His approach to black and white line art and inks I felt was a perfect match for expressing the versatility of these two characters, check the instagram soon for the completed versions soon!

Art by Andrew Russell

Manga Status: Art, Lettering, and Overall Progress

Currently we're on track for finalizing the art the remainder of May and moving towards lettering in June. At this phase it's all about the little details, we'll provide another update once lettering is okay'd (sometimes dialog may require revision due to formatting constraints). - So don't fret if it's a bit quiet between now and end of June :) - we're hard at work for you all!

We'll conduct one last round of any address changes that may have happened so please check your messages, emails and the backer posts for when that announcement goes out.

First Look: New Podcast Logo!

This has been months of work in the background of working on Apeiros World Odyssey that I'm finally happy to share a sneak peek into the new logo/mascot for the podcast affiliated with The Apeiros World Project!

Logo by Trentbar

More details will come next month in which we hope to launch with full slate of episodes on art, writing, Apeiros, creativity, business, and more. So stay tuned!

Your unwavering support continues to fuel the passion to make Apeiros World Odyssey a reality. Every step of this journey is made possible because of you!

The more people who discover Apeiros, the bigger and better we can make this world. If you know someone who loves rich sci-fi worlds, captivating stories, or stunning digital art, please consider sharing our project page/this update with them!

HELP US OUT WITH THIS QUICK 1 MINUTE SURVEY!!

We also need your input! As we continue to expand the Apeiros universe, we want to know what excites you most. We've put together a quick survey/poll to gather your ideas on what you'd love to see more of from Apeiros World in the future. Your feedback will directly influence our creative decisions! - it's 100% anonymous and takes less than a minute!

Survey link - Unlock the Future of Apeiros: Your Input Matters!

Final Sign-off

Thank you once again for being the best community a creator could ask for. We're so excited for what's next!

~see ya soon

https://linktr.ee/apeirosworld - view / discover / learn / explore more

Feb - March 2025 Apeiros World Odyssey Updates & New Art Teasers

Greetings!

Hey everyone,

Hope you're all doing well! The team has been heads down and focused on everything from reworking the script to polishing the art and getting things ready to finish end of April 2025. Here's somethings ready to share into what we've been working on lately for Apeiros World. Your support means the world to us, and we're thrilled to share our progress.

Rho & Final Look for Provisioner

First up, we've been making fantastic strides with new character art! We've finalized the design for Rho & The Provisioner, leave a comment on your thoughts below!

Rho is the third member of Ezra's group as they embark on the journey to go after stopping Glyph's plans. Not much is known of her, only that she's a recent "ally" of the two... however, she has some interesting tricks up her sleeve as a master of subterfuge!

Some of the inspiration to her design was MGS (Metal Gear Solid) series among a few other prominent JRPG games.

Rho - Dark Haired ver 1

Rho - Light Haired ver 2

The Provisioner ver 1 - Dark Persona

The Provisioner Final Look

We're really happy with how these are turning out, and we can't wait for you to see them in the manga!

Environment Concept Art

The world of Apeiros is coming to life with more than just characters! Here's a snippet of some environment focused art, mainly to be used on the new website that's underway. Our concept and environment artists have been hard at work creating some stunning visuals. Creating pieces to represent Apeiros, New Albyion, and other settings within the story of Apeiros World Odyssey.

These visuals are crucial for setting the tone and atmosphere of Apeiros World, and we're confident you'll love them.

Story Progress - Odyssey

The story is progressing steadily and digging deep to make it the best it can be.

I completed a major rewrite of the first act and focused on developing character arcs for key characters.

I spent the past two months doing a significant rewrite-restructuring of two chapters that I felt best would make more sense in a later volume. Alongside adding more characters, concepts, and storytelling components that I felt were needed to make the overall narrative stronger given the limited constraints of what a traditional manga is.

I'm committed to delivering a compelling and engaging narrative, and confident that the story will resonate with you all, so we're still on track to push to completion with the end of April on the art and story for Apeiros World Odyssey.

New Podcast Teaser

As some of you may know, I've been at work behind the scenes on creating a podcast!

My cohost and I have some recordings under our belt and more details will be shared as we finishing wrapping our first season of recordings.

This will be a great way to give you even more behind-the-scenes access to some of the creative input on Apeiros and discover other creatives and their projects. Stay tuned for more details on the podcast's launch!

---

Thank You

Thank you again for your incredible support. We couldn't do this without you. As the creative work is demanding and having to manage multiple projects, people, and deadlines. There will be minimum updates until the work is completed. So don't be alarmed, we're just busy in the laboratory.

When the time is right there will be plenty of Apeiros content to go around!

I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts from these questions below:

• Which character's art are you most excited to see?

• What aspects of the story are you most looking forward to?

If you know someone who would love Apeiros World, please share this with everyone:

See ya soon ;)

~Doni