Ximphonic Versus: Nocturnes Romance

Ximphonic Versus: Nocturnes Romance (published in 2012) is a graphic novel created by Scotlynd Xing Xin-Bedford. First published in 1996, the series has garnered attention for its blend of dark fantasy, drama, and action-adventure themes. Ximphonic Versus: Nocturnes Romance is published by Phantom Blade Productions LLC. Over the years, it has expanded into other various media formats, including an upcoming American anime TV series, action figures, and collaborations with major streaming platforms. Phantom Blade Productions LLC is bringing the series to streaming alongside Global Genesis Group, which also serves as the worldwide distributor for the TV show. Xing serves as an executive producer and lead writer, along with Rick Romano, Charles Morris Jr, and Harel Goldstein. The show is set for 3 seasons with season 1 being comprised of 26 episodes. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

Ximphonic Versus: Nocturnes Romance
Creator	Scotlynd Xing Xin-Bedford
Star	Tara Cardinal Erin Evans-Walker
Genre	Fantasy, Dark Fantasy, Action, Drama, Thriller
Tag line	“A Song Of Romanticized Darkness… Dreaming Love Nevermore Deathless “
Executive Producer	Scotlynd Xing Xin-Bedford
Language	English
Company name	Phantom Blade Productions LLC
Published	1996
Company Founding	2021
Key people Producer	Scotlynd Xing Xin-Bedford
Website	https://ximphonicversus.com

Background

Scotlynd Xing Xin-Bedford created and developed Ximphonic Versus: Nocturnes Romance over a span of thirty years, seeking publication within the comic book industry. After facing rejection from traditional publishers and distributors, Xing established Phantom Blade Productions LLC to self-publish the series. Despite initial challenges, the graphic novel series has achieved notable success, with over 7,223 physical copies sold without the aid of crowdfunding as of September 2024. Ximphonic Versus graphic novels are available at Walmart and various local comic shops. ^{[1] [2]}

The series is distinguished by its detailed art and presentation, accompanied by an original soundtrack composed by Michael Roberts. Ximphonic Versus Consequence 1 was released in May 2012, with Consequences 2-5 following on July 15, 2020. Books 6 and 7 are now available, and book 8 is set to release this holiday season, with books 9-11 currently in production. Xing has stated that "the full graphic novel series comprises 930 chapters. ^{[2] [3]}

Synopsis

Ximphonic Versus: Nocturnes Romance is a dark love story that follows Crowned Prince Addonnis Neos Latrunculus, the heir apparent to the Divine Throne of the Noctium Imperium. He is the last of a venerable and noble bloodline tasked with protecting the Swords of Eon. The narrative centers around an 800-year-long Sanctum Victorian War, driven by conflicts between various factions, notably the Countith'alyian Dynasty. ^{[2] [3]}

At the cusp of a historic peace treaty signing to end the prolonged war, Prince Addonnis attends the event with his mentor, Concerto Maestro, still mourning the loss of his wife. Unaware of the impending tragedies, Addonnis meets Princess Sappheiros Soir-Florentissima from the Glass Kingdom. He learns that she shares his rare ability to perceive "Celestial Light" and discovers a prophecy about the Last True King, who holds the power to resurrect the dead. ^[3]

During the event, Addonnis is called away on a secret mission by the stewards of his kingdom to retrieve a mask known as Hi'Ramouth. This mission forces him to choose between two evils and the woman he loves, leading him on a perilous quest filled with passion and horror. Meanwhile, the "King of Death" returns to the world of the living, shrouded in darkness and madness, orchestrating his "Immortal Song of Ghostly Theater," a haunting and beautiful aria of "Phantom Death." ^[3]

Themes

Xing has drawn inspiration from notable literary works and game franchises including Hamlet, Bram Stoker's Dracula and Final Fantasy. The series focuses on themes of sadness, tragedy, and the complexities of human emotions within a fantasy setting. It emphasizes the nature of relationships and personal struggles, touching upon topics such as love, heartbreak, forgiveness, and the battle against evil. Additionally, Ximphonic Versus aims to provide support and understanding for individuals coping with PTSD, depression, and anxiety. ^[1][2]

Development

Phantom Blade Productions is a cutting-edge startup focused on publishing high-end graphic novels, master level animation, and creating a new line of action figures that merge art, technology, and imagination. Ximphonic Versus was created and developed over 30 years by Scotlynd Xing Xin-Bedford. ^[2]

Premise and Characters

The series features mighty warriors and foes engaged in epic battles for cosmic power and celestial forces. Characters like Addonnis Neos Latrunculus: Crowned prince of the Noctium Imerium, the largest and most powerful of the ancient kingdoms. Addonnis is the son of King Ensiculus Creperum Latrunculus. As the heir apparent to the throne, he is the last in a venerated bloodline divinely charged with protecting the Symphonic-Swords Of Eon. For the swords are sentient, and they choose who is worthy to wield their power, these weapons are not passed to each king in the blood line, they must be granted to the wielder. Thus, they can only be summoned and wielded by someone with Divine and Noble Latrunculus blood. ^[2]

It’s Addonnis “Divine Phantom Power” that allows him to call upon these powerful weapons. They are brought from the realm of “Luculenus Regnum et Excessu” or “The Beautiful Kingdom of The Dead”. Having gained his divine powers from Vero a deity with Death, Beauty and Agony blessed upon her lips. She bestowed upon him her power during his near-death experience at his birth. ^{[2] [3]}

While Sappheiros Soir-Florentissima: is a princess of the Glass Kingdom, she is originally from the noble House Nox-Eros. Her parents ruled the El’cion Kingdom of Golden Meadow’fall. Her father was King Eldan Noroan Florentissima and her mother was Queen Lacrima Jade Valintia-Florentissima. They were killed and her family's Kingdom was destroyed when she was just an infant. To this day no one truly knows who was responsible. After that she was taken to the Glass Kingdom and raised under the watchful eye of her aunt and Uncle, the Rulers of the Glass Kingdom. ^{[2] [3]}
 
She, like Addonnis, shares his rare ability to behold “Celestial Light” although her power works in a slightly different way from his. Sappheiros is a El’cion Necromancer, she can behold the “Celestial Dragons Light '' with her eyes. The universes cosmic powers flow through Sappheiros, and it is tied to the Phenomenal Aspect of the Celestial powers from the Dragons, much like Addonnis. She is a skilled warrior, who wields a powerful scythe known as the “Elegance of Fire”. ^[2]

Production 

Ximphonic Versus: Nocturnes Romance art is meticulously crafted for monumental & visually spectacular action that puts you at the heart of this epic dark fantasy adventure. Dynamic and original characters set in the mythical world of Laevisomnus Vis. Each character, such as prince Addonnis Neos Latrunculus and Lady Sappheiros Soir-Florentissima, embodies themes of love, darkness, and hope, reflected in their design and personalities. The Anime will focus on thrilling story, with high end art and design based on the graphic novel series. Xing has stated that the art and animation will be of the same high quality as Vampire Hunter D Bloodlust and the Record of Lodoss War. ^[3]

Cast and Crew members

Series Cast:

Tara Cardinal as Empress Scarlet Orczyi Vermiculo: Empress of the Vermiculo kingdom, and known for her commanding presence. ^{[3]
Erin Evans-Walker as Vero: Divine Empress of Death, Beauty and Agony; who shares a connection to Addonnis. Erin will also provide V/O narration on the series. [2]}

Series Writing Credits

Scotlynd Xing Xin-Bedford: Creator of the series, contributing to its imaginative narrative and world-building. ^[2]

Series Producers

Charles Morris Jr.: Executive producer (2024), involved in the production and strategic oversight of the series. ^[3]

Rick Romano: Executive producer (2024), contributing to the production of the show. ^[2]

Scotlynd Xing Xin-Bedford: Executive producer, guiding the series' development, thematic coherence and art style to the production of the show ^[2]

Series Music:

Two Steps From: Composing and crafting the score, enhancing the series' dramatic impact and emotional resonance. And Michael Roberts composing the graphic novels soundtrack ^[2]

Media adaptations

In collaboration with the Phantom Blade Animation, a Hollywood production company, Ximphonic Versus is being adapted into an American anime TV series. The first season will consist of 26 episodes, featuring music by renowned composers Two Steps from Hell. Phantom Blade Productions has partnered with Disney+ and Hulu to promote the series on their streaming platforms. The upcoming TV series is produced by Phantom Blade Productions LLC and the Global Genesis Group. The official trailer storyboards, produced in Japan, were completed in March 2024. The trailer is written and directed by series creator Scotlynd Xing Xin-Bedford. The storyboarding was a collaborative effort between US-based Phantom Blade Productions and former artists from Square Enix, led by master artist 天辰, known for their work on Final Fantasy. ^[1]

Reception and recognition

Ximphonic Versus has received acclaim from various entertainment industry entities, including cable networks, game developers, and professional publishers such as Netflix, HBO, and Image Comics. The series was awarded the "IP of the Year" by the International Creative Content Awards (ICCA) in 2022. Additionally, it has received praise from actors and actresses from popular television shows and opera singers. ^[2]

Ximphonic Versus was featured on Screen Rant May 2024 as "The Best Indie Comic You Haven't Read Yet," and hailed by USA News as "The West's Heir to 'Final Fantasy' and 'Castlevania's Throne" further increasing notoriety and visibility among audiences. ^[1]

Merchandise and expansion

Phantom Blade Productions has expanded the Ximphonic Versus franchise through merchandise, including an action figure line produced by Phantom Blade Kaiden Toys in collaboration with Rexticon Toys. The figures are meticulously crafted at a 1/6th scale with more than 20 points of articulation, allowing for dynamic poses and storytelling versatility. Each figure boasts detailed sculpting, vibrant paint applications, and character-specific accessories, housed in ornate OnyX Calvaria Boxes. Adorned with baroque designs and motifs, inspired by characters from the series, the action figure line is set to be available with the company's retail partner Walmart, and subsequently through other online retailers, starting in 2025. ^[1]