Warhammer Studio has unveiled the first teaser for the highly anticipated sequel to the acclaimed Warhammer 40,000 animated series, Astartes. Production is well underway, with the original creator, Shyama Pedersen, returning. The teaser offers glimpses into the past lives of key characters, featuring footage specifically shot for the trailer, and subtly hinting at the overarching narrative. The premiere is slated for 2026.
In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war. But how does one truly immerse oneself in the brutal realities of the 41st millennium? How can we draw closer to the grace of the God-Emperor? This visual guide offers a path to understanding the Adeptus Astartes.
Table of Contents
- Astartes
- Hammer and Bolter
- Angels of Death
- Interrogator
- Pariah Nexus
- Helsreach
Descend into the grim darkness of Warhammer 40,000 with Astartes, a fan-made animated series that has captivated a global audience. Created by the visionary Syama Pedersen, this series follows a Space Marine squad on a brutal mission against the forces of Chaos. Boasting millions of views on YouTube, Astartes' stunning visuals and animation bring the intricate details of the 40K universe to life. Remarkably, this achievement was accomplished by a single individual, fueled by an unwavering passion for the source material. Astartes showcases unparalleled depictions of warfare, from the precise deployment of Space Marines onto enemy vessels in the void to the use of sacred weaponry and the tactical deployment of crew-served weapons by insurgents. This level of detail rivals official Warhammer 40K productions, providing an unparalleled immersive experience.
"I’ve been a longtime fan of Warhammer 40K and always dreamed of bringing it to life in CG. My focus is on quality over quantity, and I hope that shines through in my work." – Syama Pedersen.
Hammer and Bolter masterfully blends the efficient elegance of Japanese anime with the grim darkness of Warhammer 40,000. Employing minimalist framing, recycled movements, and grand poses, it conveys large-scale action with remarkable efficiency. Dynamic backgrounds enhance the intensity, immersing viewers in the brutal chaos of the far future. Strategic use of CGI models facilitates faster, more explosive sequences. This fusion of traditional anime techniques and modern technology creates a visually stunning and uniquely captivating experience.
The art style evokes the aesthetic of 1990s and early 2000s superhero cartoons, featuring dynamic faces, imposing figures, and shadowy backdrops. The vibrant color palette—deep golds, reds, blues, and greens—contrasts sharply with dark shadows, creating a striking visual impact. The haunting soundtrack, a blend of synthetic and orchestral elements, amplifies the sense of dread and foreboding, intensifying during action sequences with frantic electric sounds and booming drums.
Angels of Death, a gripping 3D animated series, plunges viewers into the heart of the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Created by director Richard Boylan, this series demonstrates the power of fan-driven creativity and the immense potential of the Warhammer 40K IP. Building on the success of Boylan's fan-made Helsreach miniseries, Games Workshop commissioned him to create official content for Warhammer+. The result is a series that honors the lore while pushing the boundaries of storytelling and visual artistry. Following a squad of Blood Angels as they search for their lost captain on a mysterious and terrifying planet, Angels of Death masterfully blends mystery, action, and horror, creating a compelling and emotionally resonant narrative. The series' striking black-and-white visual style, punctuated by the crimson red of the Blood Angels' armor and the blood of battle, heightens the emotional impact, immersing viewers in a world of dread.
Interrogator explores the shadowy underbelly of the Imperium with a unique perspective. Unlike previous adaptations focused on large-scale conflicts, Interrogator takes a more intimate approach, drawing inspiration from Necromunda to craft a gritty and emotionally charged narrative. The film noir-inspired visual style perfectly complements the morally ambiguous world of Jurgen, a fallen interrogator and psyker haunted by addiction, guilt, and the murder of his superior. His journey of self-discovery and redemption intertwines with a local crime gang, adding layers of complexity. Jurgen's psychic abilities serve as a narrative device, unraveling the story's layers and providing insight into the emotional toll of life in the 41st millennium. With morally grey characters, a gritty atmosphere, and noir-inspired visuals, Interrogator offers a nuanced exploration of the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
Pariah: Nexus, a three-episode series, pushes the boundaries of storytelling and visual artistry. Set on the war-torn world of Paradyce, it follows an unlikely alliance between a Sister of Battle and an Imperial Guardswoman amidst the ruins of their civilization. Their quest for hope underscores the sacrifices demanded by the Imperium. Intertwined with their story is that of Sa’kan, a Salamanders Space Marine protecting a family and a priest, pursued by a Necron sniper. With breathtaking CG animation, dynamic action sequences, and a haunting score, Pariah: Nexus is a visual and emotional masterpiece.
Helsreach: The Animation revolutionized Warhammer 40K animation. Created by Richard Boylan, this adaptation of Aaron Dembski-Bowden’s novel tells a quintessential Space Marine story of a planet facing annihilation. Its masterful storytelling and visual artistry, employing a black-and-white aesthetic enhanced by marker inks over CGI, create a timeless and gritty atmosphere. Boylan’s expertise in storyboarding, cinematography, and blocking elevates the action sequences, rivaling big-budget productions. Helsreach inspired a new generation of creators and laid the foundation for Warhammer+.
There is only the Emperor, and he is our Shield and Protector.
