Granite Waves is an upcoming, original indie animated series created, written, and directed by artist Tezeze. The show is a "vertical animated series" designed specifically for mobile viewing. The Story & StyleFormat: Animated specifically for smartphone screens, this vertical series features hand-drawn art and character-driven stories. Genre/Tone: It features fantasy and sci-fi/horror elements, focusing on deep character arcs, tense consequences, and a dark atmosphere (often described as having an Eastern European apartment vibe). Voice Cast: The cast features renowned voice actors like Sarah Natochenny (known for Pokémon) as the protagonist Elya. Where to WatchPlatform: The series is streaming exclusively on Ryuu, a new streaming platform dedicated to funding and showcasing independent, creator-owned animation. Release: The full series officially drops in the Summer. You can catch early pilot teasers across the project's official social media pages on Instagram and TikTok.
Characters
Elya is one of the main protagonists. She is described as being smart and generally tries to look at things objectively and scientifically. She is a manic yet captivating character with green hair and a manic smile. She is often recognized for her frantic eyes and signature orange glasses.
Elya’s roommate. He hails from Brest, Belarus, and is described as very empathetic but somewhat hysterical. He acts as a "communication specialist" with an evolving (and somewhat illegal) relationship with money and the future.
One of the other main characters introduced in the pilot prologue. He is closely tied to the shifting, dark, and mysterious supernatural occurrences in their world.
Another prominent character in the series' expanding world. Male. Can manipulate electricity and lightning.
A friend who interacts with Elya and Max, often expressing distrust in the old apartments they live in and picking up on strange, unexplainable electromagnetic signals.
The calmest soul in the cast. She has a warm, gentle voice, a slight Polish accent, and uses her soft-spoken nature to get things done in negotiations.
The polar opposite of Maya's light. She is a cold, indifferent loner whose voice embodies power, mystery, and wisdom.
A complex, human figure striving for inner peace and peer harmony. He is aware of his flaws and often provides deep, grounding advice to his companions.
He is an important investigator, frequently seen dealing with malfunctioning equipment, unexpected features a blend of being both physically present and mentally "distant".
Intro
Granite Waves is an indie vertical animated series by creator Tezeze, premiering on the Ryuu streaming app. The lore focuses on eerie urban decay, electromagnetic anomalies, and supernatural encounters in an old, unmaintained apartment environment.
The Atmosphere: The series relies heavily on a dark, unsettling, and suspenseful tone rather than typical happiness or comfort. The Mystery: The narrative kicks off around mysterious electromagnetic wave surges and malfunctioning microchips. Unidentified, anomalous signals continuously show up in the area, leading the cast to believe they are constantly being watched by entities hiding right behind their walls. The Rules: Characters are faced with difficult choices and harsh consequences. A running piece of lore and advice for the series is: "Don't look them in the eyes". Imps & Entities: Not-so-serious but unsettling otherworldly beings lurk in the environment, communicating through strange sounds rather than human language, adding a bizarre, supernatural element to the story.
Good Luck on your journey through this hostile yet beautiful world, Guest. And remember...DON'T LOOK THEM IN THE EYES...
Creator
Release Date 2026.06.04 / Last Updated 2026.06.07