Set in a world of iron dirigibles and steam powered computers, this gothic horror mystery tells the story of Jasper Morello, a disgraced aerial navigator who flees his Plague-ridden home on a desperate voyage to redeem himself. The chance discovery of an abandoned dirigible leads Jasper through unchartered waters to an island on which lives a terrifying creature that may be the cure for the Plague. The journey back to civilization is filled with horrors but in a shocking climax, Jasper discovers that the greatest horror of all lies within man himself.

I stumbled upon this animated short film (The Mysterious Explorations of Jasper Morello) for the first time nearly two years ago via Coilhouse. When I first watched it I knew that I would one day put together a section on Carmine Magazine called “Animation Celebration” and I would kick it off with this film. It’s gorgeous, tragic and thought provoking.

Official Website
Jasper Morello on IMDB
Buy it on DVD