Yorkville University’s Michael Carson has transformed a simple car game he created to entertain his kids during COVID into The Realm – a comic book, concept trailer, and growing animated series that has become much more than a project, but a world he’s eager to share.
The Realm follows high schoolers Ada and Isaac as their seemingly ordinary class field trip spirals into a magical adventure filled with danger, secrets, and discovery.
Watch the official proof of concept trailer for The Realm animated series HERE!
For Carson, a recent Bachelor of Creative Arts grad, the project has evolved from a family pastime into a multi-platform creative venture anchored by a comic book series he recently showcased at Yorkville’s Graduate Showcase.
“The Realm started as a graphic novel but has now evolved into a comic book,” the busy working father of two said of the comic – a project he created to help build the world of The Realm, engage fans, and generate support for a future animated adaptation.
“It’s designed as a sort of fundraising tool and an audience builder for the series I’m working on.”
The first issue of The Realm comic book is slated for release in spring 2026, with all proceeds supporting the production of the animated series.
The concept trailer Carson produced has already been featured at the prestigious Banff World Media Festival – an international stage attended by major players like Disney, Netflix, and Paramount.
“Having my trailer in front of the head of CBC and other companies and seeing it gain traction on YouTube with tonnes of feedback and views – it’s been incredible,” Carson said. “And really, the BCA is to thank for all of that, because I would have never imagined this happening.”
For Carson, who juggled his Yorkville studies with raising two kids and working two jobs, it was the flexibility of Yorkville’s online BCA program that made it possible for him to pursue his degree.
“I’m the main caregiver, so I had to do it online – and it was awesome,” he said. “I didn’t have to commute for two hours and I could get to the material when it suited me – after the kids went to sleep or in the morning when they were at school. It just fit my life, which was so valuable.”
Coming from an artistic background in photography and graphic design, Carson knew how to create – but the BCA gave him the tools to turn his ideas into viable creative projects.
His time at Yorkville taught him how to pitch to producers, how to research markets, and how to move a project from concept to actualization.
“Before Yorkville, I could make a thing, but I didn’t know how to make that thing so it could sell or reach an audience,” he said. “The BCA helped with all of that.”
One course that left a lasting impression on Carson centred around the psychology of creativity. “I use what I learned there every day,” Carson said. “It showed me how to push past creative blocks and has taken my creative work to the next level. I even share those strategies with my own students now.”
Carson admits he was hesitant about returning to school at first. As a college-trained graphic designer who already taught post-secondary, he only enrolled when his institution began requiring full-time faculty to hold degrees.
“I’m pushing 40, I’ve got two kids, and I’d been out of school for so long,” he said of his reluctance to re-enter the classroom as a student.
“But after that first week, I realized this was actually great. Through the stress and the tears, I loved every minute of it. And it surprised me – I learned I could absolutely write an essay and thrive as a university student.”
That persistence, he says, is what he’s most proud of. “Ideas are great, but to execute on them, to show up with something real, and to put my heart and soul into it – that’s really what I’m proud of.”
Carson’s project was among many highlighted at Yorkville University’s Graduate Showcase, which brought together soon-to-be graduates of both the Bachelor of Creative Arts and Bachelor of Interior Design programs.
“The joint Graduate Showcase today boldly embraces ambition, curiosity and the spirit of creative exploration,” said Angela Antohi-Kominek, Principal and VP Academic, Yorkville Ontario.
Added Yorkville University President and Vice Chancellor Julia Christensen Hughes: “I just want to tell the students in the room how incredibly proud and moved I am by your work. It is truly remarkable.”
