We first talked about upcoming animated feature First Squad a few weeks back, sucked in by the simple fact that the film has employed the animation services of Japan's Studio4C and then won over by the initial teaser which, quite simply, rocks. As we've dug a bit more into this one, though, it's become clear that it is far from a typical animation project. Although Studio4C are behind the animation work the creators and directors - Misha Shprits and Aljosha Klimov - are Russian and the money is Canadian, which makes for a compelling fusion of influences. Here's the detailed synopsis:

It is 1942. The Red Army is putting up a violent and effective resistance against the German invaders. 14 year-old Nadya is a medium. In a deadly air raid the girl is shell-shocked. Recovering from her concussion, Nadya discovers her new gift – the ability to foresee the “Moments of Truth” - the most critical moments of future combat encounters, in which one person’s actions will decide the outcome one way or the other.

Nadya’s ability is indispensable for the classified 6th Division of the Russian Military Intelligence, which is waging a secret war against the “Ahnenerbe” – an occult order within the SS. The Ahnenerbe summons from the realm of the dead the powerful prince of darkness, Baron von Wolff. With him on their side they hope to change the course of history and achieve world domination. To oppose the Baron Nadya decides to enlist the support of her old friends from the beyond – the Pioneers of the First Squad.

You'll be seeing a whole lot more from First Squad in the future but for now you can check out that initial trailer once again below the break and hit the link below for a gallery of the first images released from the picture.