Averno (universe)
| Averno | |
|---|---|
| Created by | Morgan Smith |
| Owner | Averno |
| Years | 2019–2021 |
| Print publications | |
| Graphic novel(s) | Dreamweaver (2019) |
| Films and television | |
| Short film(s) | Into Averno (2020) |
| Web series | Under Averno (2020) |
| Theatrical presentations | |
| Musical(s) | Willow (2020), Dazed (2021), Over and Out (2021), Bittersummer (2021) |
| Audio | |
| Radio program(s) | Live from Averno (2019-2020) |
| Original music | Welcome to Camp Averno (2020), Come Home EP (2020), Departments EP (2020) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Epic poem(s) | Arcana |
| Alternate reality game(s) | Find Averno ARG |
Averno was a transmedia franchise and cult, run by Morgan Smith from 2019 to 2021. The franchise spanned across multiple mediums, and was focused primarily on the fictional small town of Averno, Virginia. The Averno universe was created in 2019 by then-20-year-old Morgan Smith, and became fully established in 2020. The planning/development/concept art team grew to more than 60 members all around the world by the end of its run.
The Averno universe encouraged fan content, although only concepts approved by the creator, Morgan Smith, were considered "canon". Maxwell "Sushi" Soucy, a former member of the concept team and composer of the musical Over and Out, described the universe as "witchy and magical."
Averno had a three-album partnership with the record label Broadway Records for the musicals Willow (released September 25, 2020), Over and Out (released January 15, 2021), and Bittersummer (released June 4, 2021).
Averno maintained a substantial online fandom, primarily consisting of teenagers searching for online connection during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fans congregated on Averno Discord servers, a hub for the alleged cult-like atmosphere.
On August 11, 2021, a document was released detailing allegations of professional misconduct, manipulation, and cultish behavior by Morgan Smith from several members of the creative team. Following these statements, Averno's social media presence almost entirely ceased, and has since largely been wiped.