For nearly five years there has been a void in the female action hero genre ever since “Xena” concluded its run in 2001. Many imitators have come since then, but both on the big and small screens, but no series, no movie, has come close to what made “Xena” so great. Most later comers gave us a great leading, ass-kicking woman, with great action and, sometimes, even a good story. Yet “Xena” had a uniqueness that has still remained untapped – a story that follows two warrior women in their personal journeys, their action adventures as well as exploring the friendship between them.

In 2001 “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” first hit theatres, launching the popular game (which had already been made into a comic series by Top Cow Comics) to the live action world, but, though full of action and starring the talented Angelia Jolie, the movie never lived up to the character that Top Cow had already re-envisioned.

Top Cow had another strong female lead comic adapted to the screen when Yancy Butler was cast as Sara Pezzini in the short lived “Witchblade” series that first aired in fall 2001. Though the series created a more tormented and darker “Pez” for an interesting and twist filled first season, the series pulled a “Dallas” and wiped out the first season and movie tie in by having Pez go back in time for the second season, which was its last.

These half attempts to bring the comics to life, led to inspiring Trish Ellis to ponder, “What if they made a movie with Lara Croft and Sara Pezzini?”

Top Cow had seen the brilliance of obvious pairing and both women were common visitors in each other’s series. Two strong women, each with their own unique talents, joining together to fight the onslaught of paranormal villainy.

The two were an obvious action pairing, but even better, the two made for a close knit friendship. As seen in the “Endgame” crossover story in “Tomb Raider” 25, “Witchblade” 60 and “Evo” 1, Croft and Pez were more than passing acquaintances. Croft’s sacrifice and the near despair Pez sank into in the following “Tomb Raider” comics after the death of her friend (who would be resurrected in later issues) showed a bond that was just begging for an on screen meet up.

Ellis made the mistake, or rather, the wonderful action that benefits all of us, of asking her question to her friend H.R. “Roach” Crystal, a producer.

Shortly thereafter, Ellis was writing the script for the independent “Witchblade”/“Tomb Raider” crossover film “Awakenings,” and Crystal began the process of making it come to life.

With Crystal based in Seattle, Washington, the cast and crew of “Awakenings” feeds on local talent, in particular, the two stunning leading ladies Danielle Reiereson and Alyssa Tomoff and Croft and Pez.

Reiereson and Tomoff resurrect the brilliance of “Xena: Warrior Princess” by finding the characters and their relationship that is at the heart of the story that makes the foundations needed to tell the action packed adventure. Still in pre-production with filming scheduled to being in April, Reiereson and Tomoff, who have worked together on numerous other projects, are able to draw on their real life friendship (like Lucy Lawless and Renee O’Connor) to create the instant on screen bond in a movie that doesn’t start with an origin story (a complete unheard of for a comic book feature).

Like Xena and Gabrielle, the relationship of Croft and Pez is the leading appeal of “Awakenings.” This winning pairing, coupled with Ellis’ dramatic, action packed and hilarious script, and the talents of producer/director Crystal makes “Awakenings” a must see feature for any “Xena” or action heroine fan.

For more information about “Awakenings,” please visit the movie’s official site at: http://www.roachsrealm.com/awakenings

If you'd like to be a part of making this feature come to life, "Awakenings" is now accepting donations. Whether it's a $5 or a $100 donation, all donations are welcome and helpful! And not only will you be left with the fuzzy feeling of knowing you helped make a difference, for those who donate over $20, we’ll be sending you some cool gifts as a thank you. You might even find your name in the credits!

Remember...there is no such thing as a small donation!!! Every last cent counts and is gratefully appreciated.