Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light

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Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light
Visionaries Knights of the Magical Light title.jpg
Title card
Genre
Created by Flint Dille
Directed byYoshi Mikamoto
Voices of Susan Blu
Roscoe Lee Browne
Peter Cullen
Jim Cummings
Jennifer Darling
Bernard Erhard
Jonathan Harris
Chris Latta
Michael McConnohie
Hal Rayle
Neil Ross
Beau Weaver
Narrated by Malachi Throne
Theme music composerFord Kinder
Anne Bryant
ComposersThomas Chase Jones
Steve Rucker
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes13
Production
Executive producersJoe Bacal
Yutaka Fujioka
Tom Griffin
Running time22 min.
Production companies Hasbro
Sunbow Productions
TMS Entertainment
Original release
Network First-run syndication
ReleaseSeptember 20 (1987-09-20) –
December 13, 1987 (1987-12-13)

Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light is a science fantasy media franchise that consisted of a short-lived toyline of action figures and vehicles produced by Hasbro, and an animated television series by Sunbow Productions that ran for one season of thirteen episodes in 1987. [2] Star Comics published a bimonthly comic book series that lasted six issues from November 1987 to September 1988. The animated series was the first Hasbro property to be produced by Sunbow without the aid of Marvel Productions, and utilized Japanese studio TMS Entertainment for overseas animation work.

Contents

IDW Publishing published a five-issue crossover comic miniseries featuring the series characters and the Transformers from January to May 2018. [3]

Overview

The story is set on the fictional planet of Prysmos, a futuristic society where all technology and complex machinery suddenly cease functioning, and its citizens are forced to rely on ancient magic to survive. This happens when the three suns of the planet align and their combined radiation emissions deactivate all technology on the planet, similar to an electromagnetic pulse effect. The titular Visionaries are knights who are split into two factions: the heroic Spectral Knights and the evil Darkling Lords. The Visionaries who wish to gain the usage of magic is invited to a competition by the wizard Merklynn. After surviving traps, dangerous creatures, and each other, survivors are rewarded with unique animal totems affixed to their armor chestplates; these talismans are based on the bearers' individual attributes while allowing them to transform into their specific creatures. [4]

Some of the knights are given staves enchanted with various magic powers that are activated by its holder reciting a special verse. They could be used only once before they needed to be replenished in the animated series, but had unlimited use in the comic series. Characters who could not use these weapons instead had the power to infuse vehicles with magical powers, the spells for which were printed on official toy packaging but never used in either the comics or the animated series. In the Star Comics series, the female characters were given shields which operated in the same manner as the male characters' power staves.

Characters

Spectral Knights

Headed by Leoric, the Spectral Knights are magic users who use magic for the purposes of good; they are the protagonists of the series.

CharacterDescriptionTotemVoice Performer
LeoricLeader of the Spectral Knights and prince of the fictional city of New Valarak. In the first issue of the 1987 Star Comics series, he was named as the city's mayor during the Age of Science. He possesses the totem of the Lion and his power staff bestows the Power of Wisdom. He is the only Spectral Knight to have facial hair (a mustache), and his main adversary is Darkstorm. Lion Neil Ross
Magical power:Wisdom – "Whispered secrets of a shattered age, I summon you: renew this sage!"
EctarLeoric's lieutenant on matters relating to the city of New Valarak. Before the death of technology, he was a police detective in the city of Valarak who often matched wits against a master thief named Reekon, who later becomes a Darkling Lord and his main adversary. [5] He possesses the totem of the Fox and is one of several knights who do not have a power staff but are able to magically power vehicles. His personal vehicle is the Lancer Cycle, which possessed the Power of Protection. Fox Michael McConnohie
Magical power:Protection – "Shield this craft from one and all. Reflect, deflect, depose and fall!" [note 1]
FerylThe youngest of the Spectral Knights. Like Ectar and Leoric, he lives in New Valarak. He possesses the totem of the Wolf and has no staff but operates the Capture Chariot, the Knights' main transport and attack vehicle that possesses the Power of Fire. His main adversary is Mortdredd. Wolf Beau Weaver
Magical power:Fire – "Draw upon the breath of stars, and scorch the skies with fiery scars!" [note 1]
CryotekThe oldest of the group. He hails from the northern frozen kingdom of Northalia. [6] He possesses the totem of the Bear and his staff bestows the Power of Strength that manifests as a magical archer firing an arrow. He is shown to have a romantic relationship with fellow Spectral Knight Galadria, while his main adversary among the Darkling Lords is Cindarr, with whom he is hinted at having a past history in the animated series. [7] Bear Bernard Erhard
Magical power:Strength – "Three suns aligned, pour forth their light, and fill the archer's bow with might!"
WitterquickPrince of an unnamed city in the south, he possesses the totem of the Cheetah and his staff bestows the Power of Lightspeed. Although Ectar is Leoric's second in command of matters pertaining to the city of New Valarak, it is Witterquick who gives the orders and keeps the others in line if Leoric is absent. If necessary, Witterquick is the most ready to bend the rules for the greater good. Cheetah Jim Cummings
Magical power:Lightspeed – "Sheathe these feet in the driving gale, make swift these legs, o'er land I sail!"
ArzonA deontologist by nature, [8] Arzon possesses the totem of the Eagle and his staff imparts the Power of Knowledge. He is one of the youngest Spectral Knights and can be quite impetuous, optimistic, and eager to help despite the danger. Eagle Hal Rayle
Magical power:Knowledge – "A whim, a thought, and more is sought. Awake my mind; thy will be wrought!"
GaladriaThe only female Spectral Knight, Galadria hails from the city of Androsia. [9] She is the love interest of fellow Spectral Knight Cryotek, and her main adversary is Virulina. Her totem is the Dolphin, and she had no staff but was given a magical shield imbued with the power of Healing in the Star Comics series. Dolphin Susan Blu
Magical power:Healing – "By warmth of heart, your pain I feel. Grant me the power, your wounds to heal!" [note 2]

Darkling Lords

Headed by Darkstorm, the Darkling Lords use their powers for selfish aims and are the antagonists of the series.

CharacterDescriptionTotemVoice Performer
DarkstormThe leader of the Darkling Lords, and prior to their creation he commanded the allegiance of Reekon and Mortdredd. He secures the services of the other members by having them swear loyalty to him in exchange for freeing them from a trap during Merklynn's magical challenge. [7] He bears the totem of the Mollusk and his power staff wields the Power of Decay, which included a counter spell to reverse its effects. His main adversary is Leoric. Mollusk Chris Latta
Magical power:Decay – "By what creeps, what crawls, by what does not; let all that grows recede and rot!"
Decay Reversal – "Power of rot, obscuring truth, what once was old restore to youth!"
ReekonA career thief during the Age of Science, Reekon serves Darkstorm as a hired mercenary. He finds himself often engaging in a battle of wits against Ectar, with whom he has a professional rivalry and mutual respect. [5] He possesses the totem of the Lizard and has no staff but operates the Dagger Assault, the Darkling Lords' rolling fortress that contains a small attack plane and containment cell used for magically removing animal totems. [9] Lizard Roscoe Lee Browne
Magical power:Magic Extractor – "Flay the flesh, lay bare the bone. Upon this field, let grief be sown!" [note 1]
MortdreddDarkstorm's most loyal servant and unapologetic sycophant. His totem is the Beetle and he has no staff but is the designated pilot of the Sky Claw, the Lords' aerial assault craft. His main adversary is Feryl, as both are loyal to their respective leaders. Beetle Jonathan Harris
Magical power:Flight – "Wings of steel shall ride the breeze. Invade the air, the land, the seas!" [note 1]
CindarrPreviously a construction worker during the Age of Science, Cindarr is the oldest of the fourteen knights, and his main adversary is Cryotek. [7] He joins the Darkling Lords only because of the oath of loyalty to Darkstorm he is forced to make, and is considered a dullard by his peers due to his impedimental speech and compassion toward small animals. [9] He bears the totem of the Gorilla and his staff invokes the Power of Destruction. Gorilla Peter Cullen
Magical power:Destruction – "By nature's hand, by craft, by art; what once was one now fly apart!"
CravexAggressive and short-tempered, Cravex bears the totem of the phylot (a Prysmosian pterodactyl-like flying scavenger) and his power staff invokes the Power of Fear.PhylotChris Latta
Magical power:Fear – "Oh mist-filled pits, dark, dank, unclear; touch all before me with frost-fingered fear!"
LexorLexor is generally regarded as a liar and a coward. He possesses the totem of the Armadillo and his staff offers the Power of Invulnerability, which generates an impenetrable barrier that is often used as a counter against Cryotek's staff of Strength. Armadillo Michael McConnohie
Magical power:Invulnerability – "The arrows turn, the swords rebel; may nothing pierce this mortal shell!"
VirulinaThe lone female Darkling Lord, Virulina worked as a newscaster prior to the Age of Magic, [7] and her main adversary is Galadria. Her totem is the Shark and in the 1987 Star comic series, she possesses a shield imbued with the Power of Disease. Shark Jennifer Darling
Magical power:Disease – "Wind of sickness, illness most vile, strike down my enemy with disease revile!" [note 2]

Other characters

Merklynn – The wizard who occupies a shrine inside Iron Mountain. Merklynn invites knights from across the land to compete in an obstacled race to his shrine, rewarding those who reach its hall with magical abilities. In exchange for recharging their power staffs, Merklynn contracts both the Darkling Lords and Spectral Knights to venture on other quests on his behalf. He sometimes offers magical devices in exchange for their services as well but Merklynn's gifts usually prove to be more trouble than they're worth. The character was named after Hasbro sculptor Bill Merklein, who developed the holography for the toyline. [10] He is voiced by Roscoe Lee Browne.

Falkhama – a member of the same circle of wizardry as Merklynn. He is first seen in possession of an artifact called the Dragon's Eye, which Merklynn needs to replenish his magical pool. He is later used by Darkstorm in the latter's failed plot to depose Merklynn, and is then among a trio of fugitive wizards apprehended by the Spectral Knights and imprisoned by Merklynn in the Wizards' Jail. The character's name was created by Flint Dille from the surnames of then-current Marvel writers Lee Falk and Larry Hama. [11] He is voiced by Hal Rayle.

Bogavas – an enigmatic wizard who is among the three escapees from the Wizards' Jail along with Falkhama and Wizasquizar. When the Spectral Knights capture and bring him to Merklynn, Bogavas denies knowing any real magic. Merklynn subjects him to a test to prove his honesty, which he seemingly passes and is thus allowed to go free. He is voiced by Jim Cummings.

Wizasquizar – a wizard condemned never to tell the truth. He is a fugitive from the Wizards' Jail along with Falkhama and Bogavas until the Spectral Knights capture them on Merklynn's orders. However, the Knights are then ambushed by the Darkling Lords and are forced to release Wizasquizar as a diversion. After the Darkling Lords take advantage of his curse to locate a lost underground shrine, Wizasquizar betrays them and seeks a source of power inside the shrine that would allow him to supplant Merklynn, but is thwarted by Leoric and returned by Merklynn to the Wizards' Jail. According to Dille, Wizasquizar's name was an instance of inserting "crude adolescent humor" into the show. [11] He is voiced by Bernard Erhard.

Heskedor – an ancient crone living in an isolated cave. When Darkstorm seeks her aid in defeating Leoric, she brews him a potion that would permanently trap Leoric in his lion totem form if the spell was not broken by the time Prysmos' three suns set. The Spectral Knights manage to catch on to Darkstorm's scheme and Witterquick confronts Heskedor in her cave, forcing her to hand over an antidote that successfully changes Leoric back. She is voiced by Susan Blu.

Fletchen – a young woman from a peasant village outside New Valarak. Darkstorm uses her superstitious people as unwitting pawns in his plan to permanently trap Leoric in his lion form. Though she is able to convince his fellow Spectral Knights of the truth, the other townspeople refuse to listen and only stop attacking the Spectral Knights once Leoric is freed from the spell. Fletchen appears in one other episode thereafter, and there are hints of romantic relationship between her and Leoric. She is voiced by Jennifer Darling.

Gleering – Fletchen's father. He and his fellow villagers are fearful of all magic and lean on superstition to ward off evil. Darkstorm exploits this to turn them against the Spectral Knights by convincing them that they were "evil wizards" guarding a magical beast. Gleering and his people learned they had nothing to fear from magic, provided it was used for good. He is voiced by Peter Cullen.

Orzan – the ruler of Khemir, a city that had thrived in the Age of Science with its people relying on robotic slaves to do all their work. Despite falling into destitution after the death of technology, the Khemirites have stubbornly refused to change their way of living. Darkstorm preys on Orzan's pride and his people's desperation by using them to assist in the Darkling Lords' takeover of New Valarak. After experiencing a fearful vision of his robot slaves rebelling against him, he renounces slavery and pledges to adapt to the current times. He is voiced by Peter Cullen.

Belizar – a young Khemirite man who first alerts the Darkling Lords to his people's plight, and aids them in conquering New Valarak and enslaving the Spectral Knights. When told that, since he was not a Darkling Lord, he was ineligible to compete for the Spectral Knights' power staff, he vented his frustration on Leoric and Ectar by forcing them to move furniture and repeatedly changing his mind about where he wanted a cabinet placed. Later, however, he and his fellow Khemirite, Mana, helped the Spectral Knights escape and regain their totem powers. Belizar vowed to one day prove worthy of knighthood; in the meantime, he would stay in New Valarak and help the people rebuild. He is voiced by Jim Cummings.

Marna – a young Khemirite woman who suggests that her people begin fending for themselves after the death of technology has rendered their robotic slaves obsolete, but she is rebuked as they consider it demeaning to their culture. After taking part in Darkstorm's invasion of New Valarak, during which the Spectral Knights are captured and enslaved, Marna comes to the realization that freedom at the expense of others is wrong. She then assists in freeing the Knights and helping them drive the Darkling Lords out of New Valarak. She is voiced by Jennifer Darling.

Sun Imps

The Sun Imps are diminutive and mischievous creatures who were featured in the final episode of the animated series. They were imprisoned inside an underground tomb after causing much havoc during the first Age of Magic, but earthquakes have exposed the tomb over time, prompting Merklynn to send the Visionaries to rebury it. However, Cindarr is tricked by his fellow Darkling Lord Lexor into releasing the creatures, which leads to a frantic attempt by both factions to recapture them.

Abraxas – the Wizard Imp. Merklynn attempts to stop him with various spells, only for Abraxas to turn them back onto the caster. He is outwitted by Merklynn with a "Capture Thyself" spell that is reversed and leads to Abraxas' capture. He is voiced by Neil Ross.

Gorge – the Pig Imp. He has the ability to turn ground to mud and can also cause pigs to stampede. His weakness is gluttony, which the Visionaries later exploit by tricking him into overindulging himself. He is voiced by Peter Cullen.

Growl – the Cat Imp. He uses sonic waves to cause landslides and break windows, and can take control of feline creatures. Cindarr uses his power of Destruction to recapture him.

Knightmare – the Dream Imp. He can send people to sleep by hitting them on the head with a small hammer, and has the power of hypnosis. He is caught after being dizzied to the extent that he knocks himself out. He is voiced by Hal Rayle.

Mysto – the Fish Imp. He can turn ground to ice and take control of fish. Galadria and Virulina work together in their animal forms to trap him underwater inside a treasure chest.

Shaggy – the Hair Imp. His favourite trick is causing people's hair to grow rapidly and then tie them up with it, which he uses to humiliate Darkstorm. However, he cannot use his powers if his own hair is cut, and he is consequently converged upon with oversized shaving implements.

Action figures

In 1987 Hasbro produced a set of figures after the cartoon series ended. [12] The figures had hologram stickers on both their chests and staffs, which resulted in their being expensive to produce. The toyline lasted one year, with figures of the twelve male characters produced along with four vehicles that were packaged with an exclusive figure. A second wave of characters was planned for release in 1988 but were never released due to the cartoon and the toyline's cancellation.

Around the 2017 San Diego Comic-Con, a new action figure of Leoric was released at the convention and later at HasbroToyShop.com in limited quantities as part of the SDCC exclusive IDW Revolution set alongside Jetfire, Roadblock, Rom the Space Knight, a Dire Wraith, characters from the Micronauts, Matt Trakker and Action Man.

TV series

In the UK, when the series was released on VHS, on five volumes, in the 80s, under the distributor ‘Video Gems’, ‘The Trail of Three Wizards’ was only broadcast and never commercially released.

Episodes

#TitleWriterDVDContinuityOriginal Airdate
01"The Age of Magic Begins" Flint Dille 0101September 20, 1987 (1987-09-20)
When technology fails on the planet Prysmos, an Age of Magic begins. As the world descends into chaos, the knights of Prysmos embark on a quest to conquer Iron Mountain, lured by the wizard Merklynn's promise of magical powers. But only fourteen succeed and it soon becomes clear that several of them joined the quest for personal gain.
02"The Dark Hand of Treachery"Flint Dille0202September 27, 1987 (1987-09-27)
Darkstorm and his fellow Darkling Lords, aided by magical vehicles, trap Leoric and his followers one by one. Imprisoned in the dungeon at Darkstorm's castle and stripped of their weapons, Leoric and his followers seem to be in a hopeless situation. Soon, however, Leoric realises they must unite and names them the Spectral Knights.
03"Quest for the Dragon's Eye"Flint Dille0303October 4, 1987 (1987-10-04)
After escaping from Castle Darkstorm and acquiring magical vehicles of their own, the Spectral Knights capture the Darkling Lords and put them to work in a factory. Shortly afterwards, however, the Darkling Lords escape and ambush the Spectral Knights, who are heading to Merklynn's shrine to have their power staff recharged. But, in exchange for more magic, they must bring Merklynn the Dragon's Eye.
04"The Price of Freedom" Douglas Booth 0404November 8, 1987 (1987-11-08)
The Darkling Lords encounter a city whose inhabitants are reluctant to give up their Age of Technology lifestyle. Lured by Darkstorm's promise to give them human slaves to replace the robots which used to do all the work in the city, the people infiltrate New Valarak and enslave the Spectral Knights. But the Spectral Knights find an ally in a woman who feels that freedom at the expense of others is wrong.
05"Feryl Steps Out" Buzz Dixon 0505October 11, 1987 (1987-10-11)
Dejected after getting into difficulties during a battle with pirates, Feryl leaves the Spectral Knights. Darkstorm tries to turn the situation to his advantage and, after an initial attempt to enlist Feryl in the Darkling Lords fails, lures Leoric into a trap by making him think Feryl's life is in danger. But Feryl soon learns what has happened and trails the Darkling Lords to Castle Darkstorm.
06"Lion Hunt"Buzz Dixon0607October 18, 1987 (1987-10-18)
The Darkling Lords seek the aid of an old witch, who gives them a potion which will trap Leoric in his animal form. Unable to revert to human form, Leoric soon finds himself under attack from the Darkling Lords, a group of superstitious villagers and even his fellow Spectral Knights, who believe he has been killed. When the Spectral Knights discover the truth, they face a race against time to restore their leader to normal.
07"The Overthrow of Merklynn"Flint Dille0709October 25, 1987 (1987-10-25)
Tired of constantly having to answer to Merklynn, Darkstorm deposes the wizard and seizes control of Iron Mountain. He quickly becomes overconfident and unleashes a spell which triggers a series of violent cataclysms. Believing that Prysmos will be destroyed unless the spell can be broken, the Darkling Lords are forced to seek out Merklynn and free him from the Wizards' Jail to which Darkstorm banished him.
08"The Power of the Wise"Douglas Booth0806November 1, 1987 (1987-11-01)
The Spectral Knights are afraid of being rapidly aged by the power of Darkstorm's staff and, when Merklynn refuses to help them, set off on a quest to find a magic spring whose waters have rejuvenating properties. During the quest, Leoric falls victim to Darkstorm's staff and, to ensure he cannot be restored to his true age, the Darkling Lords destroy the spring. But the experience teaches Leoric that there is more to old age than being weak and feeble.
09"Horn of Unicorn, Claw of Dragon"Buzz Dixon0908November 15, 1987 (1987-11-15)
A magical plague strikes Prysmos, leaving Visionaries from both sides close to death. Their only hope of survival is a spell, the key ingredients of which are a unicorn's horn and a dragon's claw. Witterquick and Arzon must team up with Lexor and Cindarr and set off on a quest for these ingredients, but also try to fulfil their mission without taking any lives.
10"The Trail of Three Wizards"Flint Dille1010November 22, 1987 (1987-11-22)
Merklynn sends the Spectral Knights to the Anarchy Zone to round up three rogue wizards, but, just as they have completed their mission, the Darkling Lords ambush them. Releasing one of the wizards as a diversion, the Spectral Knights return to Iron Mountain, where Merklynn sends one of the wizards to the Wizards' Jail and proves the second wizard is innocent. The Spectral Knights then return to the Anarchy Zone to recapture the remaining wizard, who is heading to the Lost Shrine with the Darkling Lords.
11"Sorcery Squared"Douglas Booth1112December 6, 1987 (1987-12-06)
Cryotek is captured by the Darkling Lords, who try to remove his totem power. Instead, he ends up with Cravex's Totem in addition to his own and starts behaving strangely as the two totems fight for control. Learning what has happened, the Spectral Knights and Darkling Lords reluctantly put aside their differences until he is found and Cravex's totem can be removed from him.
12"Honor Among Thieves"Flint Dille1211November 29, 1987 (1987-11-29)
Merklynn gives the Spectral Knights a magic crystal which will warn them of impending danger. But Darkstorm soon learns that the crystal can be neutralized by an enemy who is wearing a "Cloak of Concealment". After Reekon infiltrates New Valarak and steals the crystal, Ectar and Arzon are forced into a dangerous game of subterfuge in order to get it back.
13"Dawn of the Sun Imps"Flint Dille1313December 13, 1987 (1987-12-13)
Learning that a tomb imprisoning six mischievous imps has been exposed, Merklynn sends the Visionaries to rebury it. But Lexor tricks Cindarr into freeing the creatures, who proceed to wreak havoc on both factions. The Spectral Knights and Darkling Lords are forced to work together in order to recapture the imps and return them to their tomb.

Home media

The complete thirteen-episode series was released on DVD in the United Kingdom in 2004 by Metrodome Distribution, [13] and included a special feature of a set of PDF files of the complete scripts to each episode.

Adaptations

Comics

Marvel Comics

Marvel's Star Comics imprint published a bimonthly miniseries beginning in November 1987 that was cancelled midway through a four-part adventure in September 1988 after only six issues. The first issue was an adaptation of the first episode, "The Age of Magic Begins", but subsequent issues took the storyline in a different direction with changes from the animated series such as characters having unlimited use of their power staffs, with Witterquick and Cindarr combining the powers of their staffs to defeat an enemy in one issue. The animal totems were depicted in their natural forms instead of the two factions' representative blue or green. [14]

Issue No.TitleSummaryPublished
01The End...The technologically advanced world of Prysmos is suddenly thrown into a dark age. The wizard Merklynn offers magical powers to knights across the planet who can penetrate Iron Mountain. Fourteen knights complete the quest and are rewarded with animal totems and power staffs. This issue adapted the teleplay of the premiere episode of the animated series. [15] November 1987
02The Balance of PowerThe Visionaries begin fighting each other with their new powers before dividing into two factions. As the Darkling Lords search for a secret weapon, Reekon and Mortdredd discover they can magically power vehicles. On his own initiative, Mortdredd attacks the Spectral Knights in the Sky Claw, which ends in disaster. [16] January 1988
03The Star StoneThe Spectral Knights learn of a long-buried doomsday weapon that will reverse the scientific principles of the planet. Realizing this could return Prysmos to the Age of Science, both sides vie for control of it, with the resulting battle burying the weapon forever. [17] March 1988
04Dream MakerThe dreams of Witterquick and Cindarr are filled with a vision of an imprisoned woman, Sirena, who begs for their aid. They both quest to rescue her, fighting each other, finding the key and defeating the guardian. Learning that Sirena is an evil witch, the two knights unite their powers to defeat her. [18] May 1988
05Quest of the Four TalismansThe first of an intended four-part miniseries. Merklynn divides the Visionaries into teams to quest for four magical talismans: Earth, Air, Fire and Water. Galadria and Cryotek find the Earth talisman, but it is jealously guarded by a tribe who worship it as a god. Cravex and Reekon goad the people into attacking the Spectral Knights, making off with the talisman in the confusion. In the aftermath, Galadria uses her new healing powers to heal the wounds of the now-penitent tribe. [19] July 1988
06WingsPart two of the miniseries. Arzon and Feryl discover the Air Talisman is possessed by the High Flyers of Avitrix, people able to fly with artificial wings. Virulina and Cindarr attack, using Virulina's new power of disease to sicken the whole tribe. Arzon's power of wisdom is able to cure the High Flyers, who drive away the Darkling Lords and give the Air Talisman to the Spectral Knights. Arzon speculates about the truth of the talismans. The series was canceled with two parts remaining, leaving the storyline unresolved. [20] September 1988

IDW Publishing

IDW Publishing released a five-issue Transformers vs. Visionaries miniseries from January to May 2018, written by Magdalene Visaggio and illustrated by Fico Ossio. [3]

Film

In December 2015, Hasbro and Paramount Pictures were planning to create a cinematic universe combining Visionaries with the G.I. Joe , Micronauts , M.A.S.K. and Rom properties. [21] A group of writers, including Michael Chabon, Brian K. Vaughan, Nicole Perlman, and Cheo Hodari Coker, was hired to develop storylines the following year in April, [22] but the writers' room disbanded in July 2017, [23] and the series has since remained in development.

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 4 Appears only on official toy packaging and never spoken in the cartoon or comic series.
  2. 1 2 Featured only in the 1987 Star Comics series.

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Peter Claver Cullen is a Canadian voice actor. He is notable for voicing Optimus Prime in the original 1980s Transformers animated series, later returning to the role in Transformers media in 2007, starting with the first live-action film. He has also voiced many other characters across a wide variety of popular media, including Eeyore in the Winnie the Pooh franchise, Monterey Jack in Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers, the first voice of KARR in Knight Rider and the vocalizations of the title character in Predator.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christopher Collins</span> American actor and comedian

Christopher Charles Collins was an American actor and stand-up comedian. He is best known as the voice of Cobra Commander in the G.I. Joe animated series and Starscream in the first Transformers animated series. He had a few guest roles in the Star Trek series The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine, he voice acted Moe Szyslak and Mr. Burns in the first season of The Simpsons (1989–1990), and he had many other roles in television series and films. He also had a successful stand-up comedy career.

<i>Inhumanoids</i> 1986 TV series and toy line

Inhumanoids is the title of an animated series and the name of a Hasbro toy property that were both released in 1986. In the tradition of other Hasbro properties such as Transformers, and G.I. Joe, the show was produced by Sunbow Entertainment and Marvel Productions and animated in Japan by Toei Animation. Inhumanoids tells the story of the scientist-superhero group, Earth Corps, as they battle a trio of subterranean monsters called the Inhumanoids with the aid of elemental beings, the Mutores.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Star Comics</span> Marvel Comics imprint

Star Comics was an imprint of Marvel Comics that began in 1984 and featured titles that were aimed at child readers and were often adaptations of children's television series, animated series or toys. The last comic published under the imprint featured a May 1988 cover date, although the Star Comics Magazine continued through December 1988. Some of the titles continued after that, being published directly by Marvel. Several of the original titles consciously emulated the house writing and visual style of then-recently defunct Harvey Comics titles such as Richie Rich.

<i>G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero</i> (1983 TV series) 1983-1986 American animated TV series

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero is a half-hour American animated television series created by Ron Friedman. Based on the toyline from Hasbro, the cartoon ran in syndication from 1983 to 1986. 95 episodes were produced.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sunbow Entertainment</span> Defunct American production company

Sunbow Entertainment was an American animation studio and distributor, founded on June 23, 1980, and owned until May 4, 1998, by Griffin-Bacal Advertising in New York City and in the United States. Griffin-Bacal's first animations were animated commercials for Hasbro's G.I. Joe toy line. The success of the animated commercials led partners Tom Griffin and Joe Bacal to form the company. Due to their close working relationship with Hasbro, Sunbow came to be recognized as the toy giant's unofficial television arm.

<i>The Transformers</i> (TV series) 1980s American animated series

The Transformers is an American-Japanese animated television series that originally aired from September 17, 1984, to November 11, 1987, in syndication based upon Hasbro and Takara Tomy's Transformers toy line. The first television series in the Transformers franchise, it depicts a war among giant robots that can transform into vehicles and other objects.

<i>Wizard at Large</i>

Wizard At Large by Terry Brooks is the third novel of the Magic Kingdom of Landover series, following The Black Unicorn. Written in 1988, the plot has Abernathy accidentally transported to Earth by one of Questor's ill-conceived spells, while a demonic imp is unleashed upon the kingdom of Landover. It was the last of a trilogy of annual Landover novels until The Tangle Box was published six years later. The book was re-released as part of a Landover omnibus in 2009.

<i>G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero</i> (1989 TV series) American animated television series from 1989

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero is a 1989–1992 half-hour American animated television series based on the toyline from Hasbro and the comic book series from Marvel Comics. The series was produced by DIC Enterprises.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hal Rayle</span> American voice actor

Hal Rayle is an American voice actor. He has done many roles for both animated series and live action movies.

Ace (<i>G.I. Joe</i>) Character from the G.I. Joe franchise

Ace is a fictional character from the G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero toyline, comic books and animated series. He is the G.I. Joe Team's original fighter pilot and debuted in 1983.

Buzz Dixon is an American writer of comic books, film, and cartoons. He has written comics for multiple companies, including Eclipse Comics, Marvel Comics, and a Buck Rogers adaptation for TSR, Inc.

Flint Dille is an American screenwriter, game designer and novelist. He is best known for his animated work on Transformers, G.I. Joe, An American Tail: Fievel Goes West, and his game-writing, The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay, and Dead to Rights, as well as a non-fiction book written with John Zuur Platten, The Ultimate Guide to Video Game Writing and Design .

References

  1. ↑ Reddish, David (1 September 2016). "15 Animated Superhero TV Shows You Completely Forgot about". Screen Rant . Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  2. ↑ Perlmutter, David (2018). The Encyclopedia of American Animated Television Shows. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 675. ISBN   978-1-5381-0373-9.
  3. 1 2 Sava, Oliver (8 September 2017). "This Visionaries vs. Transformers exclusive revives a forgotten Hasbro property". The A.V. Club . Retrieved 13 September 2017.
  4. ↑ Erickson, Hal (2005). Television Cartoon Shows: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, 1949 Through 2003 (2nd ed.). McFarland & Co. pp. 887–888. ISBN   978-1-4766-6599-3.
  5. 1 2 Flint Dille (writer) (1987). Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light (Animated series). Sunbow Productions (Episode 12: "Honor Among Thieves").
  6. ↑ Douglas Booth (writer) (1987). Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light (Animated series). Sunbow Productions (Episode 11: "Sorcery Squared").
  7. 1 2 3 4 Flint Dille (writer) (1987). Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light (Animated series). Sunbow Productions (Episode 1: "The Age of Magic Begins").
  8. ↑ Buzz Dixon (writer) (1987). Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light (Animated series). Sunbow Productions (Episode 9: "Horn of Unicorn, Claw of Dragon").
  9. 1 2 3 Flint Dille (writer) (1987). Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light (Animated series). Sunbow Productions (Episode 2: "The Dark Hand of Treachery").
  10. ↑ Head, Gary; Stone, Jaiman (November 6, 2010). "GI Joe Sculptor Bill Merklein Interview". HissTank.com. Retrieved September 30, 2018.
  11. 1 2 Hannah, Rod (2004). "Q&A with Flint Dille". Prysmos.com. Archived from the original on April 25, 2006. Retrieved February 7, 2020.
  12. ↑ "80's Visionaries Toy Commercial 2". YouTube. 20 May 2008. Archived from the original on 2021-12-22. Retrieved 13 September 2017.
  13. ↑ "Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light". Amazon. 17 May 2004. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
  14. ↑ Visionaries at the Grand Comics Database
  15. ↑ Jim Salicrup  ( w ), Mark Bagley  ( p ), Romeo Tanghal  ( i )."The End..."Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light,no. 1(November 1987). Marvel Comics .
  16. ↑ Gerry Conway  ( w ), Mark Bagley  ( p ), Romeo Tanghal  ( i )."The Balance of Power"Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light,no. 2(January 1988). Marvel Comics .
  17. ↑ Gerry Conway  ( w ), Mark Bagley  ( p ), Romeo Tanghal  ( i )."The Star Stone"Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light,no. 3(March 1988). Marvel Comics .
  18. ↑ Gerry Conway  ( w ), Mark Bagley  ( p ), Romeo Tanghal  ( i )."Dream Maker"Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light,no. 4(May 1988). Marvel Comics .
  19. ↑ Gerry Conway  ( w ), Mark Bagley  ( p ), Dave Simons  ( i )."Quest of the Four Talismans"Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light,no. 5(July 1988). Marvel Comics .
  20. ↑ Gerry Conway  ( w ), Mark Bagley  ( p ), Romeo Tanghal  ( i )."Wings"Visionaries: Knights of the Magical Light,no. 6(September 1988). Marvel Comics .
  21. ↑ Kilday, Gregg (December 15, 2015). "Paramount, Hasbro Creating Movie Universe Around G.I. Joe, Four Other Brands". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved September 13, 2017.
  22. ↑ Kit, Borys (21 April 2016). "Hasbro Cinematic Universe Takes Shape With Michael Chabon, Brian K. Vaughan, Akiva Goldsman (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved 13 September 2017.
  23. ↑ Di Placido, Dani (August 2, 2017). "The 'Transformers' Writers Room Isn't Coming Back". Forbes . Retrieved March 4, 2019.
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