Dragon Flyz

Dragon Flyz is a television program created by Savin Yeatman-Eiffel^[1] and produced by Gaumont Multimedia and Xilam Animation in Association with Abrams / Gentile Entertainment.inc. It ran for approximately two or three years, airing both in Europe and in syndication in the US. The program centered on a coalition known as the Dragonators (a combination of "dragon" and "aviators"), a set of humans who ride on Dragon-back in search-and-rescue operations. A line of toys named DragonFlyz, based on the series, was released by Galoob. The simple nature of the show was balanced by a refined art direction by future Dragon Hunters (film) director Guillaume Ivernel,^[1] and by references to classic Sci-Fi concepts in Yeatman-Eiffel's scripts, himself the future creator of Oban Star-Racers.

Storyline

Set in the 41st century, after an event called 'The Cataclysm', the series depicts the adventures of dragon-riders either human or of a reptilian, gargoyle-like race, at war for control of the Earth. Its protagonists are four siblings foremost among humanity's dragonators; the chief antagonist is the mutant Dread Wing, who desires to destroy them and conquer the airborne city wherein they live. The battle occurs above a largely inhospitable landscape, whose pollution prompted the evolution of the mutant races. The surface is therefore either volcanic or barren; rivers of lava flow freely over the surface, whereof some are inhabited by animals adapted to the unusual environment. The remaining human population now dwells in an air-borne city known as 'Airlandis', from which dragonators regularly travel to the surface to retrieve the fuel of its operation: the oviform purple crystals known as "Amber" and usually obtained from lava pools, or directly drawn from the ground.

The Cataclysm

The full magnitude of 'The Cataclysm' is never mentioned, though in the opening titles the surface is depicted as a post-apocalyptic scene, implying nuclear warfare. Earth's inhabitants, ecosystems, and species have been exterminated, save those that found sanctuary in an 'Oasis'. The skies immediately above the surface are ravaged by continuous lightning storms, dangerous air currents, and acidic clouds, known as the 'Warp Winds', through which the only safe passages are the hollow mountains known as 'Wind Pits'.

Oases

Any pockets of life, where any of the planet's former species dwell in relative safety, are known as 'Oases'. One such 'Oasis' is discovered by protagonists Z'neth and Apex, whereupon Z'neth challenges Dreadwing to a duel for its ownership. Impatient, Dreadwing causes his dragon mount, Blackheart, to set the Oasis ablaze. At the end of the episode, Apex is seen carrying a birds' nest, with a few eggs, on the saddle of her Dragon.

Airlandis

Its name may either be a play on "Atlantis", or the phrase 'air land is'; whereas the second and third syllables may be a reference to the word "island". It is an air-borne city (see Laputa), golden in color. Five large 'bio-spheres' hover in its centre, each simulating a different natural habitat and thus the breeding grounds and shelter of the species rescued from 'The Cataclysm'. In one episode, Aaron, the protagonists' father, is seen tranquilizing and tagging a polar bear, on purpose to monitor it, in the Arctic tundra bio-sphere.

The city's most important region is its 'power core', operated by the engineer Orac, who requires a regular supply of 'Amber'. Additionally Airlandis has a runway for the Dragonators, a Dragon aviary (where the Dragons reside when not needed to fly), a Council Chamber (where matters of government are negotiated), a Control Room (known as 'Skywatch', where a team of uniformed men keep watch on the city's systems and monitor the skies), and a prison. Dialogue implies that Airlandis is a temporary solution, whereof the populace seek a residence on the surface untouched by the Cataclysm.

It is implied in one episode that some humans escaped the Cataclysm aboard a space station, though little is said of this.

Characters

All the main characters, good or evil, ride dragon mounts into battle, but have the ability to fly short distances themselves. The Dragonators make use of a technology whereby dragonfly-like wings (known as "Exo-wings") emerge from the back-plate of their armor; whereas Dreadwing and his minions the Dramen literally 'sprout' membraneous wings from their shoulders. Both types of wing vanish after the immediate battle's conclusion. The Dragonators' chief weapon is the "Wind Jammer", a wrist-mounted weapon that fires blue energy bolts; whereas Dreadwing and his minions wield glove-like cannons which launch balls or streams of lava. All protagonists' names are associated with height or elevation.

Humans

Z'neth

• Callsign: Dragonator One
• Hair Colour: White
• Armor Color: Cerulean
• Dragon Steed: Riptor

The leader of the Dragonators, and the eldest of the four siblings, Z'neth (pronounced "zenith", meaning "directly above") is characterised by honour and integrity.

Summit

• Callsign: Dragonator Two
• Hair Colour: Bleached Blonde
• Armor Color: Forest Green
• Dragon Steed: Sky-Fury, called 'Fury' for short

The second-eldest sibling amongst the four. Summit is known for his various witty remarks, seemingly quick anger, and preference for physical strength in trouble. His name means "the highest point of a mountain".

Apex

• Callsign: Dragonator Three
• Hair Colour: Orange
• Armor Color: Silver
• Dragon Steed: Blazewind, called 'Blaze' for short

Apex is the third-oldest sibling, and the only female. She prefers negotiation to conflict, and is primarily known for her telepathic abilities by which she can communicate with dragons, and even partially manipulate half-dragons, such as Dramen, into doing her bidding. Both require much concentration on her part. When using her powers, her eyes, and those of her subject, glow a silvery colour. Her name means 'the uppermost tip of a triangle'.

Peak

• Callsign: Dragonator Four
• Hair Colour: Blond
• Armor Color: Orange/Purple
• Dragon Steed: Wingstorm, or 'Storm' for short

Peak is the youngest, and the most reckless, of the siblings. He enjoys stunt-flying on dragon-back, which land him in trouble, and is quite egoistical and mischievous. His name indicates 'the top', as of a mountain or hill.

Amod

• Callsign: Dragonator Five
• Hair Colour: Blonde
• Armor Color: Brown
• Dragon Steed: Titan

Amod is another member of the Dragon Flyz, and a close friend of Peak's. He is skilled in battle, but initially disrespectful to dragons until convinced otherwise.

Zarkan

• Callsign: Dragonator Six
• Hair Colour: Brown
• Armor Color: Black
• Dragon Steed: Thunder

Zarkan is a soldier of the Dragon Flyz in the council of Dragons, and loyal to the leading characters.

Nora

• Callsign: Dragonator Nine
• Hair Colour: Orange
• Armor Color: Light Blue
• Dragon Steed: Unnamed

Nora is the second female Dragonator in Airlandis, and the object of Peak's sexual interest. She fights alongside the other Dragonators with her own Dragon.

Aaron

• Hair Colour: White
• Armor Colour: Red

Aaron is the father of the four protagonists, and is known for his wisdom; patience; tolerance; signature staff; and for hovering rather than walking, presumably by reason of having crippled legs. This levitation might be a result of his own psychic powers (implying Apex's inheritance thereof), or of the technology built into his staff or armor. It is his belief that a paradise exists on Old Earth where the denizens of Airlandis may make their new home and (presumably) rebuild society.

Orac

Orac is an engineer who maintains Airlandis' power generator. He is always seen wearing his uniform and gloves.

Councillor Joshua

A ranking member of Airlandis' governing parliament, known to the majority of the city's inhabitants. It is his belief that the search for a terrestrial home for humanity needlessly places the existing refuge (Airlandis) at risk; this makes him an opposition to Aaron's position. Although he intends the good of the populace, his impatience ultimately leads him to place Summit in prison, permitting Dreadwing control of the city.

Mutants

Dreadwing

• Skin Colour: Red
• Dragon Steed: Blackheart

Dreadwing is the chief antagonist of the story, established in a cave complex known as "Warnado" (pronounced "War-nay-do", and possibly hybrid of the English "War" and "tornado") but anxious to live in the sky. His Dragon, Blackheart, is the only one seen capable of breathing fire, though this seems derived from drinking lava. Blackheart himself is black and red; resembles a traditional European dragon; and in comparison to other Dragons, is larger than all except Riptor.

Nocturna

• Skin Colour: Cyan
• Dragon Steed: Unnamed

Nocturna is the typical femme fatale; her defining trait is service to Dreadwing in return for a domain of her own. When Dreadwing offers to give her the Oasis, in exchange for her continued loyalty, she accepts and is angered when Dreadwing destroys it. Her Dragon is unnamed, but resembles her in colour, and bears a crest similar to that on Nocturna's head.

Fryte

• Skin Colour: Grey
• Dragon Steed: Skunk

Fryte is a hunchbacked servant of Dreadwing, and unquestioningly loyal to his master. As with Nocturna, his Dragon mount bears resemblance to its rider.

Gangrin

A mutant scientist who serves Dreadwing. He is ambitious, but aged and bent, and will quickly change allegiances for his own sake. His first open (and almost successful) act of treachery occurs when he creates a telepathy-simulating device for Dreadwing, which later overloads in confrontation with Apex's powers.

The Dramen

• Skin Colour: Purple/Grey
• Dragon Steed: Unnamed

The Dramen (hybrid of "Dragon" and "men") are large, brutish humanoids of half-dragon lineage that 'sprout' wings from their bodies on demand. Dreadwing's Dramen are sometimes seen supporting Dreadwing and his lieutenants on dragon-back.

The Gremwings

Gremwings (a hybrid of "Gremlin" and "wings") are bipedal, insect-like creatures known for their definitive screeching and disproportionately large mouths, and distinguished by an impressive physical strength. They serve Dreadwing in vast hordes.

Dram

• Callsign: None
• Skin Colour: Orange/Brown
• Armor Color: Dark Brown
• Dragon Steed: Unnamed

Dram is a Dramen raised by the Dragon Flyz, whose loyalty thereto has caused other Dramen to name him 'traitor'; much to his resentment. His dragon has made only a few appearances; Dram prefers to fly on his own wings, though he never seems to have trouble keeping up with his comrades. Dram's name is a shortened version of 'Dramen', though he shares it with an archaic unit of measurement.

Vydak

Vydak makes two appearances throughout the series. He is the tribal leader of a clan of brown-skinned Dark Dramen who destroyed Dram's village and killed his family, and later enslaved the villagers of another. When he is first seen, Dreadwing is attempting an alliance, but fails when Dram attempts to rescue the enslaved villagers. In his second appearance, his warriors are seen meeting with Dreadwing's army in a canyon before their attack on Airlandis, each leader plotting to betray the other.

Dragons

There are three varieties of Dragons shown in the series. The first and most common are the Airlandian/Wild dragons. They have smooth-skinned, slightly serpentine bodies; long, slender necks and tails; needle-like teeth; and pterosaur-like wings on which they can walk, in the absence of forelegs. Individuals are distinguishable by colouration and head shape. The second type is a large-bodied, stocky, four-legged breed with very short necks, ridden by such as Fryte, Kreigo, and Nocturna. The third breed, represented solely by Blackheart, has features of both previous breeds, is unusually large, and has the ability to consume lava and consequently breathe fire. All Dragons are extremely intelligent and seem to understand everything said to them. They are always loyal to their riders, even when the affairs thereof do not apparently concern them. Airlandian dragons live, when not on duty, in a vast, hangarlike station consisting of nesting areas and a somewhat terraformed environment including a lake. On duty, they are exceedingly disciplined, so that under no circumstances do they abandon their riders.

Riptor

Rider: Z'Neth

Riptor is the most powerful Arlandian dragon, and is considered the dragons' leader, as evidenced by his larger nesting area; collar; and crest armor. He is blue, with a nasal horn and two large crests. Riptor has a personal rivalry with Blackheart, and is the only Airlandian dragon able to contend with him.

Sky Fury

Rider: Summit

A green female with two brown horns. Sky Fury, called 'Fury' for short, is the only female mount among the protagonists' steeds, and has no hesitation in taking action uncommanded.

Fury's Cub

Rider: Unknown

A small, green dragon born early in the series. His sire is unidentified. While still an egg, he was captured by Nocturna, sent by Dreadwing to capture dragons' eggs for a genetic experiment performed by Gangrene, with the effect of modifying his genetic code to the extent that when he hatched, he was able to voluntarily project a strong current resembling electromagnetic energy from his mouth. Dreadwing attempted to use this ability as a weapon, but failed when Sky Fury persuaded the hatchling to join her. A strong familial loyalty formed thereafter between Fury and her son.

Wing Storm

Rider: Peak

A young, steel-grey dragon, having a spiky head and a long mouth fringed by what may be either points of flesh or protuberant fangs. Both Wing Storm and Peak are shown to be reckless at times, though 'Storm' is the more cautious of the two.

Blazewind

Rider: Apex

A white, black-maned dragon. Blazewind is closer to his rider than most by virtue of Apex's ability to communicate telepathically.

Blackheart

Rider: Dreadwing

A massive four-legged, long-necked, red-scaled dragon with the ability to consume lava, which he expels as a gaseous incandescence. Blackheart is a savage monster, perfectly suited to his rider, and would happily devour anyone or anything that came within his reach. The only dragon usually his equal is Riptor; but he is once beaten by the leader of a pack of Wild Dragons shown to match his size and abilities.

Episode guide

Episode	Title
1	"Dragon Dawn[2]"
Peak is captured by Gremwings, held prisoner by Dreadwing, and ultimately rescued by his siblings in battle.
2	"The Day of The Dragon"
After a rough flight, Summit is shocked to discover Sky Fury is a mother. In an attack on Airlandis, her egg is stolen and taken to Warnado, where the hatchling is modified by Gangrin, but later rescued by Fury and the Dragonators.
3	"Darkness Bound"
Investigation of a wreckage brings the Dragonators, Dreadwing, and a faction of surface-dwelling Dark Dramen into a stand-off. After the Dragonators escape, Dreadwing negotiaties a treaty with the Dark Dramen leader, Kreigo, with whom he attacks Airlandis. When Nocturna betrays Kreigo, the Dragonators return him to his followers, in exchange for a record of the wreck's arrival.
4	"Son of Dread"
Z'neth is captured whilst on the surface and drugged by Dreadwing into turning against his cohorts.
5	"Amber King"
The Dragonators encounter a flight of wild dragons, including one able to convert rock into Amber crystals. Apex negotiates with them by telepathy, but her efforts are endangered when Dreadwing attacks.
6	"Crystal Fire"
Gangrin has developed a crystal compound which physically resembles Amber, but expands uncontrollably when exposed to sunlight, which Dreadwing leaves to be snatched by the Dragonators. When the sun comes up, chaos ensues aboard Airlandis.
7	"The Defector"
During the dragonators' patrol, Gangrin is seen fleeing from Dreadwing's minions. Unwilling to let him perish, the Dragonators rescue him and take him to Airlandis, where the Council offers him safe haven; but Gangrin later betrays to Dreadwing the presence of a portable 'crystal reactor', prompting Orac and Z'Neth to allow theft of a powerless substitute.
8	"Warnado Rising"
Modified with giant lava-powered jet engines, Warnado lifts off the surface, provoking the dragonators to destroy its means of flight.
9	"Bugz"
Blackheart is bitten by a mysterious insect and is overcome with a debilitating illness. Dreadwing capitalises on the discovery, breeding vast numbers of the bugs, before unleashing them into the airspace around Airlandis.
10	"Lost Eden"
Shot down by Dreadwing in a dogfight, Z'neth plummets into a lava-fall to evade his attackers. Eventually found by Apex, the two venture into a nearby tunnel to take cover, where they discover a surprising secret.
11	"Mount Alayas"
Airlandis happens upon the great mountain, Alayas, whose vast plateau summit extends into the sky. The Dragonators help lead a settlement group onto the plains, but as dusk approaches, something sinister begins harrying them.
12	"Scavenger"
The Dragon Flyz are joined by the recruit Amod, but the latter's distrust of dragons foils their mission. Tensions reach a climax when Orac's prototype amber-retrieval aircraft, "The Scavenger", is taken for a test flight, offending Airlandis' dragons; but are resolved when the Scavenger itself is destroyed in battle.
13	"Dark Dramen"
Plumes of smoke in the distance lead Dram to village burned to the ground. Recalling his own past, Dram leaves to find his fellow Dramen, but the Dragonators follow him.
14	"The Eclipse"
A solar eclipse provokes the appearance of a hitherto-concealed 'Amber' store, exploited by Apex in danger of Dreadwing.
15	"There Can Be Only One"
For her repeated failures to halt the Dragonators' Amber runs, Dreadwing banishes Nocturna from Warnado. Nocturna approaches Airlandis with an offer of alliance, but later proves false.
16	"Cifex"
The Dragonators discover a bunker on the surface, in which they find a single human survivor who identifies himself as Cifex. They take him back to Airlandis, where Apex takes a shine to him, but there is more to Cifex than meets the eye.
17	"Into Hell’s Gate"
The colossal volcano, Hell's Gate, is erupting, its power so destructive that the last shockwave managed to damage Airlandis' amber reactor. The Dragonator's must embark on a suicide mission into the volcano's heart in order to prevent Airlandis from plummeting.
18	"Ground Zero"
Separated from the others during an attack on a surface flight, Peak stumbles upon a Pre-Cataclysm cache of long-range ballistic missiles. Unfortunately he is followed by Dreadwing's minions, and the mutants waste no time in putting their newly acquired arsenal to use.
19	"Betrayed"
Gangrin has developed a machine which simulates powerful telepathic abilities. Dreadwing happens upon the invention and claims it as his own, which he subsequently uses to unleash havoc upon the Dragonators' operations and surface flights.
20	"The Portal"
When the Dragon Flyz spot an unnatural star-shaped ridge on the surface, but are denied permission to investigate, Aaron decides to reveal the truth about their mother.
21	"Dreadwing Rules, Part 1"
Confontations between Councillor Joshua and Summit escalate after a failed amber run, with the latter grounded and eventually imprisoned on Joshua's orders.
22	"Dreadwing Rules, Part 2"
With Summit imprisoned and the Dragonators buried under an avalanche, Dreadwing is in control of Airlandis, but Aaron and Orac begin sabotaging Dreadwing's control.
23	"The Children’s Crusade"
Apex is hit by a new mutagen-based weapon employed by Dreadwing's army and collapses into a coma. Two headstrong kids, Lucy and Tommy, with their dragon Clawfire, a child of Blazewind's, set out to Old Earth to find her a cure.
24	"The Chameleon"
Having discovered a large patch of fertile ground on Old Earth, Airlandis dispatches settlement units and amber generators to establish a colony. Their joy at finding a new home is short-lived when an invisible entity abducts the settlers' children.
25	"The Accused"
Councillor Joshua and Z'neth are captured by Dreadwing and put on trial to justify humanity's actions against the mutants, with Dreadwing himself presiding as judge. The episode serves to re-capitulate events of previous episodes.
26	"The F.I.S.T Fighters"
Shot down by Dramen into an underground cave, Nora and Peak discover a giant column of amber, only to be confronted by a group of underground-dwelling humanoids who call themselves the 'Fight, Infiltrate, Strike, and Terminate Fighters'.

Toy line

There are two sets of DragonFlyz toys released by Galoob. One set consists of the central characters in various costumes, equipped with rotating wings that enable it to fly, a launching device shaped as a dragon, and a DVD. The second set does not have the DVD, and the launcher does not look like a dragon. Variations include lone riders; lone dragons that fly by flapping their own wings; and figures luminous when launched. Most of the rider figures carry firearm-like weapons. Galoob released a similar toy design aimed at girls, called Sky Dancers.

Variances in backstory

The backstory of the toyline is essentially that of the television series, but differs in the costume of the characters and in some of the concepts including the existence of luminous dragonators and named Gremwings, neither of which appear in the films.

Home video

Dragon Flyz has had five VHS releases, four numbered volumes with a single episode each and "Dragon Flyz: The Legend Begins", a compilation of the first three episodes. There have been two region 2 DVDs, each with a single episode, in addition to those sold alongside the toys.

References

External links

• Dragon Flyz at the Internet Movie Database