Huntik New Episodes & New Merch
Jun 17, 2009
 After premiering locally in January 2009, the animated television series Huntik Secrets & Seekers appears to have made for itself a relatively good size following. Though perhaps not as virally popular as other CW4Kids programming, such as card game driven cartoons Chaotic or the latest Yu-Gi-Oh series, the Italy-born Huntik has inched its way to a few notable merchandising agreements in recent weeks. Additionally, The CW4Kids has begun airing new Huntik episodes, picking up with junior archeologist Lok Lambert and his magic wielding friends as they search the globe for ancient relics whose power may finally lay to rest the powers of darkness.
Following a puzzle-solving teen, Lok, in search of memories of his father, as well as his band of restless cohorts; from sage adventurer Dante to the suspiciously battle-ready Zhalia; Huntik has aimed to blend an interest in world mythology with more contemporary, modernized interests in the natural sciences and exploration. Simple at heart, Huntik rarely diverges from its ongoing storyline of youths breaking through the dangers of an unknown locale, only to come through just a little bit stronger. But the formula has nevertheless helped push the animation, developed by Italy's Rainbow Media (Monster Allergy, Winx Club) to new heights.
According to reports not soon before the series began its most recent run of new episodes on Saturday mornings, Rainbow has sealed a variety of licensing deals for the Huntik property.
On home video, Rainbow Media has intimated that the adventure animation will make its way to Australia and New Zealand on August 19, 2009 (courtesy of Madman Entertainment); to the UK, slated sometime fall 2009 (courtesy of the regional branch of E1 Entertainment); and last but not least, the United States and Canada, by September 2009 (courtesy of Media Blasters).
On television, Huntik has also been signed to various broadcast deals across central Europe, including Germany, France, the UK, Spain and Portugal.
Other Huntik knick-knack merchandise includes a slew of other consumer products: a handheld Nintendo DS videogame will reportedly rollout this fall, sporting a 20-hour single-player mission and a multiplayer, party function as well. Meanwhile, massive European sticker-makers The Panini Group has jumped on board to supply Rainbow Media with a good amount of character-based stationary items. Panini will distribute to central Europe, and additionally include "3-D flow pack figurines and comic books" to add to the mix as well. Last but not least, true to form, Upper Deck International is currently developing a 2D flash-animated online multiplayer game that is based on the Huntik: Secrets & Seekers animated television series (launch date to be determined).
The series currently airs on Saturday mornings, on The CW4Kids programming block within a half-hour noontime. After airing thirteen episodes from the start in January through March, the animation picks up with the gang searching through all sorts of catacombs in search of the latest Titans, unearthed after centuries of slumber.
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