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Continuing the series of lesser known/old animated shows I enjoyed as a kid which have largely been lost to the sands of time. This week, we have Italian animation!
Huntik (2009; Italy)
A party of Titan Seekers travels across the world to tame myth-inspired ancient monsters sealed away in amulets, all while looking for the legacy of a dead friend. Your standard fantasy action drama, dark vibes, badass female leads, and a banger OST. This and Hetalia single handedly carried my history class grade.
In contrast to the previous worldwide adventure, this show settles us down in a small seaside town where a group of friends from a boarding school spend their afternoons playing football, illegally out on the street. Secret and Solidarity, the show. Surprisingly very atmospheric!
(Totally didn't have a crush on Gabriel as a kid lol)
Based on a book series (1997), the story follows a found family of journalists solving crimes and mysteries around a city full of anthropomorphic mice! Despite often doing detective work, the cases are more action-oriented, and much like with our last mystery show of this series, take you on an adventure across the globe.
When we talk about animation, usually we think of 2D and 3D—following that distinction, let me present to you 1D animation. Titled directly to the point, the entirety of La Linea happens on a single line, making up both the terrain and the main character. Very impressive how much one can achieve in such a medium! Its wikipedia page crowns it a "cult classic" but I honestly never met anyone who recognized this, yet it's such a charming little narrative about a very temperamental little man!
Another honorary mention goes to Mio & Mao (1974, 2003; Italy & US), a rare stopmotion claymation entry to the list about two play-doh cats.
Have you watched/heard of any of these gems? Do you treasure any other Italian/adjacent cartoons from your childhood?
Next volumes: German Animation || ??? || Miscellaneous Animation
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forestmoth
geronimo stilton looks so fun! i really love mice in tv shows for whatever reason
It is! There seems to have been a niche for mice in kids media, with Spy Mice, Chip & Dale (Gadget my beloved), Fievel goes west...
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Definitely a lovely niche!
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WhiteShirt'92RMX
holy shit, i have no idea when or where but i recognize that la linea guy! cant say if ive actually seen this or just something similar before, but damn! didnt expect that.
La Linea knower!!! To be fair, Gigi D'Agostino also uses this animation technique for his music videos, and it's possible they're not the only two examples, but still excited to hear someone recognizes this!!
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