Cities of Gold

This week we join our 1980s heroes chasing...The Cities of Gold

Welcome to Animated, where I delve into the back story of famous and not-so-famous animations.

Coming up…

Next week, please look at the Animated Anecdotes of another Substack writer, Sarah Harkness, which will be in your inbox on Tuesday.

In a few weeks, there is also an interview with one of the writers of the new Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget movie.

History

Cities of Gold, also known as The Mysterious Cities of Gold (original title: Les Mystérieuses Cités d'Or), is a fantastic animated television series aired in 1982. The show was one of the first successful French-Japanese co-productions, blending historical adventure, science fiction, and captivating storytelling. Cities of Gold quickly gained a dedicated fan base and became a cult classic with its intriguing plot, rich historical references, and memorable characters.

Only 39 episodes were made between 1982 and 1983, with the original series airing in Japan in June 1982. The entire French version aired in September 1983 for a year of weekly episodes, and it wasn’t until 1986 that the cartoon started airing in the rest of Europe, Canada, the USA, and Australia. It was only after this that audiences worldwide began to enjoy the animation.

Its success across different cultures was due to its broad appeal and the emerging style of animation that blended different cultures of spirit well.

To date, new seasons of 26 episodes each have been produced, following closely the storyline of the 1982 series. The sequel was made in France, and the seasons moved the heroes to China and Japan. Character designs remained the same, with some subtle changes to physical appearances. 

2016, the show's third season started production, with a fourth in 2020.

Although a little more challenging to watch, the original Cities of Gold was still broadcast in the UK, Canada, USA and Australia up to 2017. Of course, DVDs and digital streaming are now available.

Plotline

The series is set in 1532 and follows the adventures of a young Spanish boy named Esteban. Esteban discovers that he is the child of the sun, a descendant of an ancient Incan civilisation, and he embarks on a quest to find the legendary Cities of Gold, said to hold immense treasure and knowledge. Accompanied by his friends Zia, a young Incan girl, and Tao, a resourceful young sailor from China, Esteban's journey takes them across the vast landscapes of South America, encountering mysteries, historical figures, and ancient civilisations.

The Emperor of Hiva built seven Cities of Gold out of fear that a global war would destroy all civilisations. Such a war broke out, destroying the Empires of Mu and Atlantis when they used the Weapons of the Sun. Other elements of this technology are revealed in unexpected places, like the Solaris on Tao's home island, Esteban's and Zia's medallions that are keys to the Cities, and Tao's jar as an essential piece of the Great Legacy.

As they search for the Cities of Gold, Esteban and his friends must navigate treacherous landscapes, face ruthless adversaries, and uncover ancient secrets that tie back to their pasts. The show weaves a captivating narrative filled with historical references, adventure, and the themes of friendship, discovery, and the pursuit of knowledge.

Characters

Esteban: The series's protagonist, Esteban, is a curious and brave young boy with a solid connection to the sun. His determination to find the Cities of Gold drives the story forward. 

Zia is an Incan girl and a close friend of Esteban. She knows her Incan heritage and often provides essential insights during their journey.

Tao: A young sailor from China, skilled in navigation and resourcefulness. He brings his unique perspective and skills to the group.

Mendoza:  An adventurous Spanish navigator who joins Esteban, Zia, and Tao on their quest, providing a mix of experience and leadership.

Sancho: Motivated by his greed for gold, he gets into frequent scrapes with Mendoza about the gold.

Merchandise

Cities of Gold has generated a range of merchandise over the years, appealing to fans who want to commemorate the show. Items such as DVDs, books, posters, and collectables allow viewers to relive the captivating adventures of Esteban and his friends.

Fun Facts

Historical Accuracy: The series incorporates historical facts and figures, making it not only an entertaining adventure but also an educational experience, shedding light on the cultures, civilisations, and discoveries of the 16th century.

Cultural Impact: Cities of Gold introduced many viewers to historical and cultural elements of South America, igniting an interest in history and exploration among a generation of fans.

Musical Score: The show's iconic theme song, composed by Haim Saban and Shuki Levy, has become a beloved piece of music associated with the series, evoking a sense of adventure and mystery. Listen here

Continuation: In 2001, Cities of Gold received a sequel series titled The New Adventures of Esteban (original title: Les Nouvelles Aventures de Lucky Luke), which extended the young hero's story.

Cities of Gold remains a familiar part of animated television history, appreciated for its engaging narrative, historical authenticity, and memorable characters. Its enduring popularity among fans showcases the impact of well-crafted storytelling that combines adventure, history, and the spirit of discovery.