Legend Quest (2017 TV series)


Legend Quest is a Mexican animated fantasy comedy-horror television series created for Netflix produced by Ánima Estudios. It is based on the characters created by Mexican animator Ricardo Arnaiz, and is part of the Leyendas animated franchise. This is the streaming network's first original animated series produced in Latin America.
It premiered worldwide on Netflix on February 24, 2017. The series was renewed for a second season which premiered on October 5, 2019, titled Legend Quest: Masters of Myth.
In 2019, CAKE picked up the distribution rights for the series.

Plot

When a gifted preteen Leo San Juan, and the inhabitants of his Mexican village are attacked by a host of otherworldly creatures, Leo's ghostly friends Teodora, Don Andres and Alebrije join him in a quest to foil an evil overlord who plans to eradicate mankind from the annals of history. They are aided in their mission by a band of powerful allies—an assortment of legendary creatures from around the world.

Cast

English version

Season 1 (2017)

The series consists of 13 episodes, all of which were released on February 24, 2017.

Season 2 (2019)

The series consists of 13 episodes, all of which were released on October 5, 2019.

Development

The series was first announced when Variety reported that a new series based on the Leyendas franchise is being developed for Netflix. "We approached Netflix and knew that the trilogy had been successful in Mexico and Latin America, but we dared to propose to do something much more global and they loved the idea," said executive producer Jose C. Garcia de Letona. Negotiations between Netflix and Ánima Estudios have begun in October 2015. Co-executive producer Fernando de Fuentes was happy with the partnership with the streaming network after the growth of the Mexican animation industry. "We have already worked 15 years in the industry and we are happy to see our work on the Netflix platform, which has collaborated with large companies, and has included Ánima makes us proud," said Fuentes. Fuentes also said that the show is "an important leap" for the franchise and production company Ánima Estudios.

Release

The series premiered on Netflix on February 24, 2017, worldwide in 190 countries and translated into 24 to 30 languages. Producers Fernando de Fuentes and Jose C. Garcia de Letona thought the decision to release the show worldwide in multiple languages is necessary since the country of Mexico, where the show is produced and set, has been receiving more global attention. "The world is talking about Mexico and we are lucky in that sense to be able to talk about our country and its relationship with other nations even if it is through cartoons," said Fernando de Fuentes.

Reception

Critical response

The show received a favorable review. Emily Ashby of Common Sense Media gave the series a 4 star rating and said that "the enjoyable show's roots in Mexican folklore is an original concept and could inspire kids' interest in related topics."

Accolades

YearAwardCategoryNomineesResult
2018Quirino AwardsQuirino Award for the Best Ibero-American Animation SeriesJosé Alejandro García Muñoz

Hispanic impact

The show has been praised for its positive impact towards the Hispanic culture, which makes numerous nods to the history of Mexico and folklore, as well as the series' worthy educational values, teaching younger Hispanic viewers about the importance of their Mexican roots.