In a fantasy world of wonder and danger, one boy discovers a family secret that may awaken an ancient power or doom them to capture by a nameless evil in The Wingfeather Saga.

 

In a cottage above the cliffs on the Dark Sea of Darkness, there lived a family. After a map is found, family secrets are revealed, and an evil foe is in pursuit, the Igiby family will band together to learn truths that will change them forever.

The Wingfeather Saga is a new epic redemptive fantasy animated series created by J. Chris Wall and animated by Keith Lango. Animated series based on Andrew Peterson’s fantasy novels who is also an executive producer of the series. The series pulls together a nail-biting story, an incredible fantasy world, and episodes your whole family will talk about.

The Wingfeather Saga chronicles the adventures of the Igiby family as they discover secrets, flee the evil Fangs of Dang, seek their place in the world, and make a stand against the mysterious ruler, Gnag the Nameless. Armed with their unique gifts and bolstered by the unwavering love of their courageous mother and former pirate grandfather, the Igibys children must navigate treacherous encounters with venomous Fangs, formidable sea dragons, whimsical flabbits, and formidable toothy cows.

 

THE CREATIVE TEAM

Starring Alkaio Thiele as Janner Igiby, Griffin Robert Faulkner as Tink Igiby, Romy Fay as Leeli Igiby, Jodi Benson as Nia Igiby, Kevin McNally as Podo Helmer, Andrew Peterson as Oskar Noss Reteep and Henry Ian Cusick as Peet. The series was directed by John Sanford and Bill Breneisen.

The soundtrack is composed by Ben Shive, Kurt Heinecke, and The Arcadian Wild. The executive producers of the series are J. Chris Wall, Andrew Peterson, Keith Lango, Brock Starnes, and Jason Melton. The series was produced by Angel Studios and Shining Isle Productions.

Before arriving at Angel Studios, the creators organized a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign back in 2016 for the pilot that was successfully funded. That campaign also financed short stories set in the world of Aerwiar that give them notoriety. They eventually landed at Angel Studios where they underwent another series of crowdfunding rounds to produce the first few episodes.

 

CONTINUITY

The creators have outlined plans for the seven-season animated series. Season 2 is slated for release in Spring 2024 and will adapt the first half of Book 2. Following that, Season 3 is scheduled for release in 2024, covering the second half of Book 2.

Season 4 is expected in 2025, focusing on the first half of Book 3, while Season 5 is set for 2026, adapting the second half of Book 3. Looking ahead, Season 6 is planned for 2027, tackling the first half of Book 4, with Season 7 concluding the series in 2028 by covering the second half of Book 4.

As there is still a long journey ahead financial support is always needed. Angel Studios has a Pay it Forward option where we can make contributions to financially support the making of Season 2 and beyond, keep the streaming free, and translate the series into new languages. When we buy merch from the gift shop we are also helping. So, if you like it, support it!

 

THE WINGFEATHER SAGA

As the Igiby children, Janner, Kalmar, and Leeli, unravel the mysteries of their lineage, they find themselves thrust into a perilous adventure filled with danger, discovery, and destiny. With the malevolent Fangs of Dang in pursuit and ancient powers awakening, the Igiby siblings must band together with their ex-pirate grandfather and noble mother to confront dark forces and uncover their true purpose in the unfolding events.

Throughout the season, themes of courage, resilience, and the eternal struggle between good and evil resonate as the Igiby family embarks on a quest for redemption and self-discovery. Along the way, they encounter fantastical creatures, navigate treacherous landscapes, and forge unbreakable bonds of friendship and loyalty.

As they confront their inner demons and face daunting challenges, the Igiby children learn valuable lessons about sacrifice, hope, and the enduring power of love. With each episode, viewers are drawn deeper into the captivating world of Aerwiar, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the epic saga of the Wingfeather family.

 

SEASON ONE

The first season of the Wingfeather Saga consists of 6 episodes:

Episode 1:  Leeli & The Sea Dragon Song (35 min)

It’s Dragon Day! The Igiby children stumble into trouble and have a magical encounter.

Episode 2:  A Mysterious Map (31 min)

Freed from lockdown, the Igiby kids play a game of Zibzy and discover a secret map.

Episode 3: The Catacombs Below (29 min)

Janner goes to meet a friend but discovers something terrible and the family takes action.

Episode 4:  Escape to Peet’s Castle (26 min)

The cottage is ransacked while the kids are rescued by Peet and discover a fantastic hideout.

Episode 5:   Fruit For Zouzab (26 min)

The kids make a plan of escape, while Commander Gnorm schemes to discover a secret.

Episode 6:   The Jewels of Anniera (29 min)

The family takes shelter at Anklejelly Manor, but will they survive a Fang army attack?

 

THE THEMES

The first season of the Wingfeather saga covers several significant themes that can inspire great discussions with the family:

 

FAMILY SECRETS

The revelation of a long-held family secret profoundly impacts the Igiby family, setting them on a path filled with uncertainty and danger. As they uncover hidden truths about their lineage, they must grapple with the implications of their newfound knowledge and navigate the complexities of their shared history. With each revelation, the bonds between family members are tested, revealing both their resilience and their capacity for forgiveness.

 

COURAGE AND RESILIENCE

In the face of relentless danger and seemingly insurmountable challenges, the characters of The Wingfeather Saga demonstrate remarkable courage and resilience. Despite their fears and doubts, they confront adversity head-on, drawing strength from their unwavering determination to overcome obstacles. Through acts of bravery and selflessness, they inspire those around them and prove that even in the darkest of times, hope can endure.

 

IDENTITY AND PURPOSE

As the protagonists journey through the fantastical world of Aerwiar, they grapple with questions of identity and purpose. Each character must come to terms with their unique heritage and gifts, discovering their place in the unfolding events that shape their destiny. Along the way, they learn valuable lessons about self-discovery, acceptance, and the power of embracing one’s true calling.

 

GOOD VERSUS EVIL

At the heart of The Wingfeather Saga lies a timeless struggle between the forces of good and evil. The noble Igiby family, representing the light, must confront the malevolent Fangs of Dang, who seek to spread darkness and tyranny across the land. As the battle between these opposing forces escalates, the characters are forced to confront their inner demons and make difficult choices that will ultimately determine the fate of Aerwiar.

 

REDEMPTION

Throughout their journey, the characters of The Wingfeather Saga grapple with their past mistakes and seek redemption for their actions. Whether it’s confronting past traumas or overcoming personal shortcomings, each character embarks on a quest for inner healing and reconciliation. Through acts of courage, selflessness, and forgiveness, they strive to make amends and find redemption in the eyes of others and themselves.

 

FRIENDSHIP AND LOYALTY

As they navigate the perils of Aerwiar, the characters forge deep bonds of friendship and loyalty that become the bedrock of their journey. Through shared trials and triumphs, they learn to trust and rely on one another, forming an unbreakable fellowship that strengthens with each passing challenge. Their unwavering loyalty to one another serves as a beacon of hope in the face of adversity, reminding them that they are never truly alone.

 

SACRIFICE

The Wingfeather Saga explores the theme of sacrifice as characters are called upon to make difficult choices for the greater good. Whether it’s risking their safety to protect others or giving up cherished dreams for the sake of a larger cause, each sacrifice carries profound consequences. Through acts of selflessness and bravery, characters demonstrate the depth of their love and commitment to those they hold dear.

 

HOPE AND OPTIMISM

Amid darkness and despair, the characters of The Wingfeather Saga cling to hope and optimism as guiding beacons on their journey. Despite facing seemingly insurmountable odds, they refuse to succumb to despair, drawing strength from their belief in a better future. Their unwavering optimism serves as a source of inspiration for those around them, igniting a flame of hope that burns bright even in the darkest of times.

 

DISCOVERY AND ADVENTURE

The Wingfeather Saga takes viewers on a thrilling journey of discovery and adventure as characters explore the rich tapestry of the Aerwiar universe. From ancient ruins to hidden realms, each discovery brings with it the promise of adventure and excitement. Along the way, characters encounter strange creatures, solve mysterious puzzles, and unravel the secrets of their world, embarking on an epic quest that will forever change their lives.

 

FAITH AND BELIEF

At the heart of The Wingfeather Saga lies a deep exploration of faith and belief, as characters grapple with questions of spirituality and destiny. Whether it’s placing their trust in unseen forces or finding solace in ancient prophecies, faith serves as a guiding force for many characters on their journey. Through moments of doubt and uncertainty, they learn to lean on their beliefs, finding strength and courage in the power of their convictions.

 

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The Wingfeather Saga is an entertaining animated series that weaves together a gripping narrative, a richly imagined fantasy realm, and episodes that will leave audiences captivated. The series chronicles the exploits of the Igiby family as they confront perilous challenges, evade the clutches of the villainous Fangs of Dang, seek their rightful place in the world, and ultimately stand against the enigmatic ruler, Gnag the Nameless.

 

AN ENTERTAINING JOURNEY

It is an adventurous entertaining journey through a world with a rich history and distinctive creatures. It’s a little bit slow at first but then it later picks up and you are suddenly at the end of episode six wanting to see more.

As the older sibling, I empathize with Janner as being the responsible one reminding his siblings to follow mom’s rules. That nagging feeling of responsibility and stress that you feel as the oldest is something that a younger sibling will barely understand. Leeli is lovely and has a great relationship with her brothers. It’s cute how she wants to help Janner with Sara. Somehow their relationship reminds me of Rhen and Alex from Crimson Rhen of the True North and Jon and Fortuna from Achromatic Chronicles Blue.

The family eating together was a rare sight that I would like to see more. Glepwoud’s annual Dragon Day gives an insight into how Stree became as it is. Podo is a commanding strong figure. It gives a good message to try to reach the elder years in good physical condition. I wish my mother was as understanding as Nia. Mr. Reteep was an interesting character while his assistant Zouzab looked suspicious from the start. I feel sorry for Peet and wondered what happened that made him lose his marbles. The Fangs are the typical annoying villains and the Sea Dragons are majestic.

There is a lot to unpack in this first season of the Wingfeather Saga: the impact of the beautiful lyrics of Armulyn the Bard (who is he?), Leeli’s musical talent, a mysterious map, a no-weapons rule, the importance of studying, letting children enjoy childhood, a hunger for adventure, an established tyrannical occupation, the black carriage, the legend of the Fang Fighters, a kidnapping, the legend of The Jewels of Anniera, and more.

 

THE ANIMATION

The animation style of The Wingfeather Saga animated series is characterized by its vibrant colors, intricate detailing, and fluid motion. It incorporates elements of both 2D animation and traditional animation techniques.

While the characters and environments are primarily rendered using digital tools to achieve a more polished look, the animation itself often retains the charm and fluidity associated with traditional hand-drawn animation. This blending of techniques allows the series to maintain a classic aesthetic while also taking advantage of the flexibility and efficiency offered by digital animation technologies.

The combination of 2D and traditional animation contributes to the unique visual appeal of The Wingfeather Saga, enhancing its storytelling, immersing viewers in its fantastical world, immersive world-building, enhancing the viewer’s experience, and bringing the fantasy realm of Aerwiar to vivid life.

 

KEEPING ENGAGEMENT

The creative team does a great job of engaging the viewers with the series. If you watch on the Angel Studios platform you will find many bonus features about the series but the creators created a separate website exclusively dedicated to the saga with all the information, you’ll need about the series including information about the author, the books, the characters, maps of the world, an encyclopedia and even a pronunciation guide.

What is even more amazing is that they included free products such as an unofficial festival guide that contains party decorations, Wingfeather recipes, and Wingfeather-themed party games. There are also coloring pages for the kids, bookmarks, digital artwork, and fan art. For those who read the books, they have digital Book Club Kits.

They also created a 6-page workbook for kids inspired by the fact that Igibi’s children were homeschooled. And of course, they also have nice promotional merch on their store. The website is an example of what I want to see from independent creators. Share your creation with the world.

 

PHYSICAL MEDIA

The physical media release of The Wingfeather Saga Season One animated series includes a DVD/Blu-Ray combo pack, providing viewers with the flexibility to watch the series on various platforms. The sealed combo pack features 1 printed DVD and 1 printed Blu-ray disc beautifully designed menus that offer easy navigation through the play all button, the episode list, setup, and 5 trailers. Each submenu has an animated background with audio.

On the episode list, viewers will find the option to watch the episodes with commentaries. In the setup submenu, viewers have the option to enable subtitles in multiple languages including English, Dutch, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish, and they also have the option to choose the dubbed versions in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, enhancing accessibility for a wider audience. The subtitles are very descriptive.

The audio quality is excellent, delivering crisp sound effects and immersive music that complement the stunning visuals of the series.  The DVD has stereo and 5.1 surround sound options. In addition to the combo pack, the creators also make a novel box set, art book, notebook, stickers, action figures, plushies, puzzles, T-shirts, Mugs, and many other tangible promotional merchandise.

 

GIVING THE WINGFEATHER SAGA A CHANCE

You can watch the series for free on Angel Studios’ streaming platform. It is also streaming on Amazon Prime and available on a variety of other platforms, including mobile, TV, and web. Search the “Angel Studios” app on your platform of choice such as Roku, Fire TV, Google TV, Samsung, and Apple TV. To see a full list of supported devices, go to angel.com/legal/devices. As of date, you can also watch the first 3 episodes for free on the Wingfeather Saga YouTube channel. The physical media is available to purchase on the Angel Studios web store and you can visit the series website wingfeathersaga.com for all information on the series.

Season 2 will be out in April for the Angel Guild members. The Angel Guild is a community of fans who come together to find new shows. Angel Guild Members help decide what content is distributed by Angel Studios by voting on each Torch—concept videos that are provided by the filmmakers.  Guild Members are foundational to the studio’s ability to find and promote new shows. and are rewarded with various benefits depending on the membership level.

The basic membership includes helping fund Angel Originals, speeding up new content releases, voting on pilots, concepts, and feature films to decide what we make next, joining exclusive live streams, and early access to stream our shows after their theatrical release. And for limited countries (for example U.S. and Canada), members get two complimentary tickets to Angel Studios theatrical releases and 20% off merch in the Angel Online Store.

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

The first season of the Wingfeather Saga takes you on an immersive journey into a world where bravery, family bonds, and the quest for truth converge. Set against the backdrop of a vividly imagined fantasy world teeming with ancient mysteries and imminent dangers, the series captivates audiences with its richly detailed landscapes and intricately woven narrative threads.

Each episode unfolds with a perfect balance of heart-pounding action sequences, introducing viewers to a diverse array of fantastical creatures and compelling characters that inhabit this enchanting universe. As viewers delve deeper into the series, they find themselves drawn into a captivating tale that not only entertains but also sparks meaningful conversations and stirs the imagination of viewers of all ages. Through its masterful storytelling and stunning animation, The Wingfeather Saga invites audiences to embark on an unforgettable odyssey filled with moments of courage, sacrifice, and profound discovery.

As viewers immerse themselves in the fantastical realms and follow the journeys of the series’ protagonists, they are treated to a visual feast that showcases the creativity and craftsmanship behind each frame. With its universal themes of resilience, friendship, and the enduring power of hope, the animated series serves as a beacon of inspiration, reminding viewers of the boundless possibilities that lie within the realm of imagination.

As the first season unfolds, it leaves you eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this epic saga, eager to continue the journey through the enchanting world of The Wingfeather Saga. Join the Igiby family adventure!

 

My notes are all set. Let me know what you think.

See you on the next page!