Silverwing is a 2003 Canadian animated series based on Kenneth Oppel's novel of the same name. The traditional animated series has elements of computer animation.

Synopsis

Years before the migration, the animals started the Great Battle for the balance of nature and territories to all species. The bats were exiled from choosing sides, but Shade goes on a journey to reason them.

Characters

Bats

Others

Differences from the novel

Episodes

Note: The episodes were released in the miniseries format as three television films, with new endings created for the first two parts. They included A Glimpse of the Sun, Towers of Fire and Redemption.

Production

The series was produced by Bardel Entertainment, with additional work done by the Philippine Animation Studio. It was originally distributed by Bardel and B Wooding Media. Early plans as of 2001 consisted of a theatrical movie with a budget of US$25–30 million to be co-produced with the UK's Melwood Pictures, followed by a US$5 million TV series developed with participation from an unspecified American broadcaster. A second season of 13 episodes was announced to be in development in 2003, along with an online video game website with 13 levels to match the episodes. The website had over 20 games available by mid-2004, while the planned season was quietly shelved later that year.

Release

Broadcast

Silverwing was commissioned by and first aired on Teletoon in Canada in fall 2003. In the United States, the series was shown on Toon Disney's Jetix block in autumn 2005, with Jetix later airing the show internationally.

Home media

The full series has been released on DVD in the US and the UK.

Reception

Silverwing has had mostly positive reception. Animation Magazine ran a six-part series about the show in 2003, viewing it as "a grand miniseries" that "really raises the bar in TV animation". Common Sense Media described Silverwing as a "great kids' series" and gave it 4 out of 5 stars, adding however that its "complex, political story themes" may present difficulties for younger children. An encyclopedic review considered the series to be relatively accurate to the text, despite minor changes. "The program conducted its affairs well without stumbling and therefore stands as a high point in the often creatively checkered world of Canadian television animation." In contrast, one reviewer found the show to have poor animation and significant differences from the source material, particularly in terms of darker elements, while only praising the voice acting as "fantastic".

Awards and nominations