Cult Argentine Toy Line ‘Guerreros del Manana’ Acquired by Black Mandala for Animated Series Adaptation (EXCLUSIVE)

New Zealand-based sales outfit Black Mandala has secured rights to develop an animated series and action figure line based on “Guerreros del Manana” (Warriors of Tomorrow), the cult Argentine superhero toy franchise that launched in the 1980s.

The deal, closed during Ventana Sur, was signed with Guillermo Zanocco, who created the original toy line, and filmmaker Nicolás Onetti, who will direct the upcoming animated series.

Originally released during the same era as Mattel’s “He-Man” figures, the locally produced Argentine superhero toys have evolved into highly sought-after collectibles on the international market over the past four decades.

Black Mandala plans to unveil both the official series teaser and the first collectible sculpture at Argentina Comic-Con on Dec. 5 in Buenos Aires.

The animation project has assembled a creative team including Aníbal Morales as animation director, Luciano Onetti composing the score, and Germán Suracce handling sound design. Artist Martín Cardozo will create the new line of collectible sculptures.

Veteran voice actor Ricardo Alanis, known for Spanish-language dubbing work on Chuck Norris and Jean-Claude Van Damme films, as well as “Power Rangers,” will perform the teaser’s voice-over.

Michael Kraetzer and Onetti founded genre specialist Black Mandala in 2017. Operating from Auckland, the company has built a catalog of more than 150 titles focused on independent horror and genre cinema, maintaining a presence at major film markets worldwide.

The company’s recent slate includes “Nightfall – A Paranormal Investigation,” a debut feature from young Australian filmmakers Myles McEwen and Ripley Stevens; “Beyond the Drumlins,” directed by Dan Bowhers; Gene Dolders’ “The Blade Cuts Deeper”; and horror anthology “The Last Supper.”