Spanish production house Hampa Studio has officially debuted the first teaser for its ambitious animated project, Fantasy Riders, signaling a significant push into the international action-adventure market. The announcement, which coincides with the studio’s participation in this year’s Cartoon Forum, introduces an expansive, post-apocalyptic narrative built upon the established intellectual property of Panini’s successful trading card and board game franchise. As the industry gathers to evaluate the next wave of European animation, the project positions itself as a contender for the coveted 8-to-14-year-old demographic, blending high-octane spectacle with serialized narrative depth.
The series, currently in active development, is envisioned as a 10-episode arc, with each installment running 22 minutes. By leveraging the existing mythology of the Fantasy Riders brand—which first emerged in 2018 and has since cultivated a dedicated following through its card-based lore—Hampa Studio aims to bridge the gap between traditional broadcast animation and modern, multi-platform engagement.
The World of Fantasy Riders: Lore and Creative Direction
The narrative premise of Fantasy Riders leans into the popular post-apocalyptic subgenre, set in a desolate, fractured landscape dominated by mutant beasts. The central conflict revolves around a band of outlaws who find themselves entrusted with the protection of a young girl. This character possesses a rare, forbidden ability to control the very creatures that have laid waste to human civilization. Her power serves as the narrative’s fulcrum: she is simultaneously a potential savior for the remnants of society and a catalyst for its final destruction.
Hampa Studio’s creative team has described the visual and tonal identity of the show as "European anime." This stylistic choice indicates a departure from standard Western children’s television, favoring a more mature, kinetic, and emotionally resonant approach to action. By incorporating "irreverent action" alongside deep character arcs, the studio intends to capture a demographic that is increasingly sophisticated in its consumption of serialized animated content. The integration of Panini’s existing monster designs and factional hierarchies provides a robust framework that allows for extensive world-building, which the studio plans to capitalize on as the series progresses.
Financial Viability and Industry Support
As of September 2026, the Fantasy Riders project carries a production budget of approximately €4 million ($4.7 million). This figure places the show in the mid-to-high tier for independent European animated series, reflecting the complexity of the animation required to bring the "mutant beast" sequences to life.
According to production filings, the project has already secured more than 20% of its total financing. A critical pillar of this early financial security is the involvement of the Spanish public broadcaster RTVE, which has signed on as a co-producer. The partnership with a national broadcaster is a strategic move, providing not only essential funding but also a guaranteed distribution platform in the domestic Spanish market. This backing serves as a vote of confidence for prospective international partners who may be wary of the risks associated with an untested animated IP.
Hampa Studio is now using the platform provided by Cartoon Forum to secure the remaining 80% of the budget. By presenting the teaser to a room full of European broadcasters, distributors, and potential co-production partners, the studio aims to fill the gap between its current status and full production greenlight.
The Role of Cartoon Forum in European Animation
The unveiling of Fantasy Riders at Cartoon Forum is a calculated industry move. Cartoon Forum is one of the most influential pitching and co-production events in the global animation calendar. For a studio like Hampa, the event is essential for securing the cross-border agreements necessary to fund ambitious, high-budget projects.
In the current media landscape, European animation is increasingly looking toward global distribution models. The success of a series like Fantasy Riders depends not just on its creative merit, but on its ability to transcend language barriers and cultural specificities. By utilizing a high-concept post-apocalyptic setting, Hampa Studio is tapping into a universal visual language that appeals to international audiences, particularly those already accustomed to the aesthetic sensibilities of Japanese anime.
The timeline for the project remains fluid, but the presence of a finished teaser suggests that the pre-production phase is well-advanced. Industry analysts note that for a series to be viable in the 2026-2027 market, it must demonstrate a clear path toward transmedia integration. Given the existing Panini card game foundation, Fantasy Riders is uniquely positioned to exploit this trend. The series is not merely a television show; it is an expansion of a consumer product line that already has a established supply chain and consumer base.
Strategic Implications for the Animation Market
The development of Fantasy Riders underscores several broader trends within the animation industry. First, there is a clear trend toward the adaptation of non-traditional media—such as trading cards and board games—into serialized narrative formats. This reduces the risk for investors, as the IP already possesses a recognizable brand identity and a history of fan engagement.
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Second, the "European anime" aesthetic is gaining traction as a viable alternative to the dominant American studio styles. By bridging the gap between the action-heavy pacing of Japanese animation and the character-focused storytelling of European television, studios like Hampa are creating a niche that addresses a perceived gap in the market for the 8-14 age group. This demographic is often neglected, caught between the "kid-centric" programming of younger years and the adult-oriented animation that dominates streaming platforms.
Finally, the reliance on public broadcasters like RTVE remains a hallmark of the European animation model, even as the global market becomes increasingly dominated by streaming giants. While many studios are looking to strike deals with platforms like Netflix or Disney+, the stability offered by national broadcasters provides a foundational layer of security that allows studios to maintain creative control over their intellectual property for longer periods.
Looking Ahead: The Path to Production
As Hampa Studio continues its pitch sessions throughout the week at Cartoon Forum, the industry will be watching to see which international distributors commit to the project. The success of the pitch will likely hinge on the studio’s ability to prove that the €4 million budget is sufficient to deliver a visual experience that can compete with the high production values of streaming-first content.
If the studio can successfully close its funding round by the end of the year, the transition into full production could occur by early 2027. This would place the series on a trajectory for a mid-to-late 2028 release. With the narrative stakes already established—a world on the brink of ruin, a girl with the power of the beasts, and a band of outlaws caught in the middle—the potential for a multi-season franchise is clear.
For Hampa Studio, the stakes at Cartoon Forum are high. However, with the backing of a major broadcaster, a proven IP foundation, and a clear, differentiated visual style, Fantasy Riders is well-positioned to make a significant impact on the international animation scene. As the project moves forward, it will serve as a bellwether for the viability of independent European action-adventure series in a market increasingly hungry for high-stakes, serialized content. Whether or not it can scale its reach beyond the European market remains to be seen, but the initial reception at Cartoon Forum will undoubtedly provide the first indication of its long-term global potential.
