A lavish new 3D animated wonder presented by Fantawild Animation Inc.,

Kung Fu Masters of the Zodiac: Origins of the Twelve

Takes viewers on a journey back in time

Back before the days of the epic original series

Kung Fu Masters of the Zodiac

To an ancient season when animals from every corner of China battled for the title of

"Keeper of the Earthly Realm"

Targeting children from 8 to16, Kung Fu Masters of the Zodiac: Origins of the Twelve is rooted in the oldest Chinese folkloric tradition, and it combines elements of antiquity with sizzling martial-arts action. It features the exploits of twelve heroic contenders for the celestial assignment of "Keepers of the Earthly Realm", highlighting their varied experiences during the long journey to the contest on Mount Tai.

The path to their dreams is a one fraught with hardship--but there is also a wealth of joy and good humor shared along the way.

When the Celestial Emperor is overwhelmed by the multitude of issues affecting the earthly plane, the Celestial Empress suggests forging twelve mighty heroes to help ease the daily burden of management. Thus, the Kitchen God—the "hearth-and-home" deity familiar with the workings of earthly life--is appointed to select the twelve heroes with help from Celestial Watchmen Aquila and Sonar.

Once the royal edict is posted, animals from all across China begin the trek to the legendary Mount Tai to compete in "The Keeper Tournament". Among them are the rat; ox; tiger; rabbit; dragon; snake; horse; ram; monkey; rooster; dog; and the boar. Fired by the quest to be the best, these twelve contenders pursue their dreams all the way to the final showdown on Mount Tai, having vanquished myriad personal shortcomings along the trail. Their efforts are rewarded as they defeat all comers in the tournament, not only through the use of their individual skills, but with the strength of their moral substance as well. In the end, the twelve garner hard-won admiration and respect as they assume the hallowed mantel of "keepers of the earthly realm".

Rascal (The Rat):

A timid little sneak-thief with a heart of gold; determined to improve himself and the image of his own kind. He intends to join the Keeper contest, but is nabbed by the The Feral Knight and taken to Mount Tai as a prisoner.

The Feral Knight (The Cat):

This sinister, self-absorbed feline is a kung fu powerhouse, one whose boundless ambition sets him on the road for The Keeper Tournament.

Cloud Hand (The Boar):

Carefree and cheerful, this fellow's a true geniuis in the kitchen. Noodle chef Cloud Hand, Fierce, and Guardian meet on the trail, then travel together to Mount Tai.

Fierce (The Tiger):

This impulsive, rather simple-minded tiger is a fervent kung fu enthusiast. He is eager to learn daring new moves from the masters entering the contest on Mount Tai.

Guardian (The Horse):

An avid traveler with a woeful sense of direction, this talkative equine is about to take his "ramblin'" experience to new heights.

Hammer (The Ox):

A hulking blacksmith of few words, the forbidding Hammer intends to promote his world-class hand-crafted weapons among the martial-arts elite at Mount Tai.

Wizard (The Ram):

Wizard is a dotty old physician with failing eyesight and no credentials--which may explain why his odd forms of treatment always bring about such entertaining results.

Velvet Touch (The Rabbit):

This capricious and dizzy young rabbit once belonged to a celebrated acrobatic troupe with Trapper. She is an ardent admirer of "The Mad Wolf", and travels to Mount Tai to see him in competition.

Trapper (The Dog):

By day, he is a roguish, low-keyed figure. But under the light of the full moon, he is transformed into The Mad Wolf, a kung fu master second to none.

Shadow (The Snake):

The Robin Hood of her times, she's plotting a major caper with her cohort, Voyager. They head for Mount Tai to kidnap the richest fellow in China—Artisan, the Rooster.

Voyager (The Monkey):

A hothead and a prankster; somewhat intimidated by Shadow, but always up for their next adventure together.

Epsilon (The Dragon):

A frail little fellow routinely mocked by his peers, Epsilon is encouraged by the Kitchen God to join the contest, realize his potential, and become a true dragon of substance..

Artisan (The Rooster):

Artisan is the wealthiest young fellow in all of China—and certainly the most spoiled, as well. To learn something of survival beyond the gates of the family compound, he sets out for Mount Tai with a handful of gold and a dream of victory.

The Celestial Emperor:

Commander of the Heavenly Sphere, he sports a stern yet cultured public demeanor; but unguarded moments reveal a figure full of goodwill and humor.

The Celestial Empress:

The refined and sharp-witted consort of the Celestial Emperor, she excels in reading people, and orchestrating plans and projects.

The Kitchen God:

The beloved hearth-centered spirit in Chinese culture, he has a warm outgoing nature, and a strong sense of duty.

Aquila, the Watchman:

His keen long-range vision is the stuff of legend—yet he misses much of what happens right in front of his face.

Sonar, the Watchman:

His exceptional hearing is unmatched in all the heavens—but when he dials it down, hilarious moments of miscommunication ensue.

The Lowly Clerk:

This snobby functionary plays up to the Celestial Emperor at every turn, while looking down his nose at everyone else.