Allies of the Amazon

The Allies of the Amazon are a fictional animal-superhero group who protect the Amazon forest and the harmony of its inhabitants. The group first appeared in the children’s book Allies of the Amazon, which was released in Brazil on November 12th, 2019. The characters were created by legendary comic book writer , film producers and Terry Dougas, and Brazilian author . The story was written by Chalita, with character designs and illustrations by Bruno Miranda. The book was released as part of Stan Lee’s Kids Universe (SLKU), through FTD publishing, in order to promote environmental awareness. 
The hero members of the Allies of the Amazon are Duca, an who has the power to release flames from his hands; Nina, a who has the ability to move and dig large amounts of earth with her mouth; Gabe, an who has the ability to emit strong winds from his beak; and Serena, a who has the power to control water. 
In the premise of the first book there is peace within the forest and every animal only tells the truth. When an ant excavation deep underground releases an ancient monster named Lamal, the forest is threatened. Lamal has the power to shape-shift and lie, and begins to disrupt the harmony of the forest. United by friendship and purpose, the Allies of the Amazon take on Lamal to protect their home and reinstate the values of a sustainable society. 
ORIGINS/DISTRIBUTION
Stan Lee’s Kids Universe is a joint venture between Lee’s and Dougas’s 1821 Media. FTD publishing, a Brazilian-based publisher that specializes in educational material produced the book. The characters were created during a meeting between Lee, Lapenda, and Dougas. Brazilian author Gabriel Chalita was tapped to write the book, and for the illustrations, Lapenda recruited Brazilian artist Bruno Miranda. 
Allies of the Amazon was released by SLKU and was the first posthumous work released after Lee’s death. A year after Lee’s death, the book was made available in Brazil via Amazon. Along with the book’s release, a downloadable coloring book was made available on the Allies of the Amazon website. 
CHARACTERS
The Allies of the Amazon are a group of four diverse animals who each serve a different role within the forest’s ecosystem. Each member has the ability to control a natural element. Together they use their powers to protect the harmony of the animals in the forest.
SUPPORTING CHARACTERS
As protectors of the forest’s inhabitants, the Allies of the Amazon have many friends who assist the heroes without being official members. The Allies interact with many different animals in the forest. 
ANTAGONISTS
Lamal is the Allies of the Amazon’s central antagonist. He is an ancient monster with the power to shape-shift and tell lies. Long ago, he was sealed deep underground after almost destroying all life in the forest, but due to an excavation by ants was set free. Lamal frequently shape-shifts, spreading distrust among animals of the forest. There is always a trail of dirt coming from the animals he pretends to be, revealing his true identity.