ZORRO GENRATION Z

***Zorro: Generation Z*** is a British-German animated series that began in 2006. Former Marvel Studios development executive Rick Ungar developed the original series in association with BKN International, BKN New Media, G7 Animation, and Pangea Corporation. The programming deal and concept for the new series was developed by Ungar, G7, and Pangea and underwritten partially by a master toy license with Brazilian toy company, Gulliver Toys. What made the show unique were the plethora of Pangea-designed high tech gadgets and the conceit of having the young Zorro ride his motorcycle named after his horse, Tornado.

## Plot

In 2015, teenager Diego de la Vega, the five times great-grandson of the original Zorro, discovers his heritage and decides to take up the mantle. Clad in a black suit and high-tech weapons, Zorro signs the "Z" to establish justice in the metropolis of Pueblo Grande, California.

## Main characters

### Don Diego de la Vega/Zorro

After living abroad for sometime, Diego returns to Pueblo Grande when his father is kidnapped by mayor Martínez, to prevent him from running in the election. Diego grew up listening to his grandfather's stories about Zorro and is quick to take over the family role after he and Bernardo find the Fox Den. He rides a motorcycle called the Tornado–Z (named after the original Zorro's horse) and wields the Z–Weapon, a multi–purpose laser weapon which can act as a gun, sword, bow-staff or whip/grappling hook. The Z-Weapon also has a "DNA lock"; meaning that only he or a member of his family can activate it. In addition, his cape is bulletproof and can function as a parachute or a glider. He is based on Don Diego de la Vega from the original novel.

### Bernardo

Diego's best friend and a technological genius - the mute Bernardo maintains Zorro's equipment, does online detective work and occasionally wears the costume when Diego and Zorro need to appear together. He is based on Don Diego's mute manservant Bernardo from the original novel. Bernardo is very loving and affectionate with a snarky sense of humor. He and Diego are almost brothers as they both grew up together on the same street. Diego's grandfather also gave Bernardo a small fortune which he used to repair Diego's bike in one episode.

### Alejandro de la Vega

Diego's father and the owner of Dela Vega Industries. He is unaware of the family secret; until recently assumed Zorro was a myth. He is still unsure that a masked crusader is what the city needs, but doesn't argue with the good Zorro does and never openly opposes him. He worries a lot about Diego's lack of responsibility, assuming his son is out all night partying. Based on Don Alejandro de la Vega in previous versions.

### Mrs. McAlistair

The de la Vegas' Irish housekeeper. She knows Diego's secret as Zorro and approves of what he is doing.

### Horace Hernando Martinez

The corrupt ex-mayor of Pueblo Grande, Martinez is Zorro's greatest enemy. In addition to imposing high taxes and secretly running Pueblo Grande's organised crime, he is a business rival of the Dela Vega family and often targets Alejandro's company with his criminal schemes. He is based on the corrupt alcaldes in earlier versions of Zorro and bears a strong resemblance to Alcalde Quintero in the 1974 film, *The Mark of Zorro*.

### Maria Martinez/Scarlet Whip

The daughter of Horace Martinez. Maria adopts a costumed identity to fight against her father's corruption using a pair of laser-whips. She and Diego are at college together and have a friendly rivalry. Neither knows the other's secret identity; until near the end of the final episode in Season 1 "*Poll Axed*". She is somewhat similar to Lolita Quintero in the 1940 version of *The Mark of Zorro* or Theresa in the 1974 version - both of whom are Zorro's love interest and the Alcalde's niece - her masked identity may be based on the title character of the 1944 film *Zorro's Black Whip*. According to the series' bible; her costumed identity was originally going to be the Black Whip rather than the Scarlet Whip, but it was changed to better distinguish her from Zorro.

### Sergeant Garcia

The mayor's aide and head of the Pueblo Grande Police Department. Sergeant Garcia is corrupt enough to turn a blind eye to his boss' actions most of the time, but not enough to actually get involved or allow anyone to get hurt. His role is usually to tell the police not to investigate, but is more than happy to arrest the criminals Zorro defeats. He is clumsy and always eating (usually spilling his food whenever someone calls for him). He is based on Sergeant Garcia in the 1950s TV series, *Zorro*.

### The Dons

A group of criminal hoodlums hired by Mayor Martínez to take charge of various criminal businesses in Pueblo Grande. When Gloria Sheffield runs for Pueblo Grande mayor, they ended up being hired by her