As time has gone on, action cartoons have become more complex.  Perhaps that’s not even the right word, but looking at the progression of the genre, we’ve applied the same formula to increasingly complex situations, combining sub-genres in hopes of new inspirations.  That’s where 1996’s Dragon Flyz comes in.  Science fiction, fantasy, dragons, weapons, all wrapped up into a post-apocalyptic setting where our heroes live in floating cities, battling mutants. 

With the Earth destroyed by nuclear war, 41st century humans were forced onto the sky city of Airlandis (clever naming, eh?) to live.  Citizens of Airlandis had to maintain supplies of Amber Crystals, magic crystals that kept the city afloat.  As the series began, audiences were immediately aware of the crystals’ importance, since Airlandis was out and the ‘Dragon Flyz’ were sent back to Earth to get more.  On their way down, we meet the Mutants, led by Dreadwing.  Surprise, surprise!  They want the crystals, too. 

The 'Dragon Flyz,' Airlandis’ sworn protectors, were comprised of three brothers and a sister, Z’neth, Summit, Peak and Apex, respectively.  Everyone, including the Mutants, had their own wings, but for a little extra boost, since they couldn’t fly long distances on their own, they had powerful dragons.  Each week, the Dragon Flyz would battle it out with Dreadwing and his Mutants for control of the precious crystals.

In the tradition of a great many cartoons before it, such as Challenge of the GoBots and Transformers, the Dragon Flyz were created to support a toy line manufactured by Galoob.  The toys would launch into the air and float down like helicopters (a bit like Galoob’s Sky Dancers).  Dragon Flyz toys failed to fly off toy store shelves, and with that, the series was shelved after a quick 26 episodes.