A remembered puppet saga from the 1980s returns, this time in book form. The journey behind its origins is explored with new attention, tracing how a beloved show shaped a generation and why its characters still spark conversation today.
In Alicante, writer Octavio López gathered material for a comprehensive volume published by the Applehead Team. The book, The Birth, Course, and Echo of Los Aurones, revisits the series that left a lasting imprint on many viewers who grew up watching it in Spain. López recalls his early fascination: he was five when the series aired, and the memories of those early days sparked a lifelong commitment to documenting its impact.
What is the show about? It was broadcast on TVE and followed a town whose inhabitants once mined gold to craft tools for farming and daily life, only to discover the gold had lost its value in the changing world. A malevolent ruler, King Grog, coveted the town’s treasure, while the central siblings, Yew Tree and Yucca, confronted danger and adventure to defend their community. Their journeys connected with a generation watching in awe as the tale unfolded.
López belonged to the generation that grew up with Los Aurones in the late 1980s. That connection inspired him to put pen to paper. He recounts how a key interview helped shape the book: he reached out to one of the cinematographers involved in the show and was directed to the creator, Josep Viciana. The process included conversations with Viciana and other artists who participated in the series, forming the backbone of the narrative that follows Los Aurones from its early days to its lasting legacy.
Book cover. INFORMATION
The volume presents the show’s influence in Spain and also features interviews with important figures such as Viciana. It includes a guide to the chapters and a feature on the Los Aurones team’s work, with exclusive footage that has not been released in the forty years since the short film era began. A new sales section is also included to help collectors and fans find their way to memorabilia tied to the series.
The author began writing Was, Wham, Wham, It Was the Lightning Thrower! The Story of Los Aurones nearly three years ago, in a bid to satisfy the devoted fan base. The aim was to capture the essence of a show that inspired wonder and sparked new appreciation for the craft behind childhood animation.
A formal book presentation is scheduled for Saturday afternoon, October 28, at the Atticus bookstore in San Vicentand. The event offers an opportunity to meet Josep Viciana, the creator behind Los Aurones, who will be visiting Alicante for the first time. Viciana is celebrated as one of the brightest creators in children’s animation from the 1980s and 1990s, and his continued work remains a point of pride for fans. The event will also feature Octavio López, who organized the volume and will be in attendance to discuss the series and its lasting appeal.