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{{articleissues|refimprove=January 2008|primarysources=January 2008|in-universe=January 2008|in-universe-cat=Television|cleanup=January 2008|copyedit=March 2007|expert=Television}}
{{seealso|Ralph Nader's presidential campaigns}}
<!--Please fill this box. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Infobox_Television -->
{{future election candidate|article|Nader, Ralph}}
<!-- Italian language intro and closer will be helpful for the list of crews. And see http://www.antoniogenna.net/doppiaggio/anim/winxclub.htm for Italian language cast. -->
{{Infobox U.S. federal election campaign, 2008
{{Infobox Television
| committee = Ralph Nader for President 2008
| show_name = Winx Club
| logo =[[Image:Nadar 08.PNG|200px]]
| image = [[Image:Winx intertitle IT season 2.jpg|250px]]
| campaign = [[United States presidential election, 2008|U.S. presidential election, 2008]]
| caption = <!-- READ THIS FIRST BEFORE EDITING CAPTION: Winx Club is originated from Italy. -->The Italian title card for the series since season 2. That of season 1 has the yellow, sightly smaller logo and no web address. The edited version made by [[4Kids Entertainment]] in the United States - also shown in the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia - uses a different intro and title card.
| candidate = [[Ralph Nader]]<br>Founder of [[Public Citizen]] and<br>[[Progressivism in the United States#Contemporary progressivism|progressive]] [[Political activist|activist]]
| genre = [[Contemporary fantasy]]
| cand_id =
| creator = [[Iginio Straffi]]
| fec_date =
| director =
| status = Announced [[February 24]], [[2008]]
| creative_director =
| affiliation = [[Independent (politican)|independent candidate]]
| developer =
| headquarters = [[Washington, DC]]
| voices = <!-- Cast as of Italian language version. At final, link to the list of characters to show English voice cast, both by Rainbow S.p.A. and by 4Kids. -->
| key_people = [[Matt Gonzalez]], Running mate
| narrated =
| receipts =
| theme_music_composer =
| slogan = People fighting back.
| opentheme =
| homepage = [http://www.votenader.org/ www.votenader.org]
| endtheme =
| composer =
| country = {{ITA}}
| language = [[Italian language|Italian]]
| num_seasons = 3
| num_episodes = 78
| list_episodes = List of Winx Club episodes
| executive_producer =
| co_exec =
| producer =
| supervising_producer =
| asst_producer =
| co-producer =
| editor =
| story_editor =
| location =
| cinematography =
| camera =
| runtime=Approx. 22 min each
| network =[[Rai Due]]
| picture_format =
| audio_format = Stereo
| first_aired =<!-- It's an Italian programme. So the airdate should be that of Italian, not American airdate on 4Kids. --> [[January 28]], [[2004]]
| last_aired = Present
| preceded_by =
| followed_by =
| related =
| website = http://www.winxclub.com/
| production_website =
| imdb_id = 0421482
| tv_com_id = 26195
}}
}}
'''''Winx Club''''' is a [[2004]] Italian animated fantasy/adventure series created by [[Iginio Straffi]] and produced by [[Rainbow S.p.A.]]. The seventy-eight episodes series is aimed toward children between the ages of six and fourteen<ref name = "rainbowwinx">{{cite web |url= http://www.rbw.it/winx.asp |title= Winx Club |accessdate= 2006-11-15 |author=Rainbow S.p.A. |authorlink= Rainbow S.p.A.}}</ref> and has spawned an international franchise of toys, books, clothing, DVDs and a [[Computer Animation|CGI]] feature film.
[[Ralph Nader]] announced his [[President of the United States|U.S. Presidential]] candidacy, running as an [[independent (politician)|independent candidate]], on [[February 24]], [[2008]] on [[NBC|NBC's]] ''[[Meet The Press]]''.<ref name='Meet the Press-2008-02-22'>
{{cite news | first= | last= | coauthors= | title= 'Meet the Press' transcript for Feb. 24, 2008: Ralph Nader, David Brooks, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Michele Norris, Chuck Todd | date= February 24, 2008 | publisher= National Broadcasting Company | url = http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23319215/ | work = NBC News' Meet the Press | pages = | accessdate = 2008-02-24 }} </ref><ref>{{cite news |title= Ralph Nader enters presidential race |work=CNN |date=2008-02-24 |url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/02/24/nader.politics/index.html }}</ref> This is Nader's fifth campaign; he ran in the four election cycles prior to [[United States presidential election, 2008|2008]]: [[United States presidential election, 1992|1992]], [[United States presidential election, 1996|1996]], [[United States presidential election, 2000|2000]], and [[United States presidential election, 2004|2004]]. The 2008 election will be the third in which he has officially run a national campaign. While Nader is running as an independent, in some states he has ballot access with the Independent-Ecology Party and the [[Peace and Freedom Party]].<ref name="party">{{Cite web |url=http://www.politics1.com/p2008.htm |title=Presidency 2008 |publisher=[[Politics1.com]] |accessdate=2008-08-29}}</ref><ref>http://cbs5.com/local/peace.freedom.party.2.786635.html</ref>


It was revealed at the Licensing Show 2008 in [[New York]] that Winx will return for a 4th season in [[2009]], along with a 2nd movie slated for Christmas that year.
==Pre-announcement==
[[Image:Naderballot.jpg|thumb|left|California Presidential primary, [[Green Party (United States)|Green Party]] ballot, [[February 5]], [[2008]], listing "Ralph Nader"]]
In February 2007, Nader criticized Democratic candidate [[Hillary Clinton]] as "a panderer and a flatterer." Asked on ''[[Cable News Network|CNN Late Edition]]'' news program if he would run in 2008, Nader replied, "It's really too early to say...."<ref name="NewsMax">[http://newsmax.com/archives/articles/2007/2/4/172804.shtml Nader Leaves '08 Door Open, Slams Hillary] [[Reuters]], [[February 5]], [[2007]].</ref> Asked during a radio appearance to describe the former First Lady, Nader said, "Flatters, panders, coasting, front-runner, looking for a coronation ... She has no political fortitude."<ref>[http://newsmax.com/archives/ic/2007/2/16/111721.shtml?s=ic Ralph Nader: Hillary's Just a 'Bad Version of Bill Clinton'] Feb. 16, 2007</ref> Some Greens started a campaign to draft Nader as their party's 2008 presidential candidate.<ref>[http://www.draftnader.org/ DraftNader.org]</ref>
In June 2007, Nader said, "You know the two parties are still converging -- they don't even debate the military budget anymore. I really think there needs to be more competition from outside the two parties."<ref>[http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0607/4580.html Nader ponders run, calls Clinton 'coward']</ref>
Nader praised [[Dennis Kucinich]], [[Mike Gravel]], and [[John Edwards]] during the race for the Democratic nomination.


==Plot==
{{wikinews|Ralph Nader enters US presidential race as independent}}
<!--NOTE TO EDITORS, DO NOT REMOVE THIS NOTICE: Please do not add minute details as these sections are summaries of their respective seasons. Any new detailed content should be added to the season articles.-->
After the election became a contest between [[Barack Obama|Obama]] and Clinton, Nader hinted more towards his own presidential bid by participating in the Green Party Presidential Debates in [[San Francisco]] on [[January 13]], [[2008]], though not as an announced candidate. Then he formed a presidential exploratory committee on [[January 30]], [[2008]], telling CNN he would run again if he could raise the necessary funds.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/01/30/nader-takes-steps-towards-another-white-house-bid|title=Nader takes steps towards another White House bid|date=2008-01-30|first=Alexander|last=Mooney|work=CNN Political Ticker|publisher=Cable News Network LP, LLLP.}}</ref>
===Season 1===
{{main|Winx Club (season one)}}
An ordinary girl from the planet Earth, Bloom lives a perfectly normal life in the city of Gardenia until she meets Stella, a princess from the planet Solaria, who is in trouble. Coming to Stella's aid, Bloom discovers her magical powers. Stella persuades Bloom to join Alfea, the best fairy school in all the realms. In Alfea Bloom forms the Winx Club, whose members are her four friends and roommates: Stella, Musa, Tecna, and Flora. Later in the series they encounter and befriend the Specialists: Brandon, Riven, Timmy, and Sky. The Specialists will also become their love interests. They will also encounter their enemies, a trio of witches named the Trix: Icy, Darcy, and Stormy. They are witches from Cloudtower,<ref name = "Noteredcloud">In the Italian language version, the school for specialists and school for witches are called "Fonterossa" and "Torrenuvola" respectively. In the English dub by Cinélume, they are called "Redfountain" and "Cloudtower" respectively. The names are spelled "Red Fountain" and "Cloud Tower" in the edits made by 4Kids Entertainment. See also [[#Variations|Variations]] section.</ref> a witch school roughly equivalent to Alfea, in search for the power of the Dragon's Flame (called Dragon Fire in the 4kids version) supposedly in Stella's magic ring. Their ruthless pursuit of the ring leads to many encounters and battles with the Winx Club. Bloom also begins to learn the secrets of her planet, parents and powers.


===Season 2===
Before entering the race, Nader was asked by [[Wolf Blitzer]] on [[CNN]]'s [[The Situation Room]] if he liked any of the Democratic presidential candidates in 2008, and said "in terms of his record, [[Dennis Kucinich]] and in terms of a great Democratic stengthened Democracy proposal, [[Mike Gravel]]." <ref>{{cite news|url=
{{main|Winx Club (season two)}}
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7r2ZHnfndQU |title=Ralph Nader on "The Situation Room," names Gravel, Kucinich|date=2007-11-02 |publisher=YouTube.}}</ref> A petition was started to urge Nader to run with Mike Gravel as a [[vice president]]ial candidate.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:yuVcg43Q4dMJ:www.petitiononline.com/granad08/petition.html+ralph+nader+mike+gravel+petition&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3&gl=us |title=Nader/Gravel 2008 Petition|date=2008-02-25|work=PetitionOnline |publisher=PetionOnline.}}</ref> In the weeks before the [[Iowa caucus]], Nader praised former Senator [[John Edwards]] and his [[populist]] message, calling him "a Democratic glimmer of hope" and encouraging Iowans to "give him a victory."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1207/7647.html}}</ref>
After their summer vacation, the Winx Club returns to Alfea to begin their second year. They meet a new fairy, Layla, who asks for their help in rescuing her pixie friends held hostage by Lord Darkar. Lord Darkar wants to find out where the Pixies' Village is in order to steal the four pieces of the Codex (one each in Pixie Village, Redfountain,<ref name = "Noteredcloud"/> Cloudtower,<ref name = "Noteredcloud"/> and Alfea) which open the portal to the Realm of Realix, where the Ultimate Power can be found. The Trix also meet Lord Darkar and decide to assist him in his quest. Lord Darkar is actually the "Shadow Phoenix" who wants to take control of the magical realm. Later, he is able to use Bloom to summon open the portal to Realix. The girls also meet another Specialist, Helia, who becomes the love interest for Flora.


===Season 3===
==Campaign developments==
{{mainarticle|Winx Club (season three)}}
[[Image:Ralph Nader, September 15, 2007 2.jpg|thumb|220px|Nader condemning the [[Iraq War]] in 2007]]
Previously banished to the Omega Dimension, the Trix are able to escape with Valtor<ref>Spelled and pronounced "Baltor" in the edits made by 4Kids Entertainment. See also [[#Variations|Variations]] section.</ref>, a sorcerer partially responsible for the destruction of Bloom's home realm, Domino<ref name = "Dominonote">Called "Sparx" in the edits made by 4Kids Entertainment. See also [[#Variations|Variations]] section.</ref> They choose to cooperate and they plan to invade several areas in the realm of Magix and seek vengeance on those who imprisoned them, stealing the magic treasure and power source from each realm. The Winx Club begins its third year in Alfea and the girls learn about their unique [[Enchantix]] transformations, acquired by showing examples of courage and altruism.
After announcing his run on ''Meet the Press'' Nader announced that he had chosen former [[San Francisco]] president of the Board of Supervisors and [[Texas]] native [[Matt Gonzalez]] as his running mate on [[February 28]], [[2008]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/28/nader-picks-running-mate/ |title=Nader picks running mate|date=2008-02-28|work=CNN |publisher=CNN.}}</ref> Gonzalez was a supporter of Nader in 2000 and 2004, and has a background as a [[public defender]] and [[civil rights]] [[attorney]]. He narrowly lost the San Francisco mayoral election to Democrat [[Gavin Newsom]] in 2003. <ref>{{cite news|url=http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/02/28/nader-announces-vp-pick/|title=Nader Announces Pick for Vice President|date=2008-02-28|work=New York Times|publisher=New York Times|author=Alexovich, Ariel}} </ref>


===Season 4===
While campaigning at his alma mater [[Princeton University]], Nader gave a lecture entitled "The Corporate State and the Destruction of Democracy." He discussed the "political bigotry against third parties" and the lack of limitations on the power of corporations. Nader described his plans for reform, including [[Universal health care|single-payer national health insurance]], cuts to the military budget, crackdowns on corporations, and a repeal of the 1947 [[Taft-Hartley Act]]. <ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/2008/03/10/20412/|title=Nader ’55 calls for more civic activism |date=2008-03-10|work=The Daily Princetonian|publisher=Princeton University|author=Shamma, Tasnim}} </ref>
<!-- {{main|Winx Club (season four)}} -->
At the 2008 Licensing Show in New York it was revealed that a new season will be released in 2009 featuring all-new power transformations. The flyers handed out also mention the Winx coming to earth, possibly indicating this is the new place of their adventures.


==Characters==
On [[March 9]], Nader visited [[West Chester, Pennsylvania]] where he talked with the Chester County Historical Society about protection of the "victims" of "corporate crooks". He stated that taxes should be levied first on polluters, gamblers and corporations, and that taxes should be lowered on [[Labour (economics)|labor]] and necessities. He called for a withdrawal of American troops from [[Iraq]] criticizing the current presidential candidate's stance on the war, "Children not even born yet today will be in Iraq under these [current] candidates...We will bring our troops home".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailylocal.com/WebApp/appmanager/JRC/Daily;!-1410432021?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=pg_article&r21.pgpath=%2FDLN%2FHome&r21.content=%2FDLN%2FHome%2FTopStoryList_Story_1711496|title=Nader visits Chester County|date=2008-03-09|work=Daily Local|publisher=Daily Local|author=Lynch, Danielle }} </ref>
===Winx Club===
<!-- DON'T REMOVE THIS NOTICE!: To all future editors, please consider adding any new additional content in the respective article of the Winx Club characters. That is, Bloom (Winx Club) etc.-->
<!-- If you want to add individual images of the girls, use TV screenshot and remove following image(s): Image:Winxclubandpixies.jpg -->
[[Image:Winxclubandpixies.jpg|right|frame|125px|The Winx Club and Pixies. Top row, from left to right: Amore, [[Stella (Winx Club)|Stella]], [[Tecna (Winx Club)|Tecna]], Digit. Second row, from left to right: Lockette, [[Bloom (Winx Club)|Bloom]], [[Flora (Winx Club)|Flora]], Chatta. Bottom row, from left to right: Piff, [[Layla (Winx Club)|Layla]], [[Musa (Winx Club)|Musa]], Tune.]]


'''[[Bloom (Winx Club)|Bloom]]''': She discovered her dormant magical powers after coming to the aid of another fairy, Stella. Strong and caring, she is always available to help her friends. Shortly after arriving at Alfea she discovers that her powers of fire come from the ancient Dragon's Flame, of which she is the seventh known guardian. She is the princess of the planet Domino<ref name = "Dominonote"/>, her birthplace. She owns a blueish bunny named Kiko. Her pixie is Lockette, the pixie of mazes and portals.
In [[April 2008]], Nader praised [[Jimmy Carter]]'s plan to visit the Middle East saying:
"It is time for all retired military, diplomatic and national security officials from both parties who agree with Carter - and there are many - to band together and launch the Washington Peace Show leading to what a majority of Palestinians and Israelis want - a viable two-state solution." <ref>[http://www.votenader.org/blog/2008/04/10/jimmy-carter/ Jimmy Carter - Ralph Nader for President in 2008<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


'''[[Stella (Winx Club)|Stella]]''': She is a talkative student who often gets average or low grades, but always pulls through with the help from her friends. She tends to be spontaneous and dislikes extensive planning, but she is able to recognize when her help is needed. Stella is also infamous amongst the Alfea houses for blowing up a laboratory [trying to invent a new shade of pink] and being kept back a grade, thus she is a year older than all the other Winx Club fairies. She has the power of the Sun and the Moon because her mother represents the moon and her father the sun. She is the princess of the planet Solaria, her birthplace. Her pixie is Amore, the pixie of love. She is very energetic and emotional.
{{wikinews|Nader chosen as the presidential nominee of the Peace and Freedom Party}}
Nader was selected as the presidential candidate of the Peace and Freedom Party at its convention on [[August 2]]. He received 46 delegate votes (60.7%) defeating [[Gloria La Riva]], [[Brian Moore]] and [[Cynthia McKinney]] who also vied for the nomination. The distinction gave Nader instant ballot access in California. <ref>{{cite news|url=http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Nader_chosen_as_the_presidential_nominee_of_the_Peace_and_Freedom_Party|title=Nader chosen as the presidential nominee of the Peace and Freedom Party|date=2008-08-08|work=Wikinews|publisher=Wikimedia Foundation|author=Saturn, William}} </ref>


'''[[Flora (Winx Club)|Flora]]''': Flora is a very kind-hearted and sensitive girl with a passion for nature and life. Happy,and introverted,she is always a sweet, loyal friend, and doesn't believe in hurting others or the environment. She is extremely fond of plants and nature, and her room consequently resembles a greenhouse. She has the power of Nature, which allows her to use plants in her attacks and natural predators to exterminate pests. She comes from the planet Linphea, or was used to be known as the fifth moon of marigold. Her pixie is Chatta, the pixie of gossip.
==Polls==
In a [[Zogby International poll]] released March 15, 2008, Nader received 6% of the vote in a McCain-Clinton-Nader race and 5% in a McCain-Obama-Nader race. According to pollster [[John Zogby]], a self-described [[Democrat]], "Nader’s presence in the race can potentially turn a lulu of a race into an absolute tizzy. The messages to Democrats are clear – number one, Nader may win enough support to get into the general election debates. Number two, what could be at risk is support among several key constituencies that the Democratic Party candidate will need to win in November, notably younger voters, independents, and progressives.” <ref>[http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.dbm?ID=1467 Zogby International<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> However, according to pollster Mark Blumenthal, such an effect is overstated. <ref>http://www.nationaljournal.com/njonline/mp_20080710_1658.php</ref>


'''[[Musa (Winx Club)|Musa]]''': Musa loves all forms of music. Although she tries to put up a tough front, isolate herself, and is often pessimistic, she is a loyal and caring friend. In spite of her laid-back nature, Musa has the best grades of the entire Winx Club except Tecna. She is pale, Asian in appearance, with blue-black pigtails and blue eyes. She has the power of Music, and she gets her energy from all kinds of music. She comes from the heart of Melody. Her pixie is Tune, the pixie of manners, who often gets on Musa's nerves since they are almost the exact opposite of each other's personalities.
A Lansing-based EPIC-MRA poll concluded that Democratic presidential candidate [[Barack Obama]] would perform better against Republican [[John McCain]] among Michigan voters than Democrat [[Hillary Clinton]]. In the poll, taken April 4-9, 2008, presidential candidate [[Ralph Nader]] received 10 percent of the vote in the hypothetical McCain-Clinton election. McCain received 46 percent of the vote to Clinton's 37. In the McCain-Obama situation, conversely, Nader received 8 percent, while Obama led McCain 43 to 41 percent, leaving the Obama victory unaffected. <ref>[http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8163203 WOODTV.com & WOOD TV8: Grand Rapids news, weather, sports and video | Obama does better against McCain than Clinton in Michigan poll<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


'''[[Tecna (Winx Club)|Tecna]]''': Tecna is always logical and rational, and initially had trouble expressing her emotions. She speaks in a technical and a matter-of-fact manner. She is extremely intelligent and strong in technology and mathematics and enjoys playing video games and dismantling stuff. She can act cold and rational at times, but always tries to do the right thing. She has the power of Technology and can control everything provided by Technology. She comes from the planet Zenith . Her pixie is Digit who has similar powers.
A mid-September 2008 CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll found that Nader has the support of 4 percent of those polled, with Libertarian candidate [[Bob Barr]] and Green Party candidate [[Cynthia McKinney]] each at one percent.<ref>{{cite news |date= September 22, 2008 |title=CNN Poll: GOP takes brunt of blame for economy, Obama gains |author=Paul Steinhauser |publisher=CNN |url=http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/22/republicans-blamed-obama-gains-over-financial-crisis/ }}
</ref>


'''[[Layla (Winx Club)|Layla]]''': (In Italy she is called "Aisha") Layla is the Princess of Andros (in the italian version), but in the 4kid's dub, she is from the planet of Tides. She has a restless, rebellious, and wild nature. Layla is a good athlete, fighter, dancer, and wind-raider rider. She is also a feminist, and thus opposes Riven, a chauvinist. She has the power of Fluids, and has the ability to manipulate a pink fluid called "Morfix" to take on any form she chooses. She joins the Winx Club in season two and brings her pixie friends along with her. Her pixie is Piff, the pixie of sweet dreams, who quite frequently helps her with her troubling nightmares.
==Grassroots efforts==
The Nader 2008 campaign is relying heavily on [[grassroots]] organizing. The "Roadtrip for Ralph" effort sends Nader supporters to states to get Nader on the ballot.<ref>[http://www.votenader.org/blog/2008/03/26/update-from-new-mexico/ New Mexico Roadtrip Update - Ralph Nader for President in 2008<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


===Ballot access===
===The Trix===
<!--Please put further info in the main article - List of minor Winx Club characters.-->
For [[Ballot access in the United States of America|ballot access]] in most states, the Nader campaign must circulate nominating [[Petition#Modern use|petitions]], with varying numbers of signatures and deadlines, to get on the ballot. In some states, the requirements for ballot access are lower for new parties than for Independents, so Nader is attempting to qualify as the candidate of the Independent Party (composed of Nader supporters). Nader qualified for the 2008 [[New Mexico]] ballot using the new party procedure, rather than qualifying as an independent, because the number of signatures for a new party is only one-sixth as many signatures. <ref>([[2008]]-[[04-25]]) [http://www.ballot-access.org/2008/04/25/naders-independent-party-is-on-new-mexico-ballot/ Nader’s Independent Party is on New Mexico Ballot], Ballot Access News.</ref> The campaign has also turned in petition in [[Hawaii]], which requires 663 signatures. The Independent Party turned in approximately 2,100 <ref>([[2008]]-[[04-03]])[http://www.ballot-access.org/2008/04/03/green-party-and-independent-party-submit-hawaii-petitions/ Green Party and Independent Party submit Hawaii petitions], Ballot Access News.</ref>.
{{main|The Trix}}
[[Image:Winxtrix.jpg|thumb|150px|The Trix. From left to right: Stormy, Darcy, and Icy.]] The Trix are an evil trio of teenage witch sisters who attended the Cloudtower<ref name = "Noteredcloud"/> School for Witches (only in the first season, after which they got expelled), which rivals Alfea. They are the enemies of the Winx Club.
*'''Icy''': The leader and eldest of the trio, her name refers to her powers of ice. She is quite charismatic. She despises Stella and is most competitive with her in the first season. In the second she is more spiteful towards Bloom. She is the most powerful of the three and thinks she is the most beautiful. She has long, white hair tied up high on her head. She wears blue. In comparison to her sisters she is less aggressive than Stormy and a little lighter than Darcy; she has a proper balance of her power. She is the eldest of her sisters.
*'''Darcy''': Darcy works with all forms of darkness, as her name suggests ("Darcy" meaning "Dark One"). She is the smartest of the Trix. She enjoys tormenting "pathetic pixies". In season one, she is most aggressive towards Musa because Musa loved Riven, who was Darcy's boyfriend in the first season. She has long, dark brown hair. She wears purple and interacts with boys more than all of her other sisters. In the first season, she ''used'' Riven to help defeat the Winx and later, abandoned him. Therefore, she plays a very important role in the first season. She is less aggressive than her sisters (especially Stormy). She is also rewarded as the most beautiful by her fans.
*'''Stormy''': The youngest of the trio, her powers involve wind, storms, and weather. She has the shortest temper of the group and is prone to violent outbursts. She is most aggressive towards Musa in season 2. She has purple, short curly and quite frizzy hair that looks like a storm has been through it. She often doesn't think before she does something. She secretly believes she is more powerful than her older sisters Darcy and Icy. She wears hot pink/dark purple. She looks quite hitty due to her hairstyle. She is the most aggressive sister of the trio.


===The Specialists===
==Endorsements==
{{main|List of minor Winx Club characters#The Specialists}}
*Reporter [[Chris Hedges]] <ref>([[2008]]-[[07-30]]) [http://www.votenader.org/blog/2008/07/30/hedges-voting-nader/ Chris Hedges:I'm voting Nader], www.votenader.org/blog</ref>
The Specialists are a group of students who attend an all-boys school near Alfea, Redfountain<ref name = "Noteredcloud"/> School For Specialists. Several Specialists have become the boyfriends of the Winx girls.
*Musician and poet [[Patti Smith]] <ref>Lithgow, Michael ([[2008]]-[[07-30]]) [http://artthreat.net/2008/03/newest-presidential-candidate- Awake from your slumber: Patti Smith & Ralph Nader music video], www.artthreat.net</ref>
*Former U.S. senator [[James Abourezk]]<ref>[http://www.c-spanarchives.org/library/index.php?main_page=product_video_info&tID=5&src=atom&atom=recent_q_and_a.xml&products_id=280479-1]</ref>
*Former [[Salt Lake City]] Mayor [[Rocky Anderson]]<ref>http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=3852420</ref>
*Musician and [[United States presidential election, 2000|2000 Election]] [[Green Party (United States)|Green Party]] candidate [[Jello Biafra]]{{Fact|date=August 2008}}
*[[Ben Stein]], speech-maker, actor, economist, lawyer <ref>Q & A with Ben Stein on C-SPAN, recorded ([[2008]]-[[07-18]]) [http://www.c-spanarchives.org/library/index.php?main_page=product_video_info&tID=5&src=atom&atom=recent_q_and_a.xml&products_id=280479-1]</ref>
*Musician [[Tom Morello]]{{Fact|date=August 2008}}
*Musician [[Nellie McKay]]{{Fact|date=August 2008}}
*Actor [[Val Kilmer]]{{Fact|date=August 2008}}
*Actress [[Brooke Smith (actress)|Brooke Smith]]{{Fact|date=August 2008}}
*Musician [[Justin Jeffre]] of [[98 Degrees]] <ref> http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/politicalnotebook/242619 </ref>
*[[Ron Paul]],<ref>([[2008]]-[[09-10]]) [http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/09/ron- paul-to-announce-presidential-endorsement-plans/], www.cnnpolitics.com</ref> former Republican presidential candidate in 2008, and ten-term [[United States Congress]]man. (Also endorsed [[Chuck Baldwin]], [[Bob Barr]], and [[Cynthia McKinney]] at the same time.)


*'''Sky''':The prince of Eraklyon, he feels stifled by his position. He has medium blond hair and is [[Bloom (Winx Club)|Bloom]]'s boyfriend. As he loves Bloom, he refuses to marry Princess Diaspro, the girl of his parents' choice.
==See also==
*'''Brandon''': Sky's squire, a great swordsman and ladies' man. He is sometimes conceited like Stella, a reason why they are a good match. He has short brown hair. He is [[Stella (Winx Club)|Stella]]'s boyfriend.
*[[Ralph Nader's presidential campaigns]]
*'''Timmy''': He acts as the [[geek]] of the group sometimes, from a long line of scientists. He has short ginger hair and is [[Tecna (Winx Club)|Tecna]]'s boyfriend. He is shy, sweet, and smart.
*[[Comparison of United States presidential candidates, 2008]]
*'''Riven''': A lone wolf, very competitive and good at sports. He has short spiked burgundy/dark pink hair. He is a chauvinist; he and Layla, a feminist, are in opposition. He is [[Musa (Winx Club)|Musa]]'s boyfriend.
*[[List of candidates in the United States presidential election, 2008]]
*'''Helia''': An artistic student, he is a great pilot and a pacifist. His uncle, Saladin, is the Headmaster of Redfountain<ref name = "Noteredcloud"/>. He has long blue hair tied into a loose ponytail. He is also very romantic and shy about directly speaking about his feelings. He is very good at using laser string glove (a fictional weapon in the show) and tries to help everyone with it. He is [[Flora (Winx Club)|Flora]]'s boyfriend. He was the top student in Redfountain<ref name = "Noteredcloud"/> until he decided to quit and dedicate his life to nature and poetry. He has rejoined Redfountain<ref name = "Noteredcloud"/> now.
*[[Third party (United States) presidential candidates, 2008]]
<!--Please put further info in the main article - List of minor Winx Club characters. NOTICE: Ophir/Prince Nabu is NOT a Specialist. Please do not add him to this list as he is already mentioned in the article of minor characters.-->


==The Realm of Magix==
==References==
<!-- NOTICE TO FUTURE EDITORS: DO NOT add additional locations to this section. This section should be limited to areas that have consistently been featured in more than one season of the series.-->
{{reflist|2}}
The '''Realm of Magix''' is an alternate universe where most of the series unfolds. It is also the name of a city in that universe. It is an enchanted and highly technologically-advanced universe of hospitable planets populated by fairies, witches, heroes, and monsters.


==External links==
===Alfea===
The '''Alfea School for Fairies''' is a young girls' boarding school for fairies in training. All of the Winx girls met and resided here and had a close relationship with its headmistress, [[List of minor Winx Club characters#Alfea|Ms. Faragonda]]. At Alfea, fairies learn to fight evil, help their planets, or, in many cases, become queens of their planets.
*[http://www.votenader.org Ralph Nader's Official Campaign Website]

*[http://www.greensvotingnader.info Ralph Nader Forums]
===Cloudtower===
{{United States presidential election, 2008}}
'''Cloudtower'''<ref name = "Noteredcloud"/> is a young girls' boarding school for witches in training, and for most of Season 1, it was the residence for the [[The Trix (Winx Club)|Trix]] witches. At Cloudtower,<ref name = "Noteredcloud"/> the witches learn about witchcraft. <!-- For the later episodes of season 1, the Trix took over Cloudtower and caused a disaster after they stole the Dragon's Flame from Bloom. Ms.Griffin is their headmistress. It is later revealed that she friends with Ms. Faragonda in season 2 and season 3-->
{{Ralph Nader}}

[[Category:Campaigns in the United States presidential election, 2008|Nader]]
===Redfountain===
'''Redfountain'''<ref name = "Noteredcloud"/> is a boys' boarding school for the next heroes, one forest away from Alfea. It teaches fighting and the use of technology. The Redfountain<ref name = "Noteredcloud"/> boys are taught how to go on dangerous missions and to fight for their respective planets. Redfountain<ref name = "Noteredcloud"/> and Alfea have a close relationship, and Miss Faragonda and Saladin have a long history that involves Bloom's past.

==Variations==
[[Image:Winxclublogo.png|thumb|250px|First season title screen from the 4Kids Entertainment version]]
<!--DO NOT REMOVE THIS NOTICE! This section is NOT to be turned into a definitive list of changes in the various localizations. Please consider mentioning any changes and edits in the respective season or character articles. Additionally, please consider providing a source to edits you might add.-->
The original Italian version of the Winx Club was dubbed by Cinelume Film Video for international distribution by Rai International, but was later redubbed, mainly for the US market, by [[4Kids]] corporation which modified the show to make it more suitable for an American audience. The original dub is commonly referred to as being the "Rai English" or "UK" (even though the UK airs the 4Kids version) version and is primarily screened in southeast Asia, including Singapore and Malaysia, while the 4Kids version is more common in English-speaking countries in the West (although Australia airs the 4Kids version, while New Zealand airs the other version).

4Kids altered the dialogue to include references to pop culture, fashion, and other issues familiar to American pre-teen audiences. Expressions and idioms were added or changed to their American equivalents, and extra narration was added to explain or even modifying some situations. Music was added or changed to make scenes seem more lively or upbeat.

In addition to altering the series to make it more familiar to domestic viewers, 4Kids also altered several scenes or plot elements. An example is located in the 10th episode of the 2nd season, "Crypt of the Codex" (Original English version) "Reaching for the Sky" (4Kids version). Timmy aims his weapon at the Trix (who are stealing Redfountain's<ref name = "Noteredcloud"/> Codex) but loses hope and is unable to bring himself to fire; his hesitation results in Tecna calling him a coward (the source of much of Tecna's frustration with Timmy that season). In the 4Kids adaptation, Timmy cannot fire because he is under the influence of a magic spell, and Tecna leaves to get help. Other changes include a general weakening of romantic elements contained within the show.

==Broadcasting==
{{Cleanup-section|date=January 2008}}
Since its Italian premiere on [[January 28]], [[2004]], on [[Rai Due]] in [[Italy]], Winx Club has been broadcast on six continents.
* In [[Greece]], it has aired on Alter season 1,2 & 3
* In [[Romania]], it aired on TVR2.
* In [[Albania]], it airs on Vizion+, season one and two.
* In [[Bulgaria]], it aired on [[Nova Television]].
* In the [[United States|U.S.]], it aired on the [[FoxBox]], later [[4Kids TV]], block on most [[FOX]] stations between June 2004 and September 2007, and again from April 2008 onwards. Reruns of season 1 were also briefly shown on Cartoon Network. Americans can also view the show online at 4Kids' website.
* In [[Wales]] on [[S4C]] (uncut version with [[Welsh language|Welsh]] soundtrack) it airs at 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and at 4 p.m. on Wednesdays.
* In [[Australia]] (Public TV), [[Network Ten]] airs it on its [[Toasted TV]] block.
* In [[Canada]], it airs on [[YTV (Canadian television)|YTV]].
* In [[Brazil]], it airs on [[Sistema Brasileiro de Televisão|SBT]], [[Cartoon Network]], and Boomerang.
* In [[Indonesia]], it airs on [[Lativi]].
* In [[Israel]], it airs on ערוץ הילדים (The Kids Channel).
* In [[Finland]], it airs on MTV3 (channel information link now unavailable)
* In [[United Kingdom]], it airs on the [[Pop Girl]] channel; previously, it had aired on [[GMTV]] and [[Nickelodeon UK]].
* In [[India]], it airs on [[Cartoon Network]] and [[Pogo]].
* In [[Turkey]], it airs on [[Kanal D cocuk]] (Seasons 1-2) and [[Kanal D]] (season 3).
* In [[Russia]], it airs on СТС (Season 3).
* In [[Portugal]], it airs on TVI.
* In [[Hong Kong]], it airs on TVB (Seasons 1-2).
* In [[South Africa]], it airs on [[SABC 1]](Currently Season 2).
It is also broadcast on cable and satellite networks in [[United States|U.S.]], [[Latin America]], [[Brazil]], and [[Spain]]. In Australia , Southeast [[Asia]], the [[Philippines]], [[India]], [[Hong Kong]], [[Pakistan]] ,[[South Korea]] and [[Taiwan]], Winx airs (or has aired) on those regions' local variant of the [[Cartoon Network]]. In [[Portugal]], it is shown on [[Canal Panda]]. In [[Benelux]] and [[Scandinavia]], it is shown on [[Nickelodeon (TV channel)|Nickelodeon]]. In Germany, Winx Club is shown on [[RTL II]] (Seasons 1-2) and [[Nickelodeon (TV channel)|Nick]] (Seasons 1-3). In [[Belgium]] it is aired on [[VT4]], in [[Hungary]] on [[RTL Klub]], in [[Poland]] on [[ZigZap (television station)|ZigZap]], in [[Slovenia]] on [[POP TV]] and in [[Slovakia]] on [[TV Markíza]].

<!-- The version that has been edited by 4Kids and voiced with their voice actors airs in almost all English-speaking countries that have aired the show, with only a handful of exceptions (India, Singapore and New Zealand). -->

In The Netherlands, [[Jetix]] wanted to broadcast the US version, but [[Nickelodeon (TV channel)|Nickelodeon]] acquired the rights first and decided to broadcast the original version instead.

== Other media ==
=== Feature Film ===
A [[Computer Animation|CGI]] feature film, ''[[Winx Club - Il Segreto Del Regno Perduto]]'' (''The Secret Of The Lost Kingdom''), was announced in late 2006, and released in [[Italy]] on November 30, 2007. It was released on February 22, 2008 in [[Turkey]] and on April 16, 2008 in the [[Netherlands]]. The plot of the film revolves around Bloom's origins, and takes place after the events of the [[Winx Club (season three)|third season]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.rbw.it/films.htm |title= FEATURE FILMS |accessdate= 2006-11-12 |author=Rainbow S.p.A. |authorlink= Rainbow S.p.A.}}</ref>. The [http://www.winxclubthemovie.com official website of the movie] covers several markets, with release dates and other information.

It was announced at the Licensing Show 2008 that a 2nd movie would be released at Christmas 2009.

===Theatre===

In September 2005, the "Winx Power" musical show began in Italy.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.rbw.it/theatre.asp |title= Winx Power Music Show |accessdate= 2006-11-15 |author=Rainbow S.p.A. |authorlink= Rainbow S.p.A.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.winxclubontour.com/ |title= Winx Club On Tour |accessdate= 2006-11-15 |author=Winx Club On Tour}}</ref> After a successful tour in Italy, it also expanded to Belgium and the Netherlands.

Also, November 2008 will see the launch of "Winx On Ice", an ice show <ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.winxonice.it/index.html|title= Winx On Ice |accessdate= 2008-05-20 |author=Winx On Ice}}</ref>.

===Video Games===
Winx Club has been adapted into video games for the [[PlayStation 2]], [[Game Boy Advance]], [[Nintendo DS]], and PC, all published by [[Konami]].

Winx Club video games include:
*[[Winx Club (video game)|Winx Club]] (Game Boy Advance)
*[[Winx Club (video game)|Winx Club]] (PC & PS2)
*[[Winx Club: Join the Club]] (PSP)
*[[Winx Club: The Quest for the Codex]] (DS & GBA)
*[[Winx Club: Mission Enchantix]] (DS & GBA)

The Licensing Show 2008 has also revealed that a Winx game for the [[Wii]] console will be released in October 2009.

===DVD Collection===
In North America, the entire first season of the Winx Club is available as a five-disc collection. The first of the series, ''Winx Club Volume 1 - Welcome to Magix'', was released on [[July 12]], [[2005]]. The first DVD of Season Two, ''Layla and the Pixies'', was released in 2007, and the second volume, ''Battle for the Codex'', came out in September 2007. The first DVD of Season Three, "''The Princess Ball''", will be released on October 14, 2008<ref>[http://www.amazon.com/Winx-Club-Princess-Ball-Season/dp/B001C4ZQAM/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1216790218&sr=8-1 Amazon.com: Winx Club - Princess Ball - Season 3, Part 1: Movies & TV<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>.

In [[Europe]], various DVD releases of the show are available in several languages. The Italian DVDs of the first two seasons also feature the English dub. Season Three DVDs with only the Italian soundtrack are available as well.

In [[Australia]], Magna Pacific released the entire First and Second Season in DVD using the 4Kids dub, while in [[Singapore]], Vinci has distributed DVDs of the first 2 seasons featuring the original English dub.

==Merchandising==
In the [[United States]], 4Kids Entertainment holds the licensing rights to the series and has licensed the Winx Club name and image to an assortment of children's apparel and books. Toys such as dolls made by [[Mattel]] and a card game created with [[Upper Deck Entertainment]] are available in major stores such [[Wal-Mart]] and [[Toys R Us]].

In [[Europe]], Italian candy manufacturer [[Ferrero SpA|Ferrero]] began to distribute plastic Winx [[figurine]]s as prizes inside their [[Kinder Surprise]] chocolate eggs. Also, a monthly Winx comic book has been published, although its storylines have generally not been related to that of the animated series.

In [[Singapore]], bags, clothing and similar items are available. The dolls are the "third most popular dolls in the world" and merchandise sales are over 1 billion euros per year as of 2007.<ref>[http://www.lifeinitaly.com/news/news-detailed.asp?newsid=5289 &Nbsp Winx Fairies Head To Cannes<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

== See also ==
* [[List of Winx Club episodes]]
* [[List of minor Winx Club characters]]
* [[List of magical creatures in Winx Club]]

== Notes and references ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{wikiquote}}
* [http://www.winxclub.com/ Official website] Available in multiple languages including that in English currently for the United Kingdom
* [http://www.winxclubthemovie.com/ Official website for the theatrical film] {{It icon}} {{Nl icon}} {{En icon}}
* [http://www.pixiefun.com/ Pixie Fun] {{It icon}}, {{Nl icon}} Operated by Rainbow S.p.A.

'''Broadcaster websites'''
* [http://www.4kids.tv/show/winx Website] operated by 4Kids Entertainment
* [http://www.ytv.com/programming/shows/winx_club/index.asp?showID=294 Winx Club] at [[YTV (Canadian television)|YTV]]
* [http://www.pbmcube.com/pbm3/game-arcade/42/winx.html Winx online Games] at [[PBMCube]]

{{Winx Club}}

[[Category:Television articles that need to differentiate between fact and fiction]]
[[Category:Animated television series]]
[[Category:Italian television series]]
[[Category:Italian animation]]
[[Category:Fantasy television series]]
[[Category:Winx Club]]
[[Category:2004 television series debuts]]

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[[lt:Winx Club]]
[[hu:Winx Club]]
[[nl:Winx Club]]
[[no:Winx Club]]
[[pl:Klub Winx]]
[[pt:Clube das Winx]]
[[ro:Winx Club]]
[[ru:Школа волшебниц - Winx Club]]
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Revision as of 01:00, 14 October 2008

Winx Club
File:Winx intertitle IT season 2.jpg
The Italian title card for the series since season 2. That of season 1 has the yellow, sightly smaller logo and no web address. The edited version made by 4Kids Entertainment in the United States - also shown in the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia - uses a different intro and title card.
GenreContemporary fantasy
Created byIginio Straffi
Country of origin Italy
Original languageItalian
No. of seasons3
No. of episodes78 (list of episodes)
Production
Running timeApprox. 22 min each
Original release
NetworkRai Due
ReleaseJanuary 28, 2004 –
Present

Winx Club is a 2004 Italian animated fantasy/adventure series created by Iginio Straffi and produced by Rainbow S.p.A.. The seventy-eight episodes series is aimed toward children between the ages of six and fourteen[1] and has spawned an international franchise of toys, books, clothing, DVDs and a CGI feature film.

It was revealed at the Licensing Show 2008 in New York that Winx will return for a 4th season in 2009, along with a 2nd movie slated for Christmas that year.

Plot

Season 1

Main article: Winx Club (season one)

An ordinary girl from the planet Earth, Bloom lives a perfectly normal life in the city of Gardenia until she meets Stella, a princess from the planet Solaria, who is in trouble. Coming to Stella's aid, Bloom discovers her magical powers. Stella persuades Bloom to join Alfea, the best fairy school in all the realms. In Alfea Bloom forms the Winx Club, whose members are her four friends and roommates: Stella, Musa, Tecna, and Flora. Later in the series they encounter and befriend the Specialists: Brandon, Riven, Timmy, and Sky. The Specialists will also become their love interests. They will also encounter their enemies, a trio of witches named the Trix: Icy, Darcy, and Stormy. They are witches from Cloudtower,[2] a witch school roughly equivalent to Alfea, in search for the power of the Dragon's Flame (called Dragon Fire in the 4kids version) supposedly in Stella's magic ring. Their ruthless pursuit of the ring leads to many encounters and battles with the Winx Club. Bloom also begins to learn the secrets of her planet, parents and powers.

Season 2

Main article: Winx Club (season two)

After their summer vacation, the Winx Club returns to Alfea to begin their second year. They meet a new fairy, Layla, who asks for their help in rescuing her pixie friends held hostage by Lord Darkar. Lord Darkar wants to find out where the Pixies' Village is in order to steal the four pieces of the Codex (one each in Pixie Village, Redfountain,[2] Cloudtower,[2] and Alfea) which open the portal to the Realm of Realix, where the Ultimate Power can be found. The Trix also meet Lord Darkar and decide to assist him in his quest. Lord Darkar is actually the "Shadow Phoenix" who wants to take control of the magical realm. Later, he is able to use Bloom to summon open the portal to Realix. The girls also meet another Specialist, Helia, who becomes the love interest for Flora.

Season 3

Main article: Winx Club (season three)

Previously banished to the Omega Dimension, the Trix are able to escape with Valtor[3], a sorcerer partially responsible for the destruction of Bloom's home realm, Domino[4] They choose to cooperate and they plan to invade several areas in the realm of Magix and seek vengeance on those who imprisoned them, stealing the magic treasure and power source from each realm. The Winx Club begins its third year in Alfea and the girls learn about their unique Enchantix transformations, acquired by showing examples of courage and altruism.

Season 4

At the 2008 Licensing Show in New York it was revealed that a new season will be released in 2009 featuring all-new power transformations. The flyers handed out also mention the Winx coming to earth, possibly indicating this is the new place of their adventures.

Characters

Winx Club

File:Winxclubandpixies.jpg
The Winx Club and Pixies. Top row, from left to right: Amore, Stella, Tecna, Digit. Second row, from left to right: Lockette, Bloom, Flora, Chatta. Bottom row, from left to right: Piff, Layla, Musa, Tune.

Bloom: She discovered her dormant magical powers after coming to the aid of another fairy, Stella. Strong and caring, she is always available to help her friends. Shortly after arriving at Alfea she discovers that her powers of fire come from the ancient Dragon's Flame, of which she is the seventh known guardian. She is the princess of the planet Domino[4], her birthplace. She owns a blueish bunny named Kiko. Her pixie is Lockette, the pixie of mazes and portals.

Stella: She is a talkative student who often gets average or low grades, but always pulls through with the help from her friends. She tends to be spontaneous and dislikes extensive planning, but she is able to recognize when her help is needed. Stella is also infamous amongst the Alfea houses for blowing up a laboratory [trying to invent a new shade of pink] and being kept back a grade, thus she is a year older than all the other Winx Club fairies. She has the power of the Sun and the Moon because her mother represents the moon and her father the sun. She is the princess of the planet Solaria, her birthplace. Her pixie is Amore, the pixie of love. She is very energetic and emotional.

Flora: Flora is a very kind-hearted and sensitive girl with a passion for nature and life. Happy,and introverted,she is always a sweet, loyal friend, and doesn't believe in hurting others or the environment. She is extremely fond of plants and nature, and her room consequently resembles a greenhouse. She has the power of Nature, which allows her to use plants in her attacks and natural predators to exterminate pests. She comes from the planet Linphea, or was used to be known as the fifth moon of marigold. Her pixie is Chatta, the pixie of gossip.

Musa: Musa loves all forms of music. Although she tries to put up a tough front, isolate herself, and is often pessimistic, she is a loyal and caring friend. In spite of her laid-back nature, Musa has the best grades of the entire Winx Club except Tecna. She is pale, Asian in appearance, with blue-black pigtails and blue eyes. She has the power of Music, and she gets her energy from all kinds of music. She comes from the heart of Melody. Her pixie is Tune, the pixie of manners, who often gets on Musa's nerves since they are almost the exact opposite of each other's personalities.

Tecna: Tecna is always logical and rational, and initially had trouble expressing her emotions. She speaks in a technical and a matter-of-fact manner. She is extremely intelligent and strong in technology and mathematics and enjoys playing video games and dismantling stuff. She can act cold and rational at times, but always tries to do the right thing. She has the power of Technology and can control everything provided by Technology. She comes from the planet Zenith . Her pixie is Digit who has similar powers.

Layla: (In Italy she is called "Aisha") Layla is the Princess of Andros (in the italian version), but in the 4kid's dub, she is from the planet of Tides. She has a restless, rebellious, and wild nature. Layla is a good athlete, fighter, dancer, and wind-raider rider. She is also a feminist, and thus opposes Riven, a chauvinist. She has the power of Fluids, and has the ability to manipulate a pink fluid called "Morfix" to take on any form she chooses. She joins the Winx Club in season two and brings her pixie friends along with her. Her pixie is Piff, the pixie of sweet dreams, who quite frequently helps her with her troubling nightmares.

The Trix

Main article: The Trix
File:Winxtrix.jpg
The Trix. From left to right: Stormy, Darcy, and Icy.

The Trix are an evil trio of teenage witch sisters who attended the Cloudtower[2] School for Witches (only in the first season, after which they got expelled), which rivals Alfea. They are the enemies of the Winx Club.

  • Icy: The leader and eldest of the trio, her name refers to her powers of ice. She is quite charismatic. She despises Stella and is most competitive with her in the first season. In the second she is more spiteful towards Bloom. She is the most powerful of the three and thinks she is the most beautiful. She has long, white hair tied up high on her head. She wears blue. In comparison to her sisters she is less aggressive than Stormy and a little lighter than Darcy; she has a proper balance of her power. She is the eldest of her sisters.
  • Darcy: Darcy works with all forms of darkness, as her name suggests ("Darcy" meaning "Dark One"). She is the smartest of the Trix. She enjoys tormenting "pathetic pixies". In season one, she is most aggressive towards Musa because Musa loved Riven, who was Darcy's boyfriend in the first season. She has long, dark brown hair. She wears purple and interacts with boys more than all of her other sisters. In the first season, she used Riven to help defeat the Winx and later, abandoned him. Therefore, she plays a very important role in the first season. She is less aggressive than her sisters (especially Stormy). She is also rewarded as the most beautiful by her fans.
  • Stormy: The youngest of the trio, her powers involve wind, storms, and weather. She has the shortest temper of the group and is prone to violent outbursts. She is most aggressive towards Musa in season 2. She has purple, short curly and quite frizzy hair that looks like a storm has been through it. She often doesn't think before she does something. She secretly believes she is more powerful than her older sisters Darcy and Icy. She wears hot pink/dark purple. She looks quite hitty due to her hairstyle. She is the most aggressive sister of the trio.

The Specialists

Main article: List of minor Winx Club characters § The Specialists

The Specialists are a group of students who attend an all-boys school near Alfea, Redfountain[2] School For Specialists. Several Specialists have become the boyfriends of the Winx girls.

  • Sky:The prince of Eraklyon, he feels stifled by his position. He has medium blond hair and is Bloom's boyfriend. As he loves Bloom, he refuses to marry Princess Diaspro, the girl of his parents' choice.
  • Brandon: Sky's squire, a great swordsman and ladies' man. He is sometimes conceited like Stella, a reason why they are a good match. He has short brown hair. He is Stella's boyfriend.
  • Timmy: He acts as the geek of the group sometimes, from a long line of scientists. He has short ginger hair and is Tecna's boyfriend. He is shy, sweet, and smart.
  • Riven: A lone wolf, very competitive and good at sports. He has short spiked burgundy/dark pink hair. He is a chauvinist; he and Layla, a feminist, are in opposition. He is Musa's boyfriend.
  • Helia: An artistic student, he is a great pilot and a pacifist. His uncle, Saladin, is the Headmaster of Redfountain[2]. He has long blue hair tied into a loose ponytail. He is also very romantic and shy about directly speaking about his feelings. He is very good at using laser string glove (a fictional weapon in the show) and tries to help everyone with it. He is Flora's boyfriend. He was the top student in Redfountain[2] until he decided to quit and dedicate his life to nature and poetry. He has rejoined Redfountain[2] now.

The Realm of Magix

The Realm of Magix is an alternate universe where most of the series unfolds. It is also the name of a city in that universe. It is an enchanted and highly technologically-advanced universe of hospitable planets populated by fairies, witches, heroes, and monsters.

Alfea

The Alfea School for Fairies is a young girls' boarding school for fairies in training. All of the Winx girls met and resided here and had a close relationship with its headmistress, Ms. Faragonda. At Alfea, fairies learn to fight evil, help their planets, or, in many cases, become queens of their planets.

Cloudtower

Cloudtower[2] is a young girls' boarding school for witches in training, and for most of Season 1, it was the residence for the Trix witches. At Cloudtower,[2] the witches learn about witchcraft.

Redfountain

Redfountain[2] is a boys' boarding school for the next heroes, one forest away from Alfea. It teaches fighting and the use of technology. The Redfountain[2] boys are taught how to go on dangerous missions and to fight for their respective planets. Redfountain[2] and Alfea have a close relationship, and Miss Faragonda and Saladin have a long history that involves Bloom's past.

Variations

File:Winxclublogo.png
First season title screen from the 4Kids Entertainment version

The original Italian version of the Winx Club was dubbed by Cinelume Film Video for international distribution by Rai International, but was later redubbed, mainly for the US market, by 4Kids corporation which modified the show to make it more suitable for an American audience. The original dub is commonly referred to as being the "Rai English" or "UK" (even though the UK airs the 4Kids version) version and is primarily screened in southeast Asia, including Singapore and Malaysia, while the 4Kids version is more common in English-speaking countries in the West (although Australia airs the 4Kids version, while New Zealand airs the other version).

4Kids altered the dialogue to include references to pop culture, fashion, and other issues familiar to American pre-teen audiences. Expressions and idioms were added or changed to their American equivalents, and extra narration was added to explain or even modifying some situations. Music was added or changed to make scenes seem more lively or upbeat.

In addition to altering the series to make it more familiar to domestic viewers, 4Kids also altered several scenes or plot elements. An example is located in the 10th episode of the 2nd season, "Crypt of the Codex" (Original English version) "Reaching for the Sky" (4Kids version). Timmy aims his weapon at the Trix (who are stealing Redfountain's[2] Codex) but loses hope and is unable to bring himself to fire; his hesitation results in Tecna calling him a coward (the source of much of Tecna's frustration with Timmy that season). In the 4Kids adaptation, Timmy cannot fire because he is under the influence of a magic spell, and Tecna leaves to get help. Other changes include a general weakening of romantic elements contained within the show.

Broadcasting

Since its Italian premiere on January 28, 2004, on Rai Due in Italy, Winx Club has been broadcast on six continents.

It is also broadcast on cable and satellite networks in U.S., Latin America, Brazil, and Spain. In Australia , Southeast Asia, the Philippines, India, Hong Kong, Pakistan ,South Korea and Taiwan, Winx airs (or has aired) on those regions' local variant of the Cartoon Network. In Portugal, it is shown on Canal Panda. In Benelux and Scandinavia, it is shown on Nickelodeon. In Germany, Winx Club is shown on RTL II (Seasons 1-2) and Nick (Seasons 1-3). In Belgium it is aired on VT4, in Hungary on RTL Klub, in Poland on ZigZap, in Slovenia on POP TV and in Slovakia on TV Markíza.


In The Netherlands, Jetix wanted to broadcast the US version, but Nickelodeon acquired the rights first and decided to broadcast the original version instead.

Other media

Feature Film

A CGI feature film, Winx Club - Il Segreto Del Regno Perduto (The Secret Of The Lost Kingdom), was announced in late 2006, and released in Italy on November 30, 2007. It was released on February 22, 2008 in Turkey and on April 16, 2008 in the Netherlands. The plot of the film revolves around Bloom's origins, and takes place after the events of the third season[5]. The official website of the movie covers several markets, with release dates and other information.

It was announced at the Licensing Show 2008 that a 2nd movie would be released at Christmas 2009.

Theatre

In September 2005, the "Winx Power" musical show began in Italy.[6][7] After a successful tour in Italy, it also expanded to Belgium and the Netherlands.

Also, November 2008 will see the launch of "Winx On Ice", an ice show [8].

Video Games

Winx Club has been adapted into video games for the PlayStation 2, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and PC, all published by Konami.

Winx Club video games include:

The Licensing Show 2008 has also revealed that a Winx game for the Wii console will be released in October 2009.

DVD Collection

In North America, the entire first season of the Winx Club is available as a five-disc collection. The first of the series, Winx Club Volume 1 - Welcome to Magix, was released on July 12, 2005. The first DVD of Season Two, Layla and the Pixies, was released in 2007, and the second volume, Battle for the Codex, came out in September 2007. The first DVD of Season Three, "The Princess Ball", will be released on October 14, 2008[9].

In Europe, various DVD releases of the show are available in several languages. The Italian DVDs of the first two seasons also feature the English dub. Season Three DVDs with only the Italian soundtrack are available as well.

In Australia, Magna Pacific released the entire First and Second Season in DVD using the 4Kids dub, while in Singapore, Vinci has distributed DVDs of the first 2 seasons featuring the original English dub.

Merchandising

In the United States, 4Kids Entertainment holds the licensing rights to the series and has licensed the Winx Club name and image to an assortment of children's apparel and books. Toys such as dolls made by Mattel and a card game created with Upper Deck Entertainment are available in major stores such Wal-Mart and Toys R Us.

In Europe, Italian candy manufacturer Ferrero began to distribute plastic Winx figurines as prizes inside their Kinder Surprise chocolate eggs. Also, a monthly Winx comic book has been published, although its storylines have generally not been related to that of the animated series.

In Singapore, bags, clothing and similar items are available. The dolls are the "third most popular dolls in the world" and merchandise sales are over 1 billion euros per year as of 2007.[10]

See also

Notes and references

  1. ^ Rainbow S.p.A. "Winx Club". Retrieved 2006-11-15.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n In the Italian language version, the school for specialists and school for witches are called "Fonterossa" and "Torrenuvola" respectively. In the English dub by Cinélume, they are called "Redfountain" and "Cloudtower" respectively. The names are spelled "Red Fountain" and "Cloud Tower" in the edits made by 4Kids Entertainment. See also Variations section.
  3. ^ Spelled and pronounced "Baltor" in the edits made by 4Kids Entertainment. See also Variations section.
  4. ^ a b Called "Sparx" in the edits made by 4Kids Entertainment. See also Variations section.
  5. ^ Rainbow S.p.A. "FEATURE FILMS". Retrieved 2006-11-12.
  6. ^ Rainbow S.p.A. "Winx Power Music Show". Retrieved 2006-11-15.
  7. ^ Winx Club On Tour. "Winx Club On Tour". Retrieved 2006-11-15.
  8. ^ Winx On Ice. "Winx On Ice". Retrieved 2008-05-20.
  9. ^ Amazon.com: Winx Club - Princess Ball - Season 3, Part 1: Movies & TV
  10. ^ &Nbsp Winx Fairies Head To Cannes

External links

Wikiquote has quotations related to Winx Club.

Broadcaster websites

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