The Warner Premiere DVD release Batman: Gotham Knight recently gave us the first anime version of DC Comics’ caped crusader, and now Marvel is turning to Japanese animators to put their stamp on its superhero franchises. As part of an aggressive strategy to give Marvel properties greater exposure in international markets, Marvel Ent. Inc. is partnering with respected Japanese animation studio Madhouse to create characters inspired by the Marvel Universe for the Japanese market.
Madhouse will produce anime series based on Marvel’s world-renowned character library. In addition to getting stylistic makeovers, the characters will have their back-stories altered to interweave Japanese culture and history. The collaboration will result in a completely new character base, which will eventually cross over into the current Marvel Universe.
‘Marvel has continuously looked to push the boundaries with the Marvel Universe and seek new mediums for our characters,’ says Simon Philips, president of international and worldwide head of animation, wireless and gaming for Marvel Ent. ‘Madhouse is helping us expand the Marvel brand with a truly global vision tailored to themes and artistic styles popular in Japan, creating a uniquely localized and cross-cultural adaptation of the Marvel Universe.’
Madhouse is currently in production on the first of four new half-hour series scheduled to launch in spring 2010. The initial offerings will feature such characters as Iron Man and Wolverine. Madhouse ultimately plans to adapt the entire Marvel Universe for Japanese audiences.
‘We are incredibly excited to have this full collaboration with Marvel to create a completely new world that has never been done before in the Marvel Universe,’ comments Jungo Maruta, president and CEO of Madhouse Inc. ‘This will be the first time there will be a full Japanese anime style for Marvel, and the Madhouse creative team is fully engaged to bring this to a worldwide audience.’
The Marvel anime series will debut on ANIMAX, a 24-hour network dedicated to anime. Marvel and Madhouse will also be exploring related merchandising initiatives to support the new series.
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