Marvel to Adapt New Superheroes for Japanese Market

NEW YORK, August 25: Marvel Entertainment is teaming up with
Japanese animation studio Madhouse to create new versions of its characters for
the Japanese market that will be used in four upcoming series.

Madhouse and Marvel will work together to visually adapt the
characters using anime, and their back stories and histories will interweave
with the local culture and history of Japan. The companies will also explore
related merchandising initiatives.

Production has begun on the first of four new series, which
are scheduled to launch in spring 2010 on Animax. The initial series will
feature the likes of Iron Man and Wolverine, with Madhouse looking to
eventually adapt the entire Marvel Universe, creating a new character base for
Marvel.

“Marvel has continuously looked to push the boundaries with
the Marvel Universe and seek new mediums for our characters,” said Simon
Philips, the president of international and worldwide head of animation,
wireless and gaming for Marvel Entertainment. “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. With over 35 years of experience developing and
producing worldwide entertainment hits, we are confident Madhouse will be able
to translate the vision of the Marvel Universe through the unique anime style,
to create captivating new entertainment that will thrill both new and old fans
alike.”

“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,” added Jungo Maruta, the president and CEO of Madhouse.
“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.”

—By Kristin Brzoznowski