UPDATED - See Below

Hollywood Reporter has announced that Marvel Entertainment is producing 26 half-hour episodes of Marvel Super Hero Squad for broadcast in 2009.

The Marvel Entertainment division said it is producing 26 half-hour episodes of a new “super stylized” animated series aimed at 6- to 8-year-olds. It will feature such well-known heroes as Iron Man, Hulk, Wolverine, Thor, Fantastic Four and Captain America; all occupy a caricatured Super Hero City and are thrust into humorous adventures as they thwart the villainous plans of Doctor Doom, Magneto, Loki, the Abomination and others.

I’ve included a shot of the toys above, for those unfamiliar with the line. This is such an awesome announcement from Marvel. With Iron Man and X-Men animated series coming next year, fans are excited.

When you add this show and DC’s Brave and the Bold, you’re looking at two prime opportunities to introduce new viewers to these characters. Hopefully that will translate to new comic readers as well.

Growing up, it seemed there was always a kid-friendly superhero animated show on Saturday mornings. Since DC’s success with Batman: The Animated Series in the early 90’s, the animated versions were more adult oriented. This marks a return to animation being for kids, which is a good thing.

2009 is shaping up to be a great year for superhero cartoons.

Updated - Video Game being developed as well.

MarvelousNews.com noted in their coverage that a video game is being developed and will be released in Fall 2009. No specific game systems were mentioned.

Lionsgate has moved the release date of Frank Miller’s The Spirit up to December 25–from the original January 16, 2009 date.

The January 16  date wasn’t a great date (too early in the new year, not a typical “movie event” date) and the Christmas Day release certainly fits the movie. I rally want to see a finished, full trailer for this film. The teaser that was recently released seemed early and rushed (perhaps for the New York Comic Con deadline). The images that have appeared look amazing, so that should translate to the screen.

Expect the marketing for this film to really gear up in the late Summer, more than likely starting at the San Diego Comic Con on July 24-27.

The World’s Finest has confirmed that The Batman Strikes will end with issue #50.

The Batman Strikes #50, the final issue of the series, will ship in October 2008. The issue will feature a Halloween-themed story.

Despite the fact that there are a host of stories for The Batman Strikes in various stages of completion, stories which would have taken the series past the 50th issue, DC Comics will be shutting down the series in October to make way for an comic spin-off of the upcoming Batman: The Brave and The Bold animated series. As for what stories will see print before the series comes to a close, stay tuned for details. Christopher Jones will be providing the artwork for the final issue of The Batman Strikes.

DC Comics is planning a host of new all-ages books to publish later this year, including the aforementioned Batman: The Brave and The Bold comic spin-off.

I met Art Adams about 18 years ago at Heroes Con and stood in line for hours to get a free sketch on the final day of the con. I’ve always been amazed by his work and love his style. He doesn’t produce a lot of work these days, so any new Art Adams work is great news.

The new Red Hulk has been interesting. I’ve not been a big fan of Loeb’s recent work, but the Red Hulk has been interesting so far and I’m still reading to see where it goes. Hopefully, King-Size Hulk #1 will fill in some of the mystery. Here’s Marvel’s description of this book on sale May 28:

He’s a big mass of red muscle and angrier than ever. Everyone’s new favorite red giant returns in a one-shot so big, we had to bypass a giant-size book and make it KING-SIZED! King-Size Hulk #1 features superstar Eisner Award-winning and Emmy-nominated writer Jeph Loeb and a phenomenal team of artists including Frank Cho, Art Adams and Herb Trimpe! Not only will this Earth-shaking issue patch up some holes, it’s going to make new ones as it lays down the foundation for new storylines in upcoming Hulk issues! Expect to see epic clashes between the only ones who can go toe-to-toe with the big red giant. We’ve got Hulk vs. She-Hulk, Hulk vs. Wendigo and one more jaw dropping fight that’s sure to leave you wanting more. Not only will this spectacular include fresh new bouts, but there are some classic Hulk tussles as well including The Incredible Hulk #180 and Avengers #83.

It’s an all-out clash of the titans in this one folks! There are battles left and right. With Wolverine and The Lady Liberators making their appearances in the classic issues, this one-shot is sure to impress. Want to know who the Hulk’s mystery opponent is? Get in and buckle-up because King Size-Hulk #1 is sure to be a thrill ride as each copy features both the Frank Cho and Art Adams covers! No kidding, Hulk gets the royal treatment in King Size-Hulk #1.

Here are 7 more preview images:

Marvel has posted the official Wolverine and the X-Men preview and it’s awesome. So many characters are in the preview, it’s hard to keep track. Best of all, keep your eyes peeled for an appearance by a certain green-skinned goliath by the name of the Hulk. Excellent.

Hopefully, Marvel will be able to put cameos like that in more of their cartoons as they move forward and retain better control over their properties. Control like that could make the 2011 Avengers movie very interesting.

Here are a few highlights from Marvel’s that will be in shops on Wednesday, May 7.

Amazing Spider-Man #558
The frighteningly funky and fearsome Freak returns, more powerful than ever! And this action-packed issue features the gorgeous art of Barry Kitson – fresh from Marvel’s THE ORDER! Plus: Menace! Curt Connors! Aunt May! Lots of innocent bystanders! Gale wrote it, Wacker edited it, and Marvel actually thought it was a good idea to publish it!
—- No, I didn’t like what Marvel did with One More Day, but the stories in ASM since then have been fresh and fun, just like a Spider-Man book should be. —-

Franklin Richards: Not-So-Secret Invasion #1
The secret is out and no one is safe…not even lovable little Franklin Richards and his robot pal, H.E.R.B.I.E.! The Skrulls have taken over the Baxter Building and it’s going to be intergalactic insanity for our dynamite duo in this not-quite-official tie-in! And if Frank and H.E.R.B. do manage to survive the Skrulls, they still have to deal with other invasions — from giant lizards, super-villains and evil robots!
—- More FF related fun by Marc Sumerak and Chris Eliopoulos. Great book for kids (and adults). —-

Invincible Iron Man #1
A bold new ONGOING TITLE for the biggest hero of 2008! IRON MAN! You know you love him! And as the summer’s most anticipated movie boot-jets its way into theaters, here’s the perfect jumping-on point for new readers and Iron Man fans alike! Tony Stark – Iron Man, billionaire industrialist and director of S.H.I.E.L.D. – faces the most overwhelming challenge of his life. Ezekiel Stane, the son of Tony’s late business rival and archenemy Obadiah, has set his sights, his genius and his considerable fortune on the task of destroying Tony Stark and Iron Man. What’s worse, he’s got Iron Man tech, and he’s every bit Iron Man’s equal and opposite…except younger, faster, smarter…and immeasurably evil. Rising star writer Matt Fraction (IMMORTAL IRON FIST) and superstar artist Salvador Larroca (UNCANNY X-MEN) join forces to repulsor-ray your comic books to a cinder!
—- I’m interested to see what Fraction does with Iron Man. Perfect time to bring back the Stane legacy. Too many variant covers though. —-

Mighty Avengers #13
SECRET INVASION TIE-IN! Where has Nick Fury been and who are the new Howling Commandos? It’s the debut of all-new characters and some surprising revelations about some classic ones as Nick starts to put his plan to stop the Invasion together. But will it be enough? The Eisner award-winning team of Bendis and Maleev bring this very important Secret Invasion issue to life.
—- This issue looks to answer a few long-time questions. Plus - Bendis and Maleev = good. —-

Secret Invasion #2
The Invasion is here!! The Marvel Universe is in shambles. The Skrull Empire’s plan has birthed itself into perfection. It is hero versus hero!! Resurrections and reunions!! Is Tony Stark a Skrull? And is that actually Captain America leading the heroes into a new era?? EXPECT CHANGE!!
—- Issue #1 was all kinds of awesome and Bendis has promised #2 holds the best cliffhanger of the series. This is the book to beat this summer. —-

Click to see all Marvel titles on sale May 7, 2008.

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