Animated Superheroes

Wolverine Premiere Date and Videos!

2008-11-19T17:47:00.000-08:00

Marvel.com reports that the US premiere of Wolverine and the X-Men on Nicktoons will be January 23.

They have also posted two videos which I have embeded below. The first is a new trailer and the second is a behind-the-scenes peek at the show. Be sure to read the article on Marvel.com for all the details.

Date Set for Wonder Woman

2008-11-18T11:04:00.000-08:00

Comics Continuum reports that Warner Home Video has set March 3 as the release date for the DC Universe Original Animated Movie, Wonder Woman.

The film will be released as a single and 2-disc DVD, Blu-ray and various means of pay per view and digital download.

Here is a rundown of the bonus features on the 2-Disc DVD and the Blu-ray disc:

Audio commentary from Gregory Noveck (Senior Vice President, Creative Affairs, DC Comics), Bruce Timm (Producer), Lauren Montgomery (Director) and Michael Jelenic (Screenplay).

Wonder Woman: A Subversive Dream, a featurette focusing on the importance of Wonder Woman and the impact she had on society.

Wonder Woman: The Daughters of Myth, a featurette about the history of Amazons and how that shaped the creation of Wonder Woman.

Wonder Woman: The Amazon Princess, a featurette on the history of Wonder Woman featuring interviews with the cast and crew of the film.

Bruce Timm's Top Picks, like all of the DC Universe Original Animated Movies, the 2-Disc DVD and Blu-ray disc will come packaged with four TV episodes from the Timmverse that relate to the film's central character. This package will include Wonder Woman centric episodes from Justice League and Justice League Unlimited: To Another Shore, Hawk and Dove and Paradise Lost, Parts 1 & 2.

Sneak Peak of the next DC Universe Original Animated Movie

Digital Copy Download

Rise of the Blue Beetle!

2008-11-17T23:01:00.000-08:00

Season: 1
Episode Number: 1
Season Episode Number: 1
Production Number:
Airdate: November 14, 2008

Writer: Michael Jelenic
Director: Ben Jones

Voices: Diedrich Bader (Batman), Will Friedle (Blue Beetle), James Arnold Taylor (Green Arrow), Marc Worden (Kanjar Ro), Dee Bradley Baker (Clock King, Gibbles), Jason Marsden (Paco).

Plot: The Blue Beetle's suit takes him and Batman to a world that is being enslaved by the evil Kanjar Ro. With Batman's help, the Blue Beetle must prove that he is a hero to those depending on him.

Review (Warning! Spoilers!): As the first episode of this new version of Batman, it is important for the writers to establish exactly who this Batman is and what he stands for. Right off the bat we see the Caped Crusader and a Golden Age Green Arrow tied upsidedown to a giant pendulum that is swinging over a giant vat of acid. Harking back to the Filmation, Super Friends and Adam West days, this Batman is about over the top superhero fun.

Batman is not the broody, angsty anti-hero that we have grown accustomed to with Tim Burton's Batman movies, Batman: the Animated Series, The Batman and Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight. And I must say that it is sort of refreshing to see such a drastic change in character for this series. Fans looking for something new have welcomed this series with open arms and fans of the old Bats still have the DVDs to fall back on.

Rise of the Blue Beetle! jumps straight into proving to us that this Batman completely different. Within the first few minutes after the theme song we see that Batman is a hero in the public eye, he is welcome to partnerships and even wishes to be a mentor of sorts to the Blue Beetle, and is totally accustomed to flying around in outer space.

The writing, while a bit more juvenile than we are used to in a Batman series, is still quite good. There is a solid story with plenty of action and a great introduction to the newest incarnation of the Blue Beetle, Jamie Reyes. Jamie's character is true to his comic book roots, especially his naive attitude toward being a superhero.

Kanjar Ro makes a reference to killing a previous Beetle. This is probably a reference to the original Blue Beetle, Dan Garrett, who used the Scarab's powers before Jamie. Many will think that Kanjar Ro is making a reference to Ted Kord, but Kord never used the Scarab's powers because it was broken when he found it.

And speaking of Kanjar Ro, it is great to see one of the Justice League's oldest foes in this modern setting, and with his gong too!

There is plenty here for children and adults alike. The kids will love this fun and adventurous Batman, the goofy teamups and all the explosions, and the adults will love all the in-jokes, the solid animation and the wonderful musical score. If I have one criticism of this episode, it is that Batman's character seems a little too 1-dimensional. But I'm sure this will be developed in the coming episodes.

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Batman: the Brave and the Bold Theme Song

2008-11-16T06:21:00.000-08:00

Batman: the Brave and the Bold brings new life to the world of Batman as it takes on the lighter, classic side of the character as defined by the Dick Sprang comics and the Adam West series of the 60s. The theme song follows suit and introduces the show with a jazzy theme that reminds us that Batman is also about fun and adventure.

This theme is written by Andy Sturmer who has had previous success writing the themes for Teen Titans and the third season of The Batman. Much like these other two songs, Sturmer chose to go with a style that pays tribute to the Batman of the past. The song is instantly catchy and the Incredibles style big band instrumentals define the action/adventure aspect of the show.

Fans will get a kick out of reading all the names that make up the landscape in this 30 second intro. With Batman teaming up with a new character each week, it makes sense that the intro would give us a hint as what to expect in coming episodes.

These characters are seen partway through the intro: The Demon Etrigan and B'Wana Beast, Deadman and Dr. Fate, Fire and Red Tornado, Plastic Man and Guy Gardner, Bronze Tiger and Blue Beetle, Jonah Hex and Kamandi the Last Boy on Earth.

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Batman: the Brave and the Bold

2008-11-15T16:25:00.000-08:00

Season One

Ep #	Episode Title	Airdate
1	Rise of the Blue Beetle!	November 14, 2008
2	Terror on Dinosaur Island!	November 21, 2008
3	Evil Under the Sea!	November 28, 2008
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

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Tonight is the Night!

2008-11-14T11:47:00.000-08:00

Do I even need to remind you that tonight at 8pm on Cartoon Network is the world premiere of Batman: the Brave and the Bold?

...I didn't think so.

There are even more picture of the second and third episodes featuring Plastic Man and Aquaman out now. Check here to see them!

And check back here on Monday for my review of Rise of the Blue Beetle!

New Thor Series on the Horizon?

2008-11-14T08:35:00.000-08:00

It looks like Thor is going to be quite busy over the next few years! Not only is Thor taking on the Hulk in Hulk vs in January, he is starring in his own animated feature film, Thor: Tales of Asgard, later in 2009, he has his own live-action movie coming in 2010, and he will be a major player in the Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes series in 2011!

But now Reuters reports that Marvel is prepping Ol' Goldilocks for his own series to coincide with the feature film in 2010! The 26-episode season will feature Thor defending Asgard from his mortal and immortal enemies. From Reuters:

Marvel president of animation Eric Rollman said the series is part of the company's plan to follow each live-action movie with an animated series and "offer a continued awareness in the marketplace."

With Spectacular Spider-Man, Wolverine and the X-Men, Iron Man: Armored Adventures, Black Panther, Super Hero Squad, Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes and all of the upcoming DTVs, I'd say we are definitely aware of Marvel in the marketplace.

Future X

2008-11-14T06:32:00.000-08:00

Season: 1
Episode Number: 9
Season Episode Number: 9
Production Number: 109
Airdate: November 8, 2008

Writer: Chris Yost
Director: Nick Filippi

Voices: Steve Blum (Wolverine, Vanisher), Jim Ward (Professor X), Nolan North (Cyclops), Kari Wahlgren (Emma Frost), Danielle Judovits (Shadowcat), Roger Craig Smith (Forge, Hellion, Kamal), Kevin Michael Richardson (Bishop), Tara Strong (Marrow), Gwendoline Yeo (Domino), (Berzerker), Michael Ironside (Colonel Moss).

Plot: In the future, Xavier is captured by Sentinels and taken to a mutant concentration camp. With the help of Bishop, Xavier leads the mutants in an escape plan. Meanwhile in the present, Wolverine and the X-Men search for clues that will lead them to Master Mold.

Review (Warning! Spoilers!): Future X is the first episode of this series, other than the three part premiere, that directly follows the story from a previous episode. In this case, Future X follows Thieves Gambit. In that episode we were introduced to the major players behind the Sentinel Project as well as the inhibitor collars and Master Mold. This episode we get to see Wolverine doing a little bit of follow up.

While it is great to see the X-Men show up in this episode, they really don't need to be there. Iceman and Storm are there but don't have any lines, and Emma Frost and Forge have a few lines but don't really serve a purpose. Every member of the X-Men doesn't have to go on every mission. If the actors aren't being paid to be in all the episodes then maybe the characters don't need to be there either.

But I digress; the other half of this episode is what we should really be talking about. The bulk of this episode takes place in Xavier's future where mutants are being hunted down and taken to concentration camps where they are experimented on. It is here that we see a future version of Domino and are introduced to Bishop. We also meet Berzerker, whose only comic book appearance is X-Factor #11 in which he is killed, but has now made an appearance in two animated series (X-Men: Evolution being the other)!

It is also the animation debut of several new characters: Marrow (Sarah) and Hellion (Julian), two characters that are not surprising to see here due to their popularity in the comics, Vanisher (pictured right, holding the guns), a teleporter and one of the X-Men's oldest villains who pops up every seven years or so probably to retain Marvel's copyright on the character, and Kamal (pictured above left), one of Magneto's Acolytes who has the power to assume the properties of any mass he comes into contact with.

As with the use of Shadowcat's powers in the previous episode, Bishop displays an incredible display of force that can only be shown in animation. Even his powers in the 90s X-Men aren't as well thought out as they are here. I hope to see more of Bishop in the future.

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New Batman: B&B Pics

2008-11-13T08:55:00.000-08:00

LegionsOfGotham.org has posted a ton of new pictures from the second episode of Batman: the Brave and the Bold guest starring Plastic Man! Here is a small sample.

This is just to wet your appetite as tomorrow is the series premiere!

Cartoon Network - 8pm (not 7:30pm as previously reported).

Black Panther Gets His Voice

2008-11-12T07:16:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend it was announced that two-time Academy Award nominated actor Djimon Hounsou will be the voice of the Black Panther in the upcoming series based on the popular superhero.

Hounsou, whose career started with guest roles on 90210, ER, Alias and Stargate, really got mainstream recognition when he was nominated for a Golden Globe award for his role in Amistad in 1997. After another great role in Gladiator in 2000, Hounsou was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2004 for his role in In America. Two years later, he received another nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Blood Diamond.

Djimon Hounsou is a great choice for the voice of Black Panther and will bring much more credibility to the already highly anticipated series.

The Space Beast Round-Up

2008-11-06T06:47:00.000-08:00

Season: 1
Episode Number: 2
Season Episode Number: 2
Production Number: Unknown
Airdate: Unknown

Writer: George Kashdan
Director: Hal Sutherland

Voices: Ted Knight (Narrator, Interplanetary Hunters), Jerry Dexter (Aqualad), Julie Bennett (Wonder Girl), Tommy Cook (Kid Flash), Pat Harrington Jr. (Speedy).

Plot: Interplanetary Hunters unload their cargo over Earth in an attempt to bring stability to their faltering spacecraft. Amongst the cargo are three giant space beasts which the Teen Titans have to round up before they cause too much harm.

Review (Warning! Spoilers!): No one will deny there is a great deal of camp in these old Filmation cartoons. The plots, the dialogue, the music, the animation, everything adds up to be a classic, campy cartoon.

One of the campiest elements in this series is the Teens' constant need to call their teammates by nicknames. Speedy-O, Wonder Doll, Gill Head, Flasharoo, Davey Jones, Robin Hood and Twinkle Toes are just a few of the nicknames used in this series. In fact, you might not even know their real names if it weren't for the show's theme song!

The Space Beast Round-Up is the second of three seven-minute cartoons that Filmation produced for the Aquaman half of the Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure. Teen Titans had just been given their own comic book a year earlier so their popularity was new and people couldn't get enough of these teen versions of their favourite heroes!

The animated characters are a good representation of their comic book counterparts in terms of their personality (which isn't very much) and their powers.

However, some changes were made to Kid Flash and Wonder Girl's uniforms. The stars are missing from Wonder Girl's uniform and the boots are solid rather than made up of straps, probably for ease of animation; The yellow and red on Kid Flash's costume has been reversed and his hair has changed from red to black.

I'm not sure why such a drastic change was made for Kid Flash's costume. It could be that they wanted him to look more like the Flash, but then why didn't they change Speedy's costume to green or Aqualad's to orange?

DVD Releases:
DC Super Heroes: The Filmation Adventures

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New W&XM Trailer

2008-11-05T07:56:00.000-08:00

For those of you Americans that haven't been downloading the Canadian airings of Wolverine & the X-Men, here is a new trailer that Nicktoons has put together. With clips taken from the three-episode premiere, this trailer introduces us to the world the X-Men now live in and what they are up against.

Get Batman and Superman Today!

2008-11-04T10:34:00.000-08:00

Today is the day that fans of Batman: The Animated Series will be able to get their hands on the entire series in one fancy box! Batman: The Complete Animated Series hits the shelves today just in time for the start of the Christmas shopping season!

If you're like me, you've bought the four separate volumes that make up this series. But if you haven't picked up this set do it now. It is a great deal at $75 and is cheaper than buying the four separate volumes at half price!

Also released today ONLY AT BEST BUY is the 2-Disc Blu-ray Special Edition of Superman: Doomsday which isn't out until November 25. Best Buy is releasing this Blu-ray disc three weeks early as part of a special promotion highlighting DC Animation and the upcoming Wonder Woman DTV movie.

The 2-Disc Special Edition will feature new bonus features as well as four episodes of Superman: The Animated Series. The DVD version will be also be released on November 25.

Time Bomb

2008-11-03T06:35:00.000-08:00

Season: 1
Episode Number: 8
Season Episode Number: 8
Production Number: 108
Airdate: November 1, 2008

Writer: Len Uhley
Director: Steve Gordon

Voices: Steve Blum (Wolverine), Jim Ward (Professor X), Kari Wahlgren (Emma Frost), Nolan North (Cyclops), Danielle Judovits (Shadowcat), Fred Tatasciore (Beast), Yuri Lowenthal (Iceman), Kieren van den Blink (Rogue), A.J. Buckley (Toad), Mark Hildreth (Quicksilver), Stephen Stanton (Blob), James Patrick Stuart (Avalanche), Gwendoline Yeo (Domino), Liam O'Brien (Nitro), Grey DeLisle (Psylocke)

Plot: Professor X warns Wolverine from the future of an impending attack on Genosha that will wipe out half of the mutant population. That threat is Nitro, whom the Brotherhood kidnap in order to use his mutant ability to take down MRD facilities. But Nitro's ability to create massive explosions is too uncontrollable, even for Psylocke who is called in by the Brotherhood to telepathically control Nitro's powers.

Review (Warning! Spoilers!): After a few episodes without the X-Men, we are now treated to a full-on X-Men vs. Brotherhood battle, and it is a real treat. The show's writers have proven themselves capable character writers and no clearer is that statement than in this episode. There are over a dozen main characters in this episode and each one of them is written true to their unique character and personality. Each gets their own moment of greatness (although Storm has no lines in this episode despite being the climax's key player) that demonstrates their powers and how well they can use them.

The action and animation in this episode is top notch. The X-Men really function as a team which might seem weird because Wolverine just put this team together, but remember that they had years of experience before the explosion in episode one. Nowhere is the teamwork more obvious in this episode than when Wolverine yells "Stop saving me!"

Probably the most impressive use of powers in this episode is Shadowcat who really has a handle on what she can do. Her phasing abilities are seen here in ways that would be hard to recreate in comic book form. I can't wait to see the X-Men go up against a real threat like Apocalypse.

Time Bomb features Psylocke as a sympathetic player in the war against mutants. Since she looks normal, she is content to live her life as a normal person and not get involved in the battle. However, she does have a sense of honour and agrees to help Quicksilver only because he helped her in the past.

Psylocke's telepathic powers are revealed as she tries to control Nitro's powers. Psylocke's iconic psyonic butterfly is beautifully animated in a way much more unique than in Psylocke's previous animated form back in 1996. Her costume strays from her classic costume in favour of a more oriental looking outfit that closer resembles her current comic book uniform.

Not only does Time Bomb introduce us to a few new characters, but it also gets the series back on track and ready to face Magento which you can feel must be right around the corner!

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Hulk: Gamma Corps is No More

2008-11-02T14:50:00.000-08:00

According to Marvel Animation Age, it has been confirmed that the Marvel Animation project Hulk: Gamma Corps is now officially shelved. Well, sort of. Through a magical series of events, Hulk: Gamma Corps, while in the middle of pre-production, morphed into Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes, which was announced a month ago.

The creative team realized the opportunity to tell bigger and better stories than a Hulk series would support so the direction was changed to include all the members of the Avengers. Joshua Fine, Director of Animation Development for Marvel Animation:

It became apparent to us that the creative work that was being done to bring Hulk’s world and his villains to life was too good to relegate to his universe alone, and would be much better suited as part of an full-on Avengers scenario.

I have to say that I am happy that an Avengers series is being made instead of another Hulk series. With all the attention the Hulk is getting these days (Ultimate Avengers 1&2, Hulk vs, Next Avengers, Wolverine and the X-Men episode seven, the upcoming World War Hulk), is good to see Marvel giving some other heroes a chance -- although Hulk will be in this series too.

Hulk vs. DVD Cover Art

2008-11-02T06:29:00.000-08:00

The cover art for the January 27 release of the Hulk vs. animated feature film has been released and it is extra special! The single edition release of this film will include a special lenticular cover that switches from Hulk vs. Wolverine to Hulk vs. Thor depending on which way you turn the image.

The single disc release doesn't come with any special features except for writers commentaries a sneak peek of Wolverine and the X-Men (which us Canadians have already been watching) and Thor: Tales of Asgard, Marvel Animated Films' next big DVD release. This is the non-lenticular version of the cover:

For those who are looking for more bonus features, the 2-Disc Special Edition will include the same commentaries and sneak peeks along with an additional director commentary, This is Gonna Hurt: The Making of Hulk Vs Wolverine featurette, Fan Frenzy: Hulk Vs Wolverine at the 2008 San Diego Comic-Con featurette, Of Gods and Monsters: The Making of Hulk Vs Thor featurette, and a Jack Kirby and Thor featurette. However, this Special Edition doesn't get the lenticular packaging.

The Monster Machine

2008-11-02T06:05:00.000-08:00

Season: 1
Episode Number: 1
Season Episode Number: 1
Production Number: Unknown
Airdate: Unknown

Writer: George Kashdan
Director: Hal Sutherland

Voices: Ted Knight (Narrator, Computer), Jerry Dexter (Aqualad), Julie Bennett (Wonder Girl), Tommy Cook (Kid Flash), Pat Harrington Jr. (Speedy).

Plot: A giant robot emerges out of the ocean and the Teen Titans are alerted of its destructive nature. They set out to take care of the robot and find out where it came from.

Review (Warning! Spoilers!): The Teen Titans first formed when Robin, Aqualad and Kid Flash teamed up to take down Mr. Twister in Brave and the Bold #54 in 1964. Their next appearance was in Brave and the Bold #60 which introduced the character of Wonder Girl. Two years later the Teens are spun off into their own series and Speedy joined the group to create the founding team.

One year later, the Teen Titans debut in their very first animated series as part of the Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure. Three seven-minute shorts were created and starred all the original members minus Robin (whose absence is possibly due to the Adam West Batman TV series that was currently on the air).

The 'teens helping teens' premise of the comic book was ditched in favour of sci-fi superhero storytelling. In The Monster Machine, a classic sci-fi cliché is used: Giant robots.

The Monster Machine is a pretty standard episode as far as sixties television is concerned. The writing and acting in this episode reflects the era and the use of robots and aliens is something often found in plots during the early days of Filmation.

The individual members of the Teen Titans don't really get a whole lot of character development in this series. The Teens are written as a band of well-oiled robots. Each member knows his or her duties and stops the threat without any problems (although Aqualad gets knocked out, something that happens in almost every episode of Aquaman).

While this is classic television at its best, I would have liked to see the characters fleshed out a bit more. But I suppose that would be hard to do with only three seven-minute episodes.

DVD Releases:
DC Super Heroes: The Filmation Adventures

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How to Draw Comics the Simpsons Way

2008-10-31T16:04:00.000-07:00

Dean Fraser just finished up a Month of Marvel on Springfield Punx, a blog where Dean takes famous pop culture icons and turns them into Simpsons characters.

This is a great concept and I've been following this blog since it started in June. Dean covers everything from superheroes to movie and tv characters to hockey players to late night talk show hosts.

Be sure to check out the Month of Marvel for a different look at animated superheroes!

Batman:B&B Character Designs

2008-10-30T08:20:00.001-07:00

The November 14th premiere of Batman: The Brave and the Bold is just a few weeks away and here are some neat character designs to keep you drooling until then!

Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure Theme Song

2008-10-28T07:59:00.000-07:00

The theme song for the Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure is one that is not often seen these days. This is due to the 60 minute show being split into a 30 minute Superman show and a 30 minute Aquaman show for reruns, each with their own unique theme song.

This theme, written by John Marion Gart, introduces us to all of the cast in the show: Superman, Aquaman, Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkman, the Atom, and the Teen Titans. The only one missing from this opening is Superboy, but that might get confusing since Superman is also in this series.

John Marion Gart wrote this song in 1967 and also serves as the theme, sans lyrics, to all of the different segments of the show. Other work by John Marion Gart includes the background music for the Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure as well as the theme and background music for New Adventures of Superman and Batman/Superman Hour.

~~I need your help identifying some of these lyrics. No matter how many times I listen to this I can't quite make out some of the lines.~~ UPDATE: My awesome wife helped me out with a lot of these lyrics and Gene Phillips identified the Flash line! Thanks!

The Superman/Aquaman Hour of Adventure!

Superman! Aquaman!
All the super-duper heroes,
They always fight for what is right!
Live with danger and adventure,
They are Men of Might!

Superman, the Man of Steel
Performs super deeds with ease!
Aquaman's the bold and daring
King of the Seven Seas!

Hawkman, from another planet
Swoops down on the foe!
Nothing stops the Teen Titans
Anywhere they go!

Flash defies the eye to follow
With his super speed!
Against the force of evil
The Atom will succeed!

Green Lantern's power ring
Can accomplish anything!

Superman! Aquaman!
All the super superheroes
Are the Justice League of America,
Men of Might!

I should mention that I stole this video without permission from 12TVcartoon youtube profile so I figure I should give him a credit here. Check out his youtube profile and watch his videos!

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Plastic Man is coming to DVD!

2008-10-27T11:25:00.000-07:00

TV Shows on DVD points us toward News From Me, a blog by Mark Evanier, a comic book and animation writer.

In this post, Evanier tells the tale of how he went down to Warner Bros to record an interview for a couple of upcoming Warner Home Video animation DVD sets. One set in particular is of great importance to this site: The 1979 series Plastic Man Comedy/Adventure Show!

I'm sure this is very early news since the DVD features are just getting started, but I'll let you know when I find out more information!

Two-Minute Batman Preview of First Episode!

2008-10-23T07:01:00.000-07:00

Cartoon Network has posted a two-minute preview of the first episode of Batman: The Brave and the Bold featuring the Blue Beetle.

Unfortunately I am unable to watch it as it is only available to American viewers. I don't understand why that is. Oh well, the show premieres only a few short weeks away, on November 14, so I won't have to wait long! In the meantime, you will have to watch the preview for me and let me know what you think!

Also, the Cartoon Network website as a nifty Brave and the Bold section where you can watch the trailer, look at character bios, download wallpapers, and play Dynamic Double Team where you team up with Batman and the Blue Beetle and take down Kanajr-Ro!

No New Hulk vs Thor Trailer.

2008-10-23T06:42:00.000-07:00

Marvel.com has fooled us into thinking that they have posted a new Hulk vs. Thor trailer on their website. But sadly, it is just the same trailer as before. Here it is in case you missed it the first time:

Marvel Animation Trailer on Hulk DVD

2008-10-21T20:35:00.000-07:00

I had a look at the Marvel Animation Trailer that is featured before the menu of the Incredible Hulk DVD that came out today. The trailer spotlights Marvel's current and upcoming productions, including Wolverine and the X-Men, Next Avengers, Hulk vs, Black Panther, Iron Man: Armored Adventures, Marvel Super Hero Squad and Marvel Anime.

There was no mention of Hulk: Gamma Corps which is rumored to be shelved although no official word has been given. It also doesn't mention Spectacular Spider-Man which doesn't seem to come up in anyone's conversations about Marvel's current animation domination for some reason.

I was hoping for a little bit more, actually. I was looking for a peek at Super Hero Squad and Marvel Anime but instead I get a whole bunch of clips that I, for the most part, have already seen. There was one shot of Loki and Enchantress from Hulk vs. Thor and two shots I didn't recognize from past Hulk vs. Wolverine trailers, but the only thing for Marvel Anime and Super Hero Squad is a title card and some licensed artwork. I guess these two productions are still in early development.

Instead of taking caps myself, I want to point you to Marvel Animation Age who has already capped all the good parts.

Wolverine vs. the Hulk

2008-10-21T19:53:00.000-07:00

Season: 1
Episode Number: 7
Season Episode Number: 7
Production Number: 107
Airdate: October 18, 2008

Writer: Christopher Yost
Director: Doug Murphy

Voices: Steven Blum (Wolverine), Alex Desert (Nick Fury), Fred Tatasciore (Hulk), Gabriel Mann (Bruce Banner), Chris Edgerly (Agent Haskett).

Plot: Nick Fury enlists the help of Wolverine to take down a brutal force that is destroying cities: The Incredible Hulk. Only, there is more going on than Fury is letting on and it means that Wolverine and the Hulk might have to get their fight over with soon as the real threat is on the way.

Review (Warning! Spoilers!): My first reaction after watching this episode is where are the X-Men? This is the third episode in a row where the X-Men haven't seen any action. Sure, the show is called Wolverine and the X-Men and Wolvie definitely is the star, but with a title like that I expect to see some X-Men!

I have heard that a general rule for TV writing is that the first seven episodes set up the premise for the show before going to far down the continuity hole. These first seven episodes of Wolverine sure are setting up Wolverine's character as well as the world he lives in and his mission to reform the X-Men, but we really need to get on with the impending storyarc that we all know is there.

Now that I've got that out of my system, let's talk about this episode:

Many online sources have stated that this episode is round two between Wolverine and the Hulk (round one is the Hulk vs. Wolverine DVD movie), however, this continuity is messed up due to the Canadian airing of this episode three months before the debut of the DVD. I love the fact that Steven Blum and Fred Tatasciore provide the voices of Wolverine and the Hulk for both productions.

While this episode is a fun romp in the park, it doesn't really serve any purpose to the overall storyline. We are not introduced to any new characters from the X-Men world. Fury even states that he is staying out of the way of the whole mutant round-up business claiming it's just 'politics'. This leads us to believe that we may never see Nick Fury again.

In fact, if Nick is to play a main role in the future, this episode could have featured the Juggernaut, Sabretooth, or even Unus the Untouchable rather than bringing in a guest star this early in the series.

That being said, the Hulk is well-written in this episode. His brute strength coupled with his mental state worked very well as a means for Wolverine (and the animators) to show some of his fancy moves. Plus, he's funny.

The character of Nick Fury has been forever changed by Mark Millar's Ultimates comic book. Fury's design in this episode is influenced by his Ultimate black persona as well as his deceptive and manipulative behaviour, which one would expect from a man who basically controls the world. The interaction between him and Wolverine is priceless.

Oh yeah, and there's this whole subplot about Wendigo. I know that Wendigo runs into Wolverine every once in a while but he's really a Hulk villain. So what were we watching? An episode of Wolverine and the X-Men guest starring the Hulk? Or and episode of The Hulk guest starring Wolverine?

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