‘Iron Man,’ ‘Wolverine’ Shows in the Works

Nickelodeon said its Nicktoons Network and Marvel Entertainment, Inc. have joined forces to bring two new animated superhero series to U.S. television.

Iron Man: The Animated Series, a co-production with French-based Method Films, and Wolverine and the X-Men, a co-production with Toonz Entertainment Pte Ltd., Singapore and First Serve International Ltd., are to debut exclusively on Nicktoons Network in early 2009.

Each of the shows will feature 26 half-hour episodes that follow the respective heroes through dynamic action, adventure and drama as they face foes both familiar and new to their fans, Nickelodeon said.

Nicktoons Network is first and foremost about showcasing the most creative and unique animation there is, and this partnership with Marvel is another crucial way to super-serve our audiences with something fresh and new, Keith Dawkins, Nicktoons Network senior vice president and general manager, said in a statement. The fact that these Marvel characters span books, feature films and TV speaks to their massive appeal. We hope this deal signals to the marketplace and our audience, particularly boys, that we are the home for big hits and exciting, adrenaline-fueled animation.