Marvel is looking to attract the pre-school demographic to its roster of heroes and villains through a new multi-platform program called Marvel Super Hero Adventures. The initiative will feature a series of animated shorts, comic books, graphic novels and merchandise starring Spider-Man and other Marvel heroes to teach the benefits of friendship, cooperation, and heroism.
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"Marvel storytelling and characters engage parents and fans around the world, and now preschoolers have the chance to experience the fun and excitement of the Marvel Universe," Paul Glitter, Marvel Licensing senior vice president said in a statement. "Marvel is a brand for fans of all ages, but particularly by preschoolers and trusted with preschool parents. Since our characters are inspiring, heroic, responsible, and brave, the new products are the perfect way for preschoolers to celebrate their passion for Marvel in their daily lives."
"We are delighted to bring Marvel Super Hero Adventures to life across multiple divisions of Marvel Entertainment," Marvel Entertainment President Dan Buckley added. "The program and content that the teams have developed is smart, inspiring and will reach a whole new generation of Marvel fans."
Heroes slated to appear alongside Spider-Man during Marvel Super Hero Adventures' 10-episode run are Thor, Hulk, Captain America, Black Panther and Ms. Marvel. Spider-Gwen will also team with Spider-Man in a series of new young reader books from Marvel Press, with the first called Deck the Malls! from writers MacKenzie Cadenhead and Sean Ryan and artist by Derek Laufman. Three more as yet-unrevealed chapter books have been announced as in the works, along with "an expanding publishing program" through 2018 and beyond.
A line of Super Hero Adventures merchandise will launch in October during a "Marvel Mania" retailer-branded push at stores like Target, Wal-Mart and Toys-R-Us.
There is no timetable for when Marvel Super Hero Adventures will launch, and on which platform it will air.