Marvel Animated Universe
| Marvel Animated Universe | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Based on | Characters by Marvel Comics |
Production company | |
Release date | 2012–2018 |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Search Marvel Animated Universe on Amazon.
The Marvel Animated Universe (MAU) is an American media franchise and shared universe centered on a series of superhero shows and films that was released in 2010s, produced by Disney, Marvel Animation and partly by Man of Action. The shows are part of the Marvel Animated Universe, based on the comic books published by Marvel Comics, and feature plot elements based on Earth-616 and inspired from Earth-1610 and Earth-199999.
The continuity, established by crossing over common plot elements, settings, cast, and characters, was introduced in Ultimate Spider-Man, which was debuted in its first episode "Great Power". The adjacent series Avengers Assemble, Hulk and The Agents of S.M.A.S.H. and Guardians of the Galaxy and the adjacent films Marvel Super Hero Adventures: Frost Fight and Marvel's Hulk: Where Monsters Dwell co-exist in this continuity. This universe is also known as Earth-12041 as part of the Marvel Reality Designation.
This franchise has been successful, receiving positive reviews from critics and others.
As of 2020, 310 episodes, 22 shorts, 2 films, and 20 comics were set in this universe. The fourth season of Avengers Assemble marks the final season and the episode "All Things Must End" marks the final episode of this universe.
Development[edit]
In 2012, Marvel established its Marvel Animation Studios based in Glendale, California under Senior Vice President Eric Radomski. On April 1, Disney XD launched a block called Marvel Universe, with the premiere of Ultimate Spider-Man, followed by the returning The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes. The block is a result of Disney's 2009 Marvel acquisition. In June, Walt Disney Animation Studios announced they were in development with Marvel to make a film of Big Hero 6.
Marvel announced in May 2013, that the new shows, Avengers Assemble and Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H., would be shown on Disney XD as part of the Marvel Universe block and would be a part of the same fictional universe. In October, Marvel announced that Disney Japan was producing a new anime television show with Toei Animation called Marvel Disk Wars: The Avengers to be aired on April 2, 2014, on TV Tokyo and other TXN stations. A Guardians of the Galaxy animated series was officially announced in October 2014, with production set to begin for a 2015 release on Disney XD.
History[edit]
A universe where Spider-Man decided to work for Nick Fury in order to surpass himself and become the "Ultimate" Spider-Man, and also where the previously-disbanded Avengers reformed to fight the threats to the world again. The former is regularly teamed up with other young heroes to form a special superhero Task Force used to complete various missions assigned by S.H.I.E.L.D. in order to train them for their adulthood, and Hulk formed a team called "Agents of S.M.A.S.H." to deal with "Hulk-sized" threats, and prove to the world that they're not monsters, but a family. Including the newly formed Guardians of the Galaxy that travel throughout space from world to world fighting off intergalactic scale threats.
Production[edit]
The series Ultimate Spider-Man is adapted from the Ultimate Spider-Man comic book, which was created by writer Brian Michael Bendis. Bendis and Paul Dini served as writers and producers on the show. Man of Action (a group consisting of Steven T. Seagle, Joe Kelly, Joe Casey and Duncan Rouleau), the creators of the animated series Ben 10 and Generator Rex, serve as supervising producers on the show. Twenty-six episodes were ordered for the first season. According to Paul Dini, the series features a "redefined" Peter Parker, and a combination of frequent guest stars loosely based on Bendis' comics, and original material, such as the origins of some heroes and villains. Actor J. K. Simmons reprises his role as J. Jonah Jameson from Sam Raimi's live-action Spider-Man film trilogy for the series. Notable voice actors include Adrian Pasdar as Iron Man (returning to the role after previously having voiced him in Madhouse's and Marvel's Iron Man anime), and Kevin Michael Richardson, who voices Robbie Robertson and Bulldozer.
Disney XD and Marvel officially announced Season 3 on July 20, 2013 at San Diego Comic Con. Season 3, retitled Ultimate Spider-Man: Web-Warriors, includes Spider-Man joining the Avengers (consisting of the line-up from Avengers Assemble) and introducing characters such as Cloak and Dagger, Amadeus Cho, Ka-Zar and Agent Venom.
According to Jeph Loeb, the Head of Marvel Television and a producer on the series, Avengers Assemble is intended to closely echo the tone and feel of the 2012 The Avengers film. The series features a combination of 2D and CGI animation.
Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. was unveiled at the 2011 San Diego Comic Con. Pre-production was outsourced to Karactaz Animation of Wellington, New Zealand. Film Roman was contracted to produce. Before it aired, writers Paul Dini and Henry Gilroy were confirmed to be writing for the series. Supervising Producer Cort Lane described the series as, "a great story about a great group of characters who have a really interesting family-style dynamic. It's very funny, with just the most amazing voice cast." On July 26, 2014, Disney XD renewed the series for a second season. On July 12, 2015, Stephen Wacker, Vice President of Marvel Animation confirmed that the series had ended after the second season. Marvel was rumored to be considering a new animated series with a Guardians of the Galaxy show. The appearances of the Guardians of the Galaxy in Avengers Assemble and Ultimate Spider-Man were supposed to be test runs for their own show. Screenrant.com.com indicated in January 2014 that the Guardians of the Galaxy series was selected for development.
On July 26, 2014, at San Diego Comic-Con, a week before the release of the Guardians of the Galaxy film, Marvel Animation announced the Guardians of the Galaxy animated TV series with a trailer featuring Rocket Raccoon and Star-Lord. With the success of the live action film, Marvel and Disney XD announced that they were moving forward with the animated series at New York Comic Con. They showed some test footage to the audience. It is intended to air in 2015 as a part of the Marvel Universe block on Disney XD.
Advanced previews of the show started airing on Disney XD on August 1, 2015. A full preview of the series aired on Disney XD on September 5, 2015. The official one-hour premiere aired on September 26, 2015.
Each episode is named after or a reference to a popular song from the 1960s, 1970s, or 1980s.
At New York Comic Con 2015 it was announced the series had been renewed for a second season, which Disney XD premiered on March 11, 2017.
Series[edit]
| Series | Season(s) | First aired | Last aired | Writer(s) | Production by | Network | Episodes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate Spider-Man | 4 | April 1, 2012[1] | January 7, 2017 | Brian Michael Bendis | Film Roman | Disney XD[1] | 104 |
| Avengers Assemble (Season 1-4) | 4 | May 26, 2013[2] | March 11, 2018 | Man of Action Studios[3] | Disney XD[2] | 103 | |
| Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. | 2 | August 11, 2013 | June 28, 2015 | Film Roman[4] | Disney XD[2] | 52 | |
| Guardians of the Galaxy (Season 1-2) | 2 | September 26, 2015 | December 3, 2017 | Disney XD[5] | 51 |
Ultimate Spider-Man (2012–2017)[edit]
When Peter Parker was bitten by a radio-active spider, his body went through a mutation with the abilities of spider. After the death of his Uncle Ben, Peter Parker realised his responsibilities and became Spider-Man. After a year being Spider-Man, he was recruited by Nick Fury and made him a leader of a team consists of Power Man, Iron Fist, Nova and White Tiger.
It was first announced to air on Disney XD in early 2012, and debuted alongside the second season of The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes as part of the Marvel Universe programming block on April 1, 2012.
Avengers Assemble (2013–2018)[edit]
A group of Superheroes known as Avengers were formed to protect the earth from supervillains. The Avengers team consists of Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye. Later, Ant-Man, Wasp, Vision, Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Ms.Marvel were joined the team to fight against injustice and evils.
It previously aired alongside Ultimate Spider-Man and Guardians of the Galaxy as a part of the Marvel Animated Universe block. Joe Casey, Joe Kelly, Duncan Rouleau and Steven T. Seagle, known collectively as Man of Action, developed the series and were executive producers on seasons 1 and 2.
Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. (2013–2015)[edit]
Hulk, She-Hulk, Red Hulk, A-Bomb, and Skaar come together as the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. to tackle threats that no other superheroes can face. The Agents of S.M.A.S.H. have their base near the town of Vista Verde (where Bruce Banner first became Hulk) and often face various threats with a recurring one being from Hulk's archenemy Leader (who holds the key to Skaar's origin).
The series premiered on August 11, 2013, on Disney XD in its Marvel Universe block, and ended on June 28, 2015.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2015–2017)[edit]
Star-Lord, Rocket Raccon, Groot, Gamora and Drax were created a team called Guardians of the Galaxy with Star-Lord leading the team. This team was created to protect the galaxy from evils and supervillains that want to takeover, destroy or control the galaxy.
While the series features the same main characters as the film of the same name, it is not a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe nor is it set in the same continuity as the film. Seth Green was the only actor from the film to return, reprising his role as Howard the Duck.
The final season that happens in this universe, was premiered on March 11, 2017, and ended on December 3, 2017.
Films[edit]
| Film | U.S. release date | Director(s) | Writer(s) | Story by | Producer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marvel Super Hero Adventures: Frost Fight! | December 11, 2015 | Mitch Schauer | Mark Banker | Mark Banker | Trevor Bentley, Dan Buckley, Alan Fine, Cort Lane, Stan Lee, Jeph Loeb, Joe Quesada, Eric Radomski, Kari Rosenberg, A.J. Vargas, Stephen Wacker, Darrell Yeo |
| Hulk: Where Monsters Dwell | October 21, 2016 | Mitch Schauer | Marty Isenberg
Dave McDermott |
Marty Isenberg
Dave McDermott |
Alan Fine; Dan Buckley; Joe Quesada; Jeph Loeb; Cort Lane |
Marvel Super Hero Adventures: Frost Fight! (2015)[edit]
When Loki tries to invade the earth, the Avengers tries to stop him from invading the planet leading it to the frost fight.
This film was released on December 11, 2015.
Hulk: Where Monsters Dwell (2016)[edit]
When Nightmare tries to talk over the earth, Hulk teamed-up with Doctor Strange to protect the Earth from the threads of Nightmare and defeats him eventually.
The movie takes its name from a 1970s Marvel comic book title. Just like Marvel Super Hero Adventures: Frost Fight!, this film is within the Marvel Animated Universe.
Expanded setting[edit]
Guardians of the Galaxy Shorts (2015–2017)[edit]
Before they became Guardians, five outlaws made their way through the galaxy. These shorts tell the stories from their checkered pasts of Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Groot and Rocket Raccon. The first season depicts origin stories of each guardian's backstory. The second takes place after the Guardians victory over Thanos, they remain stuck on Earth while each member searches for parts to fix the Milano.
Avengers: Secret Wars Shorts (2017)[edit]
With Tony Stark trapped in another dimension, the Avengers muster all of their power to try and bring him back. But before they can, they were attacked by a new cabal of villains. It's also an Introduction to the newest members of the Avengers.
Comic Books[edit]
Marvel Universe: Ultimate Spider-Man Vol 1[edit]
It's the first comic to set in this universe. This comic revolves around Spider-Man. This comic ran from April 2013 to January 2014.
Ultimate Spider-Man Infinite Comic Vol 1[edit]
This comic is also based on Spider-Man. This comic shows the events that happened off-screen in the show. It ran from 2012 to 2016.
Marvel Universe Ultimate Spider-Man: Web Warriors Vol 1[edit]
This comic is based on Spider-Man and Web-Warriors from the show. This comic ran from January 2015 to April 2015.
Marvel Universe Ultimate Spider-Man: Web Warriors - Spider-Verse Vol 1[edit]
This comic is based on Spider-Verse event from the third season. It ran from November 2015 to February 2016.
Marvel Universe Ultimate Spider-Man: Contest of Champions Vol 1[edit]
This comic is based on the Contest of Champions event from the third season of Ultimate Spider-Man.
Ultimate Spider-Man Infinite Comic Vol 2[edit]
Just like the previous volume, this comic also revolves around Spider-Man.
Marvel Universe Ultimate Spider-Man vs. the Sinister Six Vol 1[edit]
This comic is based on the forth season of the show known as Ultimate Spider-Man Vs the Sinister Six. It ran from September 2016 to September 2017.
Marvel Universe: Avengers Assemble Vol 1[edit]
This comic is based on the Avengers Assemble show. It ran from December 2013 to December 2014.
Avengers Vs. Vol 1[edit]
This comic is set in the second season of the show. It's a one-short comic. It was released in July 2015.
Avengers vs. Infinity Vol 1[edit]
This comic is also set in second season. Hulk is the main protagonist of this comic. It's also a one-short comic. It was released in January, 2016.
Marvel Universe Avengers Assemble Season Two Vol 1[edit]
As per the title says, this comic is based on season two. It ran from October 2015 to April 2016.
Marvel Universe Avengers Assemble: Civil War Vol 1[edit]
This comic is based on the civil war event that happened in Season three.
Marvel Universe Avengers Infinite Comic Vol 1[edit]
This comic revolves around Avengers. It a mini-series. It was released in January 2016.
Marvel Universe Avengers: Ultron Revolution Vol 1[edit]
This comic is based on season three Ultron Revolution.
Avengers Solo Act Vol 1[edit]
This comic also revolves around Avengers. It was released in April, 2015.
Marvel Universe: Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. Vol 1[edit]
This comic is based on the Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. It ran from December, 2013 to March, 2014.
Marvel Universe Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 1[edit]
This comic is based on the Guardians of the Galaxy show. It ran from April 2015 to June 2015.
Marvel Universe Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2[edit]
Just like the previous volume, this comic is also based on the show. It ran from December 2015 to December 2017.
Marvel Universe Guardians of the Galaxy Infinite Comic Vol 1[edit]
This comic revolves around the Guardians of the Galaxy and their space adventures. It ran from January, 2016 to May, 2016.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Infinite Comic Vol 1[edit]
This comic is on the adventures that Guardians underwent in the off-screen.
Amazing Spider-Man Vol 3[edit]
Spider-Man from this universe was recruited by Miles Morales from Earth-1610 to help them to defeat the inheritors and save the Spider-Verse them. After finally defeated them, Spider-Man was returned to his own universe.
Spider-Verse Team-Up Vol 1[edit]
After Miles Morales recruited Spider-Man from this universe, they went to different universes to recruit the other Spider-Men/Women from different universes. At once, they entered into Earth-67 which is the reality where Spider-Man from the Spider-Man (1967 Series) lives. They recruited him and traveled to recruit other Spider-Men/Women.
Avengers Assemble Featuring Captain Citrus Vol 1[edit]
It a comic series based on Avengers Assemble featuring Captain Citrus. It ran from 2014 to 2015.
Games[edit]
Disney Infinity[edit]
The characters from this universe also appeared in this game series and they are playable and even had their own story in this game.
Future[edit]
The future of this universe is unknown as the universe was ended in Avengers: Secret Wars episode "All Things Must End".
As of 2021, no new films, series, or comics were announced.
In July 2020, supervising producer Harrison Wilcox, when asked about the possibility of continuing to create stories in the MAU continuity, said: "That’s not the sort of thing that would be for me to announce on twitter."[6]
In 2017, the third season of Guardians of the Galaxy and the fifth season of Avengers Assemble began crossover with the Marvel's Spider-Man creating a New Marvel Animated universe. This universe consists of Marvel's Spider-Man, Guardians of the Galaxy: Mission Breakout! and Avengers: Black Panther's Quest. The similar events from the Marvel Animated Universe could have happened in this Universe. This universe is also known as Earth-17628 as part of the Marvel Reality Designation.
Recurring cast and characters[edit]
- Fred Tatasciore – Volstagg, Ringmaster, Crimson Dynamo, Nightmare Ultron, Black Bolt, Crossbones
- Travis Willingham – Thor, Bulldozer, Brok, Trick Shot, Growing Man, Old Thor, Executioner
- Trevor Devall – Ranger Raccoon, Black Bolt, Grand Commissioner of Rigel, Fandral, Jarhead, Milano Computer Voice
- Vanessa Marshall – Meredith Quill (subsequent appearances), Lab Chief X7, Lab Chief X8, Crystal, Forest Animals
- Kevin Michael Richardson - Groot, Broker, Wal Rus, Mandala, Supreme Intelligence, Blood Brothers, Timely Distribution Corporate Shipping Voice
- David Sobolov – Blackjack O'Hare
- Seth Green – Howard the Duck
- James Arnold Taylor – Leader Triton (comics) Yondu Cosmo the Spacedog
Crew[edit]
Ultimate Spider-Man (2012–2017)[edit]
- Brian Michael Bendis – Writer, Producer, Creative Producer
- Dana Booton – Supervising Producer
- Dan Buckley – Executive Producer
- Joe Casey – Writer, Supervising Producer
- Paul Dini – Writer, Producer, Creative Consultant
- Alan Fine – Executive Producer
- Henry Gilroy – Supervising Producer
- Joe Kelly – Writer, Supervising Producer
- Cort Lane – Co-Executive Producer, Supervising Producer
- Stan Lee – Co-Executive Producer
- Jeph Loeb – Executive Producer
- Leanne Moreau – Line Producer
- Joe Quesada – Executive Producer
- Eric Radomski – Co-Executive Producer
- Duncan Rouleau – Writer, Supervising Producer
- Steven T. Seagle – Writer, Supervising Producer
- Eugene Son – Story Editor
- Alex Soto – Supervising Director
- Collette Sunderman – Casting and Voice Director
- Harrison Wilcox – Associate Producer
Avengers Assemble (2013–2018)[edit]
- Jeff Allen - Supervising Director
- Brian Michael Bendis - Special Thanks
- Amanda Goodbread - Casting and Recording Manager
- Cort Lane - Co-Executive Producer
- Stan Lee - Co-Executive Producer
- Joe Moeller – Casting Director
- Eric Radomski - Co-Executive Producer
- Eugene Son - Co-Story Editor
- Collette Sunderman – Casting and Voice Director
- Stephen Wacker - Co-Executive Producer
- Dani Wolff - Co-Story Editor
Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. (2013–2015)[edit]
Guardians of the Galaxy (2015–2017)[edit]
- Leo Riley – Supervising Director
- Lisa Schaffer – Casting and Voice Director
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Animated Ultimate Spider-Man Coming to Disney XD". Superhero Hype. April 13, 2010. Retrieved September 28, 2011.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Marvel, circus company join forces for superhero arena show". Los Angeles Times. March 13, 2013. Retrieved May 11, 2013.
- ↑ "Marvel Calls "Avengers Assemble" On DisneyXD". May 23, 2013. Archived from the original on September 27, 2013. Retrieved June 9, 2013. Unknown parameter
|url-status=ignored (help) - ↑ Milligan, Mercedes (April 18, 2012). "Dushku is She-Hulk in New Disney XD Show". Animation Magazine. Retrieved October 26, 2015.
- ↑ "Marvel announces new 'Guardians of the Galaxy' animated series". Entertainment Weekly. July 26, 2014. Retrieved July 28, 2014.
- ↑ "That's not the sort of thing that would be for me to announce on twitter". July 16, 2020. Retrieved July 16, 2020 – via Twitter.
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