Raving Toy Maniac

Marvel Universe Hurtles its Way Onto Disney XD Sunday, April 1, With Compelling New Series "Ultimate Spider-Man" and the Return of "The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes"

Block to Include Short-Form Series that Bring the Heroes and Powers of the Mighty Marvel Universe to Life in New and Unexpected Ways

BURBANK, Calif., March 5, 2012 -- The epic storytelling of Marvel -- full of action, adventure and humor, along with complex, courageous and aspirational characters – will be introduced to a new generation of kids and families through a dedicated programming block, Marvel Universe, premiering SUNDAY, APRIL 1 on Disney XD. The new series, "Ultimate Spider-Man," is written and guided by the most star-studded creative team in Super Hero television history, including some of the most influential names in comic books and pop culture. The programming block will also feature the second season of "The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes," and new short-form series that take viewers behind the scenes to meet the creative teams and explore the many facets of the Marvel Universe.

"The Disney XD audience will be thrilled by the excitement and energy of the newest Marvel series. Our dedicated block showcases the relatable characters that have sparked the imaginations of so many people, young and old. The Marvel Universe block's new short-form programs are made with our audience in mind, and are designed to further explore the world of Marvel for fans of all ages. From learning how to draw Marvel heroes, to seeing the real science behind the heroes' cool gadgets, devoted Marvel fans and new fans alike will find the block to be a great destination," said David Levine, Vice President and General Manager, Disney XD.

"The Marvel Universe, which is exploding in theaters, comic books, games and online, bursts onto your TV with the top talent in comics and animation, and the premiere titles Spider-Man and The Avengers! We are bringing the fun, action and adventure known to Marvel fans and families alike. In addition, the never-before-seen animated and live action shorts round out your Sunday morning of can't miss shows in the Mighty Marvel Manner!" exclaimed Jeph Loeb, Marvel's Head of TV.

Stan Lee, co-creator of Spider-Man (who also provides the voice of Stan the Janitor in "Ultimate Spider-Man") said, "It's a thrill to see that the highest standards in story telling are so perfectly exemplified by Spider-Man leaping from the pages of the comic book onto the screen to be enjoyed by a new generation."

The amazing team made up of Marvel's Chief Creative Officer, Joe Quesada, and Marvel's Head of Television, Jeph Loeb, Supervising Producers/Writers Man of Action (Joe Kelly, Joe Casey, Steven T. Seagle & Duncan Rouleau), Creative Consultant/Writer Paul Dini ("Batman: The Animated Series," "Lost"), and Consulting Producer/Writer Brian Michael Bendis (Marvel's Ultimate Comics Spider-Man comic series), "Ultimate Spider-Man" marks firsts for one of Marvel's most popular characters the world over. In the storyline, a teenage Peter Parker (voiced by actor Drake Bell) juggles the relatable challenges of high school with the extraordinary challenges of being a Super Hero. Nick Fury (voiced by actor Chi McBride) invites Parker to train with his S.H.I.E.L.D. organization, where Peter's alter-ego, Spider-Man, will join forces with four other teenage Super Heroes - Nova, White Tiger, Power Man and Iron Fist, on the greatest action and adventure ever as they work to become Ultimate Super Heroes!

The premiere episode (11:00 a.m., EST/PST) is entitled "Great Power," and the second episode is "Great Responsibility" (11:30 a.m., EST). The premiere episodes will be available on DisneyXD.com and Comcast platforms via VOD and XfinityTV.com directly following the Sunday, April 1 premiere on Disney XD. On April 2, they will be available on Disney XD Mobile VOD available via AT&T, MetroPCS, MobiTV, Sprint and Verizon; along with iTunes, Xbox Live and Sony Playstation.

Rounding out the Marvel Universe block are exciting new short-form series including (the last three series are hosted by Radio Disney's Morgan Tompkins):

• "Fury Files" - Top-secret access to S.H.I.E.L.D. video dossiers on key Marvel heroes, including Iron Fist, Power Man, Nova and White Tiger and the villains they face, are animated with mix of traditional animation and motion comic art.

• "Marvel Mash-Up" – The Marvel Universe is turned upside down with these hilarious and unexpected takes on iconic Marvel heroes and villains, featuring classic animation edited with a comedic twist.

• "Animated Reality" - Stunt and special effects experts showcase the epic moves of favorite Marvel Super Heroes including Captain America and Spider-Man.

• "What Would It Take?" – Get a glimpse into the science and modern technology required to create the heroes' gadgets, abilities and tech in real life, ranging from Iron Man's jet propulsion boots to Iron Fist's power-packed punch.

• "Master Class" - Marvel's Chief Creative Officer, Joe Quesada, explains the artistic vision behind Marvel's greatest Super Heroes and shows how artists bring them to life.

"Ultimate Spider-Man" - Executive Producers: Alan Fine ("The Avengers, Iron Man, Thor), Dan Buckley ("The Avengers, Iron Man), Joe Quesada (Marvel's Chief Creative Officer), and Jeph Loeb (Marvel's Head of Television) (Smallville, Lost, Heroes, Teen Wolf and Commando); Co-Executive Producers: Stan Lee ("Spider-Man") and Eric Radomski ("Batman Animated, Spawn"); Supervising Producers: Man of Action Studios' (creators of "Ben 10" and "Generator Rex") Joe Casey, Joe Kelly, Duncan Rouleau and Steven T. Seagle; other Supervising Producers: Dana Booton ("The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes") and Cort Lane ("The Super Hero Squad Show"); Creative Consultant (who also wrote the pilot): Paul Dini ("Batman: The Animated Series," "Lost"): Consulting Producer: Brian Michael Bendis (visionary behind Marvel's Ultimate Comics Spider-Man comic series). "Ultimate Spider-Man" is produced by Marvel Animation and carries a TV-Y7-FV parental guideline.

"Ultimate Spider-Man" stars Drake Bell ("Drake & Josh") as Peter Parker/Spider-Man, Chi McBride ("Boston Public") as Nick Fury, Clark Gregg ("Iron Man," "Thor," "The Avengers") as Agent Coulson, JK Simmons ("Spider-Man") as J. Jonah Jameson, Steven Weber ("Wings") as Norman Osborn , Greg Cipes ("Teen Titans, Ben 10") as Danny Rand/Iron Fist, Ogie Banks as Luke Cage/Power Man, Caitlyn Taylor Love ("I'm In The Band") as Ava Ayala/White Tiger, Logan Miller ("I'm In The Band") as Sam Alexander/Nova, Tom Kenny ("SpongeBob SquarePants") as Doctor Octopus, Matt Lanter ("Star Wars: The Clone Wars") as Harry Osborn/Flash Thompson, Tara Strong ("The Fairly Odd Parents") as Mary-Jane Watson, Misty Lee ("Batman: Arkham City") as Aunt May, and recurring guest star Stan Lee ("Spider-Man") as Stan the Janitor.