Disney XD Launching MARVEL UNIVERSE Block on April 1

Disney XD Launching Marvel Block CREDIT: View full size image

There's been a strong Marvel presence on Disney XD for years now, and the network is formalizing the relationship as of April 1, with the debut of the Sunday "Marvel Universe" programming block.

The April 1 launch will be highlighted by the series premiere of the Ultimate Spider-Man animated series, first announced in 2010. Current series The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes will also be a part of the lineup, along with "exclusive Marvel content, including new animated short-form series, and live-action interstitials." The second season premiere of Earth's Mightiest Heroes, which wrapped its first season in June 2011, remains currently unscheduled, according to a Disney spokesperson.

Last year, DC Comics announced a similar initiative on the Cartoon Network, "DC Nation." Like DC and Cartoon Network, Disney XD is owned by Marvel's parent company.

"Marvel Universe block is an incredible animated ride filled with fantastic action and adventure," said Jeph Loeb, head of Marvel TV, in a press release. "The spectacular team of writers and animators capture stories with all the dynamic fun you can imagine. Disney XD is the perfect place for families and Marvel fans of all ages to come together every Sunday."

Presently, Disney XD broadcasts repeats of many past Marvel animated shows including Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends, X-Men: Evolution, and the '90s Spider-Man and X-Men series.

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