NEW YORK, April 1, 2009 – Nicktoons Network, the fastest growing kids' network, introduces Iron Man: Armored Adventures as the newest installation in the network's partnership with Marvel Animation. The new animated half-hour series, which includes an original theme song from musical group Rooney, follows a teenage Tony Stark as he attempts to balance the pressures of being a teen with his responsibilities as Iron Man. The 26-episode adventure begins with two back-to-back episodes Friday, April 24, from 7- 8p.m. (ET), and continues regularly Fridays at 7p.m. (ET) on Nicktoons Network. "Iron Man: Armored Adventures continues our partnership with Marvel and offers the action our audience craves," said Keith Dawkins, Nicktoons Network General Manager, Senior Vice President, Nickelodeon Programming Partnerships. "From the fans who loved the live-action film to those who can't get enough of the comic books, this new iteration of the franchise offers a fresh take on the classic adventures." As heir to a billion-dollar corporation, teen tech-whiz Tony Stark is free to pursue his chief interests: seeking extreme thrills, solving scientific mysteries and creating mind-boggling inventions. But everything goes horribly wrong when a tragic accident robs him of his father and nearly costs him his own life. And it would have, had Tony not donned his newest invention – an experimental suit of invincible armor. In his hi-tech flight armor, Tony is known to the world as Iron Man. To honor his father's memory, he now uses his awesome armor and technical know-how to protect those who would also fall prey to tragedy and corruption. By constantly upgrading his armored suit, Iron Man can fend off a variety of villains, engage in epic battles and thwart diabolical conspiracies. He is a new hero for the digital age, a mechanized knight in ever-evolving, adaptable armor. Now dependent on his own impressive technology for survival and dedicated to battling corruption, he must balance the pressure of teenage life with the duties of a super hero. In the first premiere episode, "Iron, Forged in Fire Part 1", teen genius Tony Stark has just finished his greatest invention: the Iron Man armor. But before he gets to show his dad, Tony's world is shattered. His father, his home, his entire life are all gone, and Tony is left picking up the pieces. But with help from his friends Rhodey and Pepper, he begins to unravel the mystery surrounding the attack on his father. As Iron Man, Tony takes his first steps toward becoming a hero. In the second premiere episode, "Iron, Forged in Fire Part 2", Obadiah Stane has taken over Stark International and is converting Tony and his feather's inventions into weapons. Tony now believes Stane may be behind the attack that took his father from him. Iron Man intends to get answers, but standing in his way are the Earth Movers – Tony's once peaceful inventions that have been corrupted into massive weapons of destruction. And if Iron Man survives fighting against his own creations, he will still have to confront the mysterious armored figure known only as The Mandarin. For a sneak-peek of the series, an Iron Man digital comic book from Marvel and additional Iron Man: Armored Adventures-themed content, fans can log on to www.Tonyssecretlab.com. And beginning Monday, April 13, Iron Man: Armored Adventures-themed video content will be available on Nickelodeon's download-to-own and wireless platforms, and the series will have a dedicated category in Nick's Video-On-Demand offering. Episodes will also be available post-premiere on TurboNick, Nickelodeon's online broadband player. About Marvel Entertainment: Marvel Entertainment, Inc. is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 5,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in licensing, entertainment (via Marvel Studios and Marvel Animation) and publishing (via Marvel Comics). Marvel's strategy is to leverage its franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world, including feature films, consumer products, toys, video games, animated television, direct-to-DVD and online. For more information, visit www.marvel.com. About Nicktoons Network: Nicktoons Network is the fastest growing kids' network* and offers a 24-hour schedule of animated programming such as Wolverine and the X-Men, Nicktoons Network Animation Festival, Speed Racer: The Next Generation and Three Delivery, as well as a roster of hits that have defined kids' and animation lovers' TV, including Avatar: The Last Airbender, Danny Phantom, SpongeBob SquarePants, The Fairly OddParents and The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius. Nicktoons Network is a part of the MTV Networks expanded suite of channels available for digital distribution. The new channels include MTV Hits, MTV Jams, Nicktoons Network and VH1 Mega Hits, expanding and strengthening MTV Networks' digital offerings to thirteen services. Nicktoons Network currently reaches 52 million homes via cable, digital cable and satellite, and can be seen on Cablevision, Charter Communications, Comcast Cable, Cox Communications, DirecTV, DISH Network and Time Warner Cable. Nicktoons, and all related titles and logos are property of Viacom, Inc. *Nicktoons Network was the Fastest Growing Kid's Network in the past year among K6-14, K9-14 and K12-17. Source: Nielsen Media Research, 8/27/07-6/8/08 vs. 8/28/06-6/10/07. (Live) US AA%