Marvel’s new anime project with Madhouse Studio was a big hit at the San Diego Comic-Con, featuring such acclaimed guests as writer Warren Ellis (ASTONISHING X-MEN, THE AUTHORITY) and Masao Maruyama, Madhouse Studio’s producer, founder and board of directors member.
This is not the first time Marvel and Madhouse have worked together—Madhouse worked on the physical animation production for “Hulk Vs.” and for the upcoming “Planet Hulk.” Teasers for the Iron Man and Wolverine anime were shown, and these trailers have been shared throughout the Internet.
The Wolverine teaser presented a rather different looking Logan designed with long hair, but bearing his iconic claws, which sliced through a variety of Japanese-themed foes in an equally Japanese-themed setting. Its visual style was similar to another famous work of Madhouse’s the “Ninja Scroll” TV series and film. The Iron Man teaser seemed more traditional, with the armor of the title character looking similar but absolutely gorgeous with a wealth of technical details as he flew through Tokyo. He battled a variety of enemies and weaponry, while a mystery woman with green hair followed him by car.
Ellis is the leading story and scenario writer for the Marvel Anime project. He let slip that X-Men is third in line for the anime reimagining treatment, while Blade will be the fourth. The Blade story will be set in Southeast Asia and Ellis mentioned difficulties in writing Blade’s typically London-based character in that setting.
Ellis explained that the teasers were just test footage to understand the general feel and style of the upcoming Iron Man and Wolverine projects, and that they were not clips from the official storyline, which is still in development.
Ellis also divulged story details about the Iron Man anime: culture clash as Tony Stark visits Tokyo, and Japanese military weapon development would figure into the plot. With the other project, Ellis said that it would have a basis in Chris Claremont’s acclaimed WOLVERINE comic in the 80s.
The Iron Man and Wolverine Anime series are both set to debut in Japan in 2010.
