BREAKING: Marvel Does the Obvious

?How do you know when Marvel or DC has a good idea? When the other company copies it. From TV Guide:

April Fools’ Day will be no joke for fans of Marvel Comics’ iconic
superheroes. That Sunday morning Disney XD launches a new block of
animated programming, titled “Marvel Universe,” which features
Spider-Man, the Avengers and the various heroes and villains who fill
the pages of the publisher’s vast comic-book library.

Kicking off the block at 11am/10c is the new series Ultimate Spider-Man,
which puts a new spin on the legendary hero. … On April 1, a second episode of Ultimate Spider-Man will air at 11:30am/10:30c. That will be followed by the second season of Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes
(which will move to its regular timeslot of 11:30am the following week,
on April 8). Throughout the block the network will air a series of
short-form programming that spotlights Marvel superheroes. Here are the
official descriptions of five of the series:

? 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 superheroes 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 superheroes and shows how artists bring them to life.

Yes, this is just DC Nation, except Marvel-ized. I don’t blame Marvel in the least. Having a programming block to not only promote their cartoons, but also their characters, other multimedia projects, and maybe even occasionally a comic or two, has been DC’s best idea in forever. It doesn’t address the problem that kids probably shouldn’t be reading most comics as released currently by Marvel and DC, but at least it helps make kids aware of them, which is a start

In related news, it appears DC Nation will actually be using DC’s new logo, which is a very good thing and I’m shocked actually happened. I believe I have a hat to eat. In also related news, EW posted a clip from the Ultimate Spider-Man cartoon (sorry I can’t embed it) and it’s TERRRRRRRRIBLE. Maybe it’s just this one exceedingly goofy clip, or maybe they’re going for a Brave and the Bold goofiness that just doesn’t work in that one scene, but yeesh. “That ultimate.” Bleh.