D23: Marvel Animation Panel Recap

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As a lifelong Marvel fan, I must say that the D23 Expo panel for Marvel Animation in 2024 was nothing short of breathtaking! The energy in the room was electric as Brandon Davis took us through the future of Marvel’s animated universe.

Marvel Animation has grown into a powerhouse, consistently impressing fans with innovative and heartfelt reimaginings of our cherished characters. Over the weekend, they showcased sneak peeks at “X-Men ’97”, “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man”, and other projects during the D23 Expo. Here’s a rundown of the latest updates from Marvel Animation’s D23 2024 panel.

Brandon Davis from ComicBook hosts the event, inviting Brad Winderbaum, Marvel’s Chief of Streaming, to share insights on Marvel Animation’s past. According to Winderbaum, the future of Marvel Animation won’t adhere to a single house style; instead, it will feature unique art styles tailored to each story.

As I eagerly watch a showcase of Marvel’s captivating animation projects from yesteryears and beyond, here’s what catches my eye:

Davis and Winderbaum discuss the second season of ‘X-Men ’97’. Winderbaum finds it incredible to be working on X-Men, as it truly struck him when George Bauza stepped into the booth as Beast for the first time. There are still characters that Winderbaum hopes to incorporate in Season 2. Lenore Zann and Cal Dodd make an appearance. They both cherish many fond memories from both the original series and its revival, with Zann pointing out the ending of Episode 5 and “The Cure” from the original series as particularly meaningful moments. Dodd won his role with the line, “egg sucking piece of gutter trash”. He admires Wolverine’s moments of vulnerability. Zann claims a small part in the revival, having suggested during a reunion panel in Texas that the show should come back. In Season 2, Rogue is on a hero’s journey. Dodd looks forward to more scenes with Wolverine and Bishop in Season 2.

As a long-time fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and someone who has followed the evolution of the “What If…?” series closely, I am beyond excited for its third and final season! Having grown up watching classic animated shows like “Go Avengers,” it’s thrilling to see the MCU pay homage to these nostalgic roots. The blend of old-school animation with modern storytelling is a perfect recipe for an entertaining ride.

Titled “Eyes of Wakanda“, this four-part series delves deeper into the lore of Wakanda, spanning its history. Directors Ryan Coogler and Todd Harris are at the helm. The concept originated during the filming of the initial Black Panther, where Harris quipped that all Wakandans boast six-pack abs. The narrative unfolds backwards from the established movie narrative, with pivotal points in history intertwined. The Iron Fists and War Dogs are set to appear, offering fresh storytelling possibilities. The animation style draws inspiration from contemporary African American artists, Dean Cornwell, and aims for a hand-painted aesthetic. New characters may debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, such as Wakanda’s “disrupters,” with Nomi being a significant addition. Scenes of Nomi battling armies across a fleet of ships are shown.

In this piece, Lead Writer Jeff Trammell discusses “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man”. This show delves into the character of Peter Parker and how it shapes the Spider-Man persona. It pays tribute to the original comics and past animated adaptations while offering a fresh twist. The Spider-Man depicted feels familiar yet unexpected. A diverse roster of characters such as Venom, White Rabbit, among others, are featured. Hudson Thames (Peter Parker) and Colman Domingo (Norman Osborn) are in the spotlight. Domingo was attracted to the villain role and emulating Willem Dafoe’s portrayal. Thames was unaware he would voice Spider-Man for an extended period. Norman serves as a mentor to Peter, who is cautious but admires him. Trammell suggests that Norman’s techniques may not benefit everyone. Thames identifies with the coming-of-age narrative and finds the show both contemporary and classic in feel. Scenes are presented of Peter’s high school life, where he encounters Venom, with Doctor Strange stepping in. Peter saves Nico Minoru and gets bitten by the spider, fainting soon after. The opening credits roll, incorporating a fresh take on the iconic theme tune. A second scene unfolds, featuring Peter as Spider-Man and Norman in his chair.

Winderbaum and Andrews come back onstage for another demonstration, this time presenting: Marvel Zombies, a four-episode series.

In a dramatic turn of events, Wenwu leaps from a helicopter into a horde of zombies with the mission to save Shang-Chi and Katy. A zombie attacks Shang-Chi, but in an instant, Wenwu places his ten rings on his infected arm before becoming one of the undead himself to protect his son. In the chaos, Shang-Chi manages to flee. Fast forward five years, Shang-Chi, Jimmy Woo, and Katy are cruising across a desert in their car, belting out Journey tunes, attempting to shake off a menacing Skrull motorcycle gang. In a moment of unity, Shang-Chi and Katy merge their ten rings’ powers to fend off the biker gang.

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2024-08-11 00:11