Marvel Comics is continuing to stretch its brand worldwide in its attempt to become the worldwide leader in superheroes, announcing yesterday its plan to launch a group of anime series that will debut in Japan in 2010. Four Marvel superheroes will get the anime treatment though it’s unclear which four they are (Iron Man and Spider-Man are confirmed). The series will be created by influential anime studio Madhouse who have created such fan faves as VAMPIRE HUNTER D: BLOODLUST and METROPOLIS. Taking a subtle dig at DC Comics and pseudo-anime DVD release BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHT, Alex Yeh, COO at Madhouse, said, “Although they say, ‘I want Japanese anime,’ it’s not what they actually want. They want a hybrid between Japanese and Western animation,” adding that Marvel will allow their creators “freedom to fly.” This means that some of the hallowed origins of your favorite characters will be reimagined to reflect Japanese culture. The anime series will also be adapted into superhero manga and will also be available on Japanese cell phones. So far there are no plans to release here in the US (though you have to expect they’ll eventually be exported). I’d love to get a look at some of the designs of these characters to see, visually, how they plan to adapt them. And kudos to Marvel for letting these talented artists have their way with the characters…