NEW YORK, Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Nicktoons Network, the fastest growing kids' network, introduces Wolverine and the X-Men, the new action-packed animated series based on Marvel's ever popular Super Heroes. Produced by Marvel Animation, the new 26-episode, half-hour series follows Wolverine as he reunites the X-Men in an attempt to save the world. The adventure begins with two back-to-back episodes Friday, Jan. 23, from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. (ET). The new series builds on Marvel's rich storylines from the comic book pages and big screen, and will air regularly Fridays at 8:00 p.m. (ET) on Nicktoons Network.

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As the newest installation in the franchise, Wolverine and the X-Men continues Marvel's tradition of epic storytelling. This new animated series focuses on the most popular and well-known X-Men -- Wolverine -- and celebrates the unique qualities of the X-Universe: the action, the iconic characters and the storylines.

"Our audience craves action and adventure, so bringing Wolverine and the X-Men to Nicktoons Network was a natural fit," said Keith Dawkins, Nicktoons Network General Manager, Senior Vice President, Nickelodeon Programming Partnerships. "The folks at Marvel are master storytellers, which is why the X-Men franchise has been so hugely successful. We expect this next chapter to really resonate with our audience."

In the premiere episode, "Hindsight, Part 1", it is a year after a mysterious explosion destroyed the Xavier Institute and broke up the weary X-Men. An embittered Wolverine has lost himself on the open road, haunted by the unexplained fate of the missing Professor X and Jean Grey. But his efforts to keep a low profile end when he's brought back into the crosshairs of the Mutant Response Division (MRD) after rescuing a family. Wolverine infiltrates the MRD to liberate the innocent family who was captured for defending him, as well as a dozen captured mutants. Wolverine knows more trouble is on the way, and realizes he needs to enlist the help of the X-Men.

In the second episode, "Hindsight, Part 2", the villains from the Brotherhood fuel the mutant hysteria as Sen. Kelly tries to gather support for his Mutant Registration Act. Meanwhile, Wolverine is finding it difficult to get the X-Men back together. Most of the team is still unaccounted for, and those that Wolverine can find refuse to join the new team. The disillusioned Rogue has even taken up with the Brotherhood. But when the Brotherhood plans to go after Sen. Kelly at a press conference, the conflicted Rogue must decide where her loyalties lie.

In the late 20th century, mankind began to change. Suddenly, teenagers developed unthinkable abilities that science classified as the next stage in human evolution. In response, Professor Charles Xavier created a School for Gifted Youngsters so the young 'mutants' could learn to control their uncanny abilities and live in harmony with the non-mutant members of society. From then on, Xavier's students -- the X-Men -- intervened to protect the peace until a mysterious explosion devastated Xavier's school. Leaderless and without direction, the X-Men disbanded and the man known as Wolverine struck out on his own.

One year later, the once fiercely independent Wolverine must reunite the X-Men to prevent a horrible vision of the future where the X-Men gave up on Xavier's mission and the world fell into chaos. With great tragedy in their past and their future, Wolverine must lead Xavier's disillusioned students against the forces of fate and destiny. Perhaps together Wolverine and the X-Men can steer the course of history away from catastrophe. But no challenge Wolverine has ever faced can prepare him. On top of learning to lead the X-men for the first time, he's charged with trying to prevent a vision of a dark future from coming to pass. If the X-Men are to stay together as a team long enough to save the world, Wolverine will have to set aside his doubts, and the loaner will have to become a leader.

In celebration of the on-air event, fans can visit Nicktoons Network's website, www.areyouamutant.com, which will launch on Tuesday, Jan. 20. Users may have their DNA "scanned" to determine if they have mutant genes and, if so, they can enter the mansion of the Xavier Institute for Gifted Youngsters. In the mansion, they can visit one of four X-Men-hosted rooms or the Common Room, which will feature Instant Replays of the series post on-air premiere, polls, message boards, as well as episode descriptions and characters profiles. The site, updated weekly, will also feature a link to Nick.com' s Game of The Week, "Wolverine and the X-Men: Sentinel Slash", where Wolverine's quest brings him claw to face with a host of deadly robots in a fast-paced, action-packed 2D battlefield where his reflexes and his mutant healing factor will be just as important as muscle. Players control Wolverine to defeat the enemies in each level, and keep Wolverine alive as long as possible.

Additionally, Wolverine and the X-Men video content will be available on TurboNick and via Nickelodeon's wireless platforms. The series will also have a dedicated category in Nick's Video-On-Demand offering beginning Monday, Jan. 19.

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 featuring programming such as the Nicktoons Network Animation Festival, Speed Racer: The Next Generation, Kappa Mikey, The Secret Show and Martin Mystery, as well as a roster of hits that have defined kids' and animation lovers' TV, including Avatar: The Last Airbender, Invader Zim, 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%

SOURCE Nicktoons Network

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