From Kidscreen:
X-Men and Static and Zeta. Oh, my!
July 11th, 2000
Rembrandt

About X-Men Evolution:
Tying into the release of the new comic book series and the movie's video debut in November, Marvel Studios is working with Film Roman on a 13 x half-hour X-Men TV series for Kids' WB! "The television show should serve to broaden the property's audience even more and make the characters more kid-relatable," says Arad. The 2-D animated series is set to air on Saturdays at 11:30 a.m., likely starting in mid-November.

Senior VP of Kids' WB! Donna Friedman says she's attracted to comic-based show concepts because they have an established fan base and a depth that can be tapped for multimedia development. "Even though it's sometimes small, comic book properties bring a built-in audience to the series," she says. "Also, when we're evaluating concepts, we look at whether they'll make sense on-line, as a book, as a video game, etc. The depths of these properties make them really conducive to a broader approach, and we've learned from kids that that's how they want their entertainment these days."

Taking its lead from the Ultimate Marvel comic book series, the animated X-Men show will focus on the growing pains of Professor X's mutant prodigies as they struggle through adolescence with superhuman powers that set them apart from other kids. Friedman says this struggle was what clinched the deal for her. "The core idea of X-Men, which is growing up and feeling different, is a fundamental theme that resonates with today's kids."

ComicsContinuum offers further details from X-Men Evolution story editor Greg Johnson on how Jean Grey will be portrayed in the series: "We're keeping her fairly levelheaded, and playing up the challenges she faces of learning to control her own powers while hiding them from the world, and at the same time helping to initiate other reluctant and confused mutants into Xavier's Institute."

X-Men: Evolution a "Troubled Project"
July 11th, 2000
Gookie

AnotherUniverse writer Steve Johnson's recent interview with Eric Lewald (story editor on Marvel's original X-Men animated series from 1992-96) offers some surprising information in Lewald's opinion on the upcoming "X-Men Evolution". While not involved with the production, Lewald states that he has spoken with those who are, and that he knows "it is a troubled project":

"There are good people involved [such as Bob Forward, along with excellent animation producers, and a lavish budget], but the 'shared vision' of the '92-'96 series is absent. Sadly, the new WB exec [formerly with Nickelodeon, who is calling] the creative shots has made decisions which [may] make it impossible for it to be true to the books. [She] admits that she neither gets or likes action adventure animated television, and has decreed that the characters in effect be 'gifted children,' as in age 14 to 16."

"Serious villains are to be [downplayed]. Character conflicts among the 'team' -- the core of our show -- are to be avoided. It is more 'A mutant Doug and his pals have problems coping with the pressures of the 10th grade.'"

"I was called when the first story editor quit in frustration, but I told Marvel that I saw no way to make an X-Men series under those conditions. With luck, Bob and the others may, by force of will, be able to bend the series a bit more toward something that X-Men fans will recognize. [Though] the talent involved may come up with something well-made in Evolution, it won't be the X-Men."

To read the article in its entirity, follow the link below:

http://www.anotheruniverse.com/tv/interviews/ericlewald070700.html

Static Shock
July 11th, 2000
Rembrandt

Like Marvel, DC Comics is gearing up for an integrated animated show and comic book series launch this fall when Static Shock! hits the airwaves on Kids' WB! and the shelves of specialty comic book retail outlets. Based on a comic book series published under the Milestone banner from 1994 to 1996 and re-launching this September, the 26 x half-hour Static Shock! stars a street-smart black kid who talks a lot of jive. The 14-year-old motormouth is exposed to an experimental mutagen and develops electro-magnetic superpowers, which he uses to help stop crime in his urban neighborhood. "The fact that he's the first African-American teen superhero on TV is really breakthrough," says Friedman. "Also, the humor in the comic book, which we describe as Chris Rock at 14, was one of the things that was most appealing to us." Friedman adds that this humor provides the perfect tone for tackling issues like racism and the death of a family member in a smart and contemporary way. Produced by WB Animation, Static Shock! debuts this September on Saturday mornings at 10:30 a.m.

The Zeta Project
July 11th, 2000
Rembrandt

The Zeta Project, a spin-off from the comic-based Batman Beyond series, is also making a fall debut (likely in November) on Kids' WB! in the net's 4:30 p.m. Friday afternoon slot. Also a product of the WB Animation studio, this 26 x half-hour series is set in the year 2040 and stars Zeta, an anti-terrorist robot who's hiding out from his evil-minded government agency creators. To escape detection, he holographs himself into the image of a 15-year-old boy and is befriended by a hapless teenage girl named Ro.

Joel Ehrlich, senior VP of advertising and promotions for Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC Comics, says both Static Shock! and The Zeta Project were easy comic book spin-offs because they feature contemporary/futuristic contexts that don't require any updating. "The challenge now is to stay way ahead of current technology," he adds.