Marvel Super Heroes, marvel super hero squad, news, thq

THQ Gets Marvel License - Sort Of

THQ has signed an exclusive deal with Marvel Entertainment that will allow them to make games featuring all of their most popular superheroes...in tiny, super-deformed size. Further cementing their position as the child-friendly publisher established with brands like Nickelodeon, they've earned the right to publish games based on the Marvel Super Hero Squad series of tiny plastic heroes with absolutely huge heads.

"Marvel is one of the true crown jewels in the entertainment industry and we are thrilled at the prospect of both building the Marvel Super Hero Squad brand and further developing our relationship with Marvel," said Brian Farrell, president and CEO, THQ."

Hopefully this means that Activision can stop making kiddie crap like Spider-Man: Friend or Foe and leave the younger stuff to the pros. Look at Spider-Man's head up there! His head is so huge!

THQ and Marvel Enter into Exclusive Licensing Agreement for Video Games Based on Marvel's Super Hero Squad
AGOURA HILLS, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—THQ Inc. (NASDAQ: THQI) and Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: MVL) announced today that they have entered into an exclusive licensing agreement to create video games based on the burgeoning, kid-friendly Marvel Super Hero Squad franchise. Pursuant to the multi-year agreement, THQ has obtained the exclusive, worldwide rights to publish content for all current and next-generation consoles, handheld systems, as well as Windows PC. The initial Marvel Super Hero Squad game is scheduled for release in fall 2009.

The agreement fits perfectly in both THQ's and Marvel's growth strategies. For THQ, the addition of the Marvel brand further strengthens its position as the pre-eminent creator and publisher of kids video games. For Marvel, the relationship with THQ provides a premier interactive entertainment partner for its important Marvel Super Hero Squad franchise, which is designed to be an engaging introduction into the Marvel Universe for young kids.

"Marvel is one of the true crown jewels in the entertainment industry and we are thrilled at the prospect of both building the Marvel Super Hero Squad brand and further developing our relationship with Marvel," said Brian Farrell, president and CEO, THQ. "We are dedicated to expanding our unmatched success story in the kids space and this agreement with Marvel is an excellent complement to our portfolio."

Simon Phillips, President, Marvel International and Head of Worldwide Animation and Video Games, added, "Licensing of the Marvel Super Hero Squad brand is a priority for Marvel, as we see it as a great entry point for kids to experience our renowned characters. We are making a strong commitment to the brand across toys, television and other media and consumer product channels and developing Marvel Super Hero Squad as a video game will play an important role in the development of this brand. The platform is an incredibly powerful medium that enables kids to experience the excitement of our franchises, as well as extend our characters and storylines. With THQ, we are confident we have a partner with a best in class pedigree of building and extending licensed kid-friendly brands in the interactive space."

An all-new Marvel brand, Marvel Super Hero Squad features an exciting, super-stylized look of the greatest Marvel Super Heroes, serving to expand the traditional Marvel audience to a core 4-10 year-old audience. Fun and humor are waiting around every corner in Marvel Super Hero Squad where popular characters including Iron-Man, Hulk, Spider-Man, Captain America, Wolverine, Thor, The Fantastic Four, and many more are thrust into adventures in a single caricatured Super Hero City. Along the way, they will have to thwart the plans of popular Marvel villains Doctor Doom, Magneto, Iron Monger, Loki, the Abomination and countless other infamous baddies.

Marvel is launching a major multi-media campaign for the brand. Marvel Animation is currently in production on an animated television series that is expected to debut on air in 2009. Additionally, Marvel Comics is now featuring Marvel Super Hero Squad comic strips within several of its all ages books and will be introducing a dedicated Marvel Super Hero Squad comic book series in fall 2008. Marvel has already secured deals with Hasbro as master toy partner, Disguise/Cesar for dress-up and Mega Bloks for construction toys and continues to seek deals with industry leading partners to develop merchandise based on the unique look of the Marvel Super Hero Squad property.

8:20 AM on Thu May 8 2008
By Mike Fahey
2,316 views
54 comments

Comments

Culebra at 08:30 AM on 05/08/08
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The Hulk...smiling...
Balius at 08:31 AM on 05/08/08
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I'll laugh when, like the Lego series did for Star Wars, these "kiddie" games wind up being the definitive games for Marvel characters.
Double J at 08:31 AM on 05/08/08
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HULK GLAD!
Mommar at 08:33 AM on 05/08/08
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@Balius:
If they manage to pull of some fun super hero tag team action then I'm all for it.
Rickster at 08:34 AM on 05/08/08
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how super is your squad?
Balius at 08:35 AM on 05/08/08
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[kotaku.com]

That is all.
Guild_Navigator at 08:35 AM on 05/08/08
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Sweet. This is the perfect opportunity for THQ to make a Super Marvel Wars turn based strategy game.
$Image of Tom Clancy\'s Samuraidino$ Tom Clancy's Samuraidino at 08:37 AM on 05/08/08
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You wouldnt like him when hes...jolly?
Rectangle at 08:37 AM on 05/08/08
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I actually thought that Spider-Man: Friend or Foe was a pretty decent game. It was pretty easy, but in the same way that the Lego Star Wars games are easy. It is just right for kids. The combos could be very fun. And the collecting and leveling up of the characters was perfect.

In all, a really decent beat-em-up!
Lightbunny at 08:37 AM on 05/08/08
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I love these things. I've got Iron Man, Captain A, and Deadpool on my desk at work.
EmeraldDragon at 08:39 AM on 05/08/08
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Does any one else find the Hulk's smile a bit creepy?
$Image of Tom Clancy\'s Samuraidino$ Tom Clancy's Samuraidino at 08:39 AM on 05/08/08
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@Lightbunny: Iv got Deadpool and the Punisher in his crappy Captain America knock off costume.Deadpool is awesome though
Salen at 08:39 AM on 05/08/08
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@Culebra: Yeah, he's like the Jolly Green Giant, here to give you a big can of peas. Ho Ho Ho!
karasu is my homeboy at 08:41 AM on 05/08/08
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Connectedness Index: 231

@Rickster: Yes. That is what it says...

This is a cool opportunity. Don't ruin it, THQ. This could be big like Lego Star Wars.
tsukihimeblood at 08:43 AM on 05/08/08
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And like that, my dreams for Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 are dashed into a thousand pieces!
Dakobah at 08:43 AM on 05/08/08
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i like the chibi style super heros.
Falconrith at 08:44 AM on 05/08/08
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My super hero team, let me show you them?

When was the last time anything that was super-deformed was also good?
tsukihimeblood at 08:45 AM on 05/08/08
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@tsukihimeblood: upon closer inspection i guess there may still be a faint glimmer of hope...
tsukihimeblood at 08:45 AM on 05/08/08
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@Falconrith: Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo?
Eville1 at 08:47 AM on 05/08/08
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I just want the Ultimate Alliance based on the Civil War story arc. Or possibly the whole skrull thing going on now.
GundamAC197: Proud new... at 08:49 AM on 05/08/08
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Man, that smiling Hulk makes me grin every time I see it.

"Hulk no smash today...Hulk finally pay off college loans, have good job. Hulk...happy."
elementary at 08:55 AM on 05/08/08
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@Balius:
It wouldn't surprise me. Making movie and comics into kid-friendly video game versions have the positive side effect of creating a video game that has the look and feel of a video game.

I only wish it didn't require the creation of a kid-version to force this design idea when making movie adaptations. Don't try to capture the look and feel of the movie. Use the characters, use the story, and turn it into an actual video game.
Derigor at 08:57 AM on 05/08/08
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@GundamAC197: Proud new Wii60 Owner!: Hulk pay... taxes? Hulk work hard, Man take Hulk money!!! Hulk take more happy pills before Hulk puts gun in Hulks mouth and pulls the trigger but the bullet is too weak to blow the Hulk's brains all over his bathroom wall so he becomes frustrated and out of that frustration he becomes angry!

There we go, that's the Hulk I love, go get mad :D
CockroachMan at 08:58 AM on 05/08/08
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"THQ has obtained the exclusive, worldwide rights to publish content for all current and next-generation consoles, handheld systems, as well as Windows PC"

This proves that it will suck..

I miss the time when CAPCOM had the Marvel license.. :/
Grumps at 08:58 AM on 05/08/08
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It's gotta be better than Spider-man:Friend or Foe right?
Zaxxon Q Blaque at 08:59 AM on 05/08/08
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Aww, yay! I love these little guys! Galactus is what sold me, with that big planet eating grin! ^_^

[www.toddcountry.com]
CockroachMan at 09:00 AM on 05/08/08
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Also "current and next-generation consoles".. which means that the Wii is getting a PS2 port with unnecessary and bad implemented wagglin..

And PS2 is current generation according to THQ.. or the game is coming to the PS4 :P
I Spit On Your Comments at 09:01 AM on 05/08/08
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Until I see MARVEL & CAPCOM in the title, I just won't care.
vx2 at 09:06 AM on 05/08/08
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I actually have a few of these in my collection, if their at least up to par with Lego Star Wars quality it'll deserve my attention.
Scorpi at 09:09 AM on 05/08/08
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Possible plot lines include!

Four-year old Tony Stark is alcoholic; friends stage intervention; toys are thrown.

Kiddie Marvel Zombies: Spiderman: "I ate my aunt and Mary-Jane! Now I have cooties!"

And more! Marvel: Lord of the Flies edition, baby Captain America gets assasinated outside the courthouse, baby Jean Gray devours a sun and extinguishes an entire sentient race...
Fallible at 09:21 AM on 05/08/08
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Lego didn't want to do a Marvel game, then?
DTG at 09:23 AM on 05/08/08
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This could be an interesting game :P
Derigor at 09:39 AM on 05/08/08
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@Scorpi: rofl usually "I ate Mary Jane" has 2 other meanings that come first in my mind. Only one involves marijuana.

Marvel Chibi Zombies. I'd play that.
phalanges at 09:43 AM on 05/08/08
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It's creepy to see them have only 4 fingers.
KingHippo at 10:00 AM on 05/08/08
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"Hopefully this means that Activision can stop making kiddie crap like Spider-Man: Friend or Foe and leave the younger stuff to the pros."

Except Sega now makes Marvel games.
OmegaX123 at 10:09 AM on 05/08/08
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@Fahey: "Look at Spider-Man's head up there! His head is so huge!"

Why is his head so big? Whyyyy is his head so big?!" [/GIR]
Shiryu at 10:14 AM on 05/08/08
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Oh my! This has soo much potentical and I just now THQ are SO not up to realise the full potencial of SD Marvel characters... THQ, pls give the game devoloping duties to someone over in Japan.
evilkoala at 10:16 AM on 05/08/08
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@phalanges:

These must be the marvel heroes the Simpsons love...
Chopper_Mike at 10:28 AM on 05/08/08
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I'm feeling like back to the 90's: A lot of movie-based games, superheroes games, old franchises coming back to life (Street Fighter, Bionic Commando, etc), weird cross-overs (Mortal Kombat Vs. DC Comics), and super-deformers

I'll faint when I see an Indiana Jones gam... no, wait...
KM91 at 10:36 AM on 05/08/08
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You've gotta be freaking kidding me.
Sonovius at 10:44 AM on 05/08/08
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DC really needs to step up the plate since Marvel will whore out their toons at the literal drop of anyone's dime.
Nawara_Ven at 10:48 AM on 05/08/08
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I wonder what M.O.D.O.K. would look like in this format.
fire ze missiles at 10:49 AM on 05/08/08
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Super. Big.
StocDred at 10:54 AM on 05/08/08
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"Infamous villains like Iron Monger." Ha! Boy, what a summer blockbuster will do for your street cred.
plumenoir at 10:57 AM on 05/08/08
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Actually, I look forward to this. My 4 yr-old son loves those super squad toys and has nearly all of them. Like Zaxxon above says, the big Galactus and Sentinel look really funny with big grins. (Actually, now that I think about it, a giant robot is much scarier when it looks that happy as it is raining death upon you...)

If the game is good, then I look forward to playing it with him. And if it isn't good...well, then I just won't tell him it exists.
Billkwando at 12:03 PM on 05/08/08
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@EmeraldDragon: Yes, that Hulk fills me with WTFness.

@GundamAC197: Proud new Wii60 Owner!: LOL!

@Sonovius: DC really needs to step up the plate since Marvel will whore out their toons at the literal drop of anyone's dime

O the irony!

I assume you forgot about the Mortal Kombat game?
PlasmaMachine at 12:18 PM on 05/08/08
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[img.villagephotos.com]

Funny.. Anyone else think that Hulk looks like The Jolly Green Giants' little buddy "Sprout" ?
MrLister at 12:47 PM on 05/08/08
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That Hulk is far scarier than the real Hulk! I bet he talks like Megaman from Captain N.
plumenoir at 12:50 PM on 05/08/08
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Oh yes, one more thing:
Am I the only one that thinks the Hulk pictured above looks like John Belushi's SNL Hulk?
Enigma_20XX at 01:07 PM on 05/08/08
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@Balius:

Don't scare me like that... I f*cking hate these things....
monkeysaresilly at 01:58 PM on 05/08/08
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Great news, as I've always loved these little guys. Tiny beast with blue flocking? Giant sentinel with happy grin? So great! The new Indiana Jones ones are pretty cool too, like tiny happy arc of the covenant ghost.
Eville1 at 02:16 PM on 05/08/08
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@Nawara_Ven:
Reversed. A teeny tiny head and a GIANT SET OF STILL WITHERED LEGS!
Furysetzer at 04:02 PM on 05/08/08
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The deformity is actually pretty scary. The Japanese have been doing kawaii for years, and America is just catching up. Here's the next fad to hit the U.S.

+ Watch video
Garonyldas at 03:13 AM on 05/09/08
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Still not as ugly as Bratz or the new Littlest Pet Shop.