This post was written by Michelle Roberts for LOVEFiLM
Superhero fans will be glad to know that LOVEFiLM is now premièring anime versions of four of Marvel’s most popular comic book heroes. X-Men, Wolverine, Iron Man and Blade have been produced in collaboration with the ‘Japanimation’ studio Madhouse, and are now available via LOVEFiLM’s on-demand service.
The collaboration means that new audiences, as well as existing fans, will be able to enjoy anime productions, and there are some stellar names starring in each series. The vampire-hunting hero Blade is voiced by Harold Perrineau, who starred in Lost. Milo Ventimiglia is the voice of Wolverine, with Adrian Pasdar lending his vocal talents to the role of Tony Stark in Iron Man.
Chris Bird, Director of Content Strategy at LOVEFiLM, says, "What makes this new deal exciting is that we now have the opportunity to reawaken the passion for the series among existing fans, but also pave the way for a whole new group of viewers to be introduced to the (anime) genre."
Fans can expect to see the heroes they know and love
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Anime Adaptations of Comic Book Heroes
- The success of these adaptations proves that existing IPs can be reinterpreted in new ways to reach wider audiences.
- Cross-cultural Collaborations in Animation
- Partnerships with overseas studios offer opportunities to expand into new markets and collaborate with top talent.
- On-demand Streaming of Niche Content
- The popularity of niche content on streaming services like LOVEFiLM suggests there is a demand for more diverse and specific programming options.
Where This Applies
- Entertainment
- By collaborating with top talent and exploring new production methods, entertainment companies can reach wider audiences and refresh existing intellectual properties.
- Animation
- Collaborations across cultures and genres offer opportunities for animators to bring fresh perspectives and storytelling techniques to their work.
- Streaming Services
- On-demand platforms have the potential to attract more subscribers by catering to niche audiences with specific tastes and interests.
