Marvel announces Thor animated series

Marvel Animation is developing and self-producing a 26 half-hour episode series based on its long-running comic book, with the series targeted to launch in fall 2010, following Marvel’s live-action feature “Thor,” which bows in 2010.

The animated series will follow Thor, the Norse god of thunder, as he defends his mythical home of Asgard against fantastical villains, fiendish hordes, winged creatures and angry giants. The show will take place in various worlds — from mountainous landscapes to places of icy mists and fiery voids — and will include many of the comic’s supporting cast, including Balder the Brave, the Warriors Three and Thor’s evil adopted brother, Loki.

Marvel president of animation Eric Rollman said the series is part of the company’s plan to follow each live-action movie with an animated series and “offer a continued awareness in the marketplace.” It already is in production on cartoon series “The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes,” which will be available for broadcast in 2011, in time for Marvel Studios’ releases of the live-action “The First Avenger: Captain America” and “The Avengers.”