The Latest on Mega Man of Action (Update)

It’s been a little while since we last heard anything about Mega Man of Action — or rather, since I last said anything. As some of you well know, some things have gotten out there, and while I appreciate those who offered tips regarding such, suffice to say I was encouraged to hold off for something of a non-leaked nature.

Fortunately, that day has come.

For starters, we have word that the show is sadly no longer coming to a television near you later this year. Instead, a press release from Dentsu Entertainment reveals that the show is coming “after” 2018 (or in 2018, according to Famitsu) to the Cartoon Network (a move which might bring dismay to those who know how they’ve treated some other shows that aren’t in-house productions).

In addition, the press release states that they will also be expanding the commercialization with toys as a focus, and develop the business globally.

Beyond that, this Blue Bomber is now sporting an updated look from the initial images we saw. In addition to a slightly-revamped design (seen at right), he seems to have an appearance which looks a little more computer-generated than before.

Thanks to Protodude for helping keep me in the loop on this!

Update: An English press release has come out now, and there’s a little further information provided.

First, for those in Canada, the new cartoon will be airing on DHX Media’s Family CHRGD network. What’s more, a new character has been named in Suna Light (which I’m thinking is a pun on “Sun Light”).

Here’s the full text of the press release from DHX:

DHX MEDIA AND DENTSU ENTERTAINMENT LAND MEGA MAN ON CARTOON NETWORK U.S.

New series to also air on Family CHRGD in Canada

Halifax, NS – 03/04/17 – DHX Media (or the “Company”) (TSX: DHX.A, DHX.B, NASDAQ: DHXM), the world’s leading independent, pure-play children’s content company, has signed a deal with Cartoon Network U.S. for Mega Man, an original DHX Media co-production with Dentsu Entertainment USA, Inc. (“Dentsu Entertainment”). The new series has also been picked up by DHX Media’s Family CHRGD for Canada. Based on the legendary Capcom Mega Man video game franchise, the 3D animated series goes into production this summer at DHX Media’s Vancouver studio. Man of Action Entertainment (Ben 10, Generator Rex, and the creators of the characters and team featured in Big Hero 6) will write and executive produce the series in collaboration with DHX Media and Dentsu Entertainment.

DHX Media manages distribution and licensing rights worldwide, excluding Asia, for the new Mega Man series. Dentsu Entertainment manages distribution and licensing in Asia. Ken Faier, Executive Producer, Content at DHX Media, said: “We are thrilled that Cartoon Network has picked up the new Mega Man series for its U.S. viewers. This deal points to the solid demand for our original kids’ content, and highlights the strength of our strategy of collaborating with leading industry peers such as Dentsu and Man of Action to refresh evergreen properties for today’s kids. Further, we believe Mega Man’s incredible heritage and proven popularity also positions the brand extremely well for longer term consumer product opportunities.”

Yuichi Kinoshita, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dentsu Entertainment USA, Inc., said “Mega Man is a unique and powerful character, whose positivity and youthfulness has made him beloved around the world for 30 years.” Aimed at kids 6 to 11, as well as their parents who grew up loving the video games, the new Mega Man animated series will feature exciting new technologies and robots, as well as the introduction of Mega Man’s alter-ego, Aki Light. Aki is a normal, upbeat, schoolboy robot who has nano-core technology that allows him to transform into the mega powered super hero Mega Man! With his Mega Buster arm cannon and iconic helmet, Mega Man battles the wickedest villains Silicon City has to offer. Beloved characters, such as Mega Man’s robotic dog, Rush, will return – while new characters, like Mega MiniTM and Suna Light, will make their debut!

The Mega Man franchise is grounded in a series of video games, first launched in 1987 by Capcom, featuring battles fought by the eponymous blue robot protagonist and an ongoing cast of allies and enemies. The Mega Man multiverse has spawned over 130 video games on multiple gaming systems, selling over 31 million copies worldwide, as well as a plethora of toys, comics and collectibles. A highly rated Mega Man TV series was popular in the USA in the mid-1990s and aired on ABC Family. The new animated Mega Man series focuses on a normal, upbeat schoolboy robot, who discovers that deep within his programming lies secret protocols that can transform him into the powerful Mega Man. And, as the world’s first robotic super-hero, Mega Man must face the threats of Silicon City, while trying to preserve his secret identity and maintain a regular robot boy life.

LBD "Nytetrayn"

David Oxford, or “LBD ‘Nytetrayn’,” as he is sometimes also known, is a freelance writer of many varied interests who resides in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. If you’re interested in hiring him, please drop him a line at david.oxford (at) nyteworks.net.

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