Last year DHX Media announced plans to make a new television show about Mega Man, the android protagonist from one of the most popular video game series ever. The company just announced that the show has been picked up by Cartoon Network.
It’s an appropriate place for the program, which will be aimed primarily at kids between the ages of 6 and 11. A press release said that the show will begin production this summer. While no specific release date was given, presumably it’ll be sometime in 2017 (as was originally intended) to coincide with Mega Man’s 30-year anniversary.
The world was introduced to the beloved android “Rock” when the first installment of the series came out in 1987. Titled Mega Man, it showed “Rock” taking on the eponymous alias; he’s been fighting evil robots ever since. Over three dozen games about Mega Man have been released, either as part of the original series or spin-offs. He also starred in several animated series in the ‘90s, so this isn’t his first foray into television, but it’s been a while.
Mega Man will battle evil robots in the new show, too, and get this: They’re from a place called “Silicon City.” Is DHX Media trying to slip in some social commentary? Here’s their description of the show:
“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 Mini™ and Suna Light, will make their debut!”
Mega Man has been having quite the revival these days, in part inspired by this anniversary. In January, the first six Mega Man games became available for iOS and Android phones. Soon, the character will star in a feature film from 20th Century Fox. Between that and the forthcoming TV series, your screens are due to get some awesome android action before long.
