Mainframe Preps 'legion' Tv Attack

The cult characters of Marvel Comics' "Alien Legion" are gearing up for their first animated TV series outing under a 26-episode production deal with Canadian animation house Mainframe Entertainment.

The comic book series, created by Carl Potts with Alan Zelenetz and Frank Cirocco for the Marvel-owned Epic Comics division, will be developed by Mainframe and produced at its studios in Vancouver.

"We can't wait to work with Carl Potts in turning 'Alien Legion,' with its devoted fan base, into a vibrant television series," Mainframe USA president Mark Fleischer said. The multispecies crew of "Alien Legion" is an "unstoppable fighting corps" culled from three galaxies, he said.

Added Potts: " 'Alien Legion' has been a great comic book success with a marquee name in that market for years. I am thrilled to be partnering with Mainframe and taking 'Alien Legion' to the next level, into cutting-edge animation."

Epic Comics published "Alien Legion" for nine years in various volumes, with more than 2 million units sold as well as a wide-ranging merchandise and licensing campaign built around the characters. Potts retained rights, a spokesman for Mainframe said. During his 13 years at Marvel Entertainment, Potts was executive editor of Marvel Comics and editor in chief of Epic Comics.

Mainframe, which recently completed a core restructuring of the company, is in production on 13 episodes of "Spider-Man" for Sony Pictures Television. Mainframe is handling both domestic and international distribution for "Alien Legion." The comic book series has been translated into French, Portuguese Spanish and other languages.