MARVEL STUDIOS and animation production company MADHOUSE have teamed up to make a series of animations based on popular marvel comic book franchises. MADHOUSE is the production company responsible for popular anime shows and movies such as DEATHNOTE, RECORD OF LODOSS WAR, NINJA SCROLL, X, METROPOLIS, and TRIGUN just to name a few.

The deal between the two companies includes creating four different anime series that will consist of 12 episodes that run around 30 minutes each. The four main properties include X-MEN, IRON MAN, BLADE, and a stand alone WOLVERINE series.

The first trailer for the X-MEN anime series has shown up online and looks completely bad ass! The focus seems to mainly be on CYCLOPS (thank the nerd gods!), STORM, BEAST, WOLVERINE, and PROFESSOR X. I have to admit, the animation here looks amazing and I am going to eagerly anticipate the US release for this one! Here is a synopsis for the shows general plot;

The X-Men are reunited following the death of a teammate, and are summoned by Charles Xavier to Japan following the abduction of Hisako Ichiki (Armor). There, they confront the U-Men, a lunatic cult that steals and transplants mutant organs to further strengthen their own army, and the battle for justice is on.

The X-MEN Anime TV Series will air in Japan starting on April 1st 2011. The popular video game TV network G4 has gained the rights to release this awesome looking show in the US for a planned late 2011 release.