5 Iconic Marvel Animated Series That Deserve To Be Official MCU Canon

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The Animated Series” and represents one of Marvel Studios’ first major forays into multiverse storytelling. “X-Men ’97” respects and builds upon decades of fan support and the animated legacy within the Marvel universe, rather than being just a trip down memory lane.

This shift represents a major change in tone and creativity within Marvel Studios. Previously, their animated productions were often viewed as not being part of the main storyline or as offshoots. However, with the introduction of the multiverse concept, these stories can now be seen as parallel to the live-action films.

The X-Men ’97 revisits classic characters and demonstrates how traditional stories can adapt to a contemporary Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) style while still maintaining their original animated essence. This series serves as an example that high-quality storytelling isn’t constrained by format, and animated shows have the potential to significantly widen the scope of the MCU’s narratives. By setting this example, other animated series could plausibly be incorporated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe multiverse.

These Animated Marvel Series Belong in the MCU Multiverse

The Spectacular Spider-Man

The Spectacular Spider-Man is known for being one of the top-notch animated versions of Marvel’s Spider-Man, offering a character-focused portrayal of Peter Parker’s double life as both a high school student and superhero. Over two seasons on The CW and Disney XD, this series, created by Greg Weisman and Victor Cook, skillfully mixed teenage drama with exhilarating action sequences. It showcased well-known adversaries like the Green Goblin and Venom, brought to life by a talented voice cast, with Josh Keaton as Spider-Man.

In contrast to other Spider-Man shows, “The Spectacular Spider-Man” was distinctive for its narrative structure that unfolded over multiple episodes, as well as its artistic approach that combined the feel of comic books with smooth animations.

Although not originally part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in the 1990s, this animated series, with its critical praise and deep emotional content, could be a viable addition to the MCU, perhaps as an independent Earth to represent its separate continuity. Its emphasis on Peter’s personal development and relationships aligns well with the MCU’s focus on character-driven stories.

By introducing “The Spectacular Spider-Man” into the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s multiverse, Marvel can resurface a cherished version of Spider-Man, all while avoiding any conflicts related to live-action rights held by Sony.

No Way Home.

Wolverine and the X-Men 

The series titled “Wolverine and the X-Men” presented a daring reinvention of the X-Men universe, with Wolverine stepping into the role of a reluctant leader after an explosion dispersed the original team. This 1-season run on Nicktoons showcased the creative minds of Craig Kyle and Greg Johnson, focusing on Wolverine’s leadership challenges as well as the team’s mission to prevent a dark future. Characters like Cyclops, Emma Frost, and Nightcrawler were among those featured in this series, much like in “X-Men ’97“.

This new show distinguishes itself from X-Men: The Animated Series due to its grittier atmosphere and exploration of Wolverine’s intricate persona, as portrayed by Steve Blum. Additionally, it shares ties with the “Yostverse” (Earth-8096) and Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, creating a unified animated world that could potentially be integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

By referring to it as Earth-8096, we ensure its unique storyline remains consistent while fitting within the multiverse structure of X-Men ’97. This decision, given its focus on mutant conflicts and time-travel plots, aligns well with the series. Making Wolverine and the X-Men canonical in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) would enrich the mutant narrative, providing a Wolverine-focused perspective that harmonizes with X-Men ’97’s themes.

Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes 

The animated series “The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes” is generally regarded as the ultimate representation of Marvel’s primary superhero team in animation. It serves as a heartfelt tribute to comic book enthusiasts with its accurate portrayal of traditional Avengers stories. Broadcast on Disney XD from 2010 to 2012, this series, under the guidance of creators like Christopher Yost, showcased characters such as Iron Man, Thor, Captain America, Hulk, and a changing lineup of heroes taking down villains such as Kang the Conqueror and Loki.

The show is renowned for its in-depth narratives, well-developed characters, and an unforgettable theme tune, which sets it apart. It has been highly praised for its ability to strike a perfect balance between staying true to comic book lore and being easy to understand. As a member of the Yostverse (Earth-8096), along with “Wolverine and the X-Men,” it provides an established continuity that can be seamlessly integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

By incorporating it into the Earth-8096 universe, Marvel could broaden the scope of their animated Avengers storyline, maintaining a clear distinction from the live-action Marvel Cinematic Universe team. At the same time, this move would preserve and acknowledge the rich comic book roots of the franchise.

Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. 

In a new take on Marvel’s gamma-infused superheroes, the TV series “Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.”, which ran from 2013 to 2015 on Disney XD, portrayed the Hulk as an unjustly maligned hero instead of a fearsome beast. The story focused on Bruce Banner’s Hulk, She-Hulk, Red Hulk, Skaar, and Rick Jones (transformed into A-Bomb) as they faced colossal threats that other heroes couldn’t handle, simultaneously recording their escapades for a reality show to enhance the Hulk’s public standing.

The unique presentation of the show as a pseudo-reality program, featuring drone cameras and so on, provided an amusing yet sincere examination of family relationships within their irradiated characters.

In this series, talented voices such as Fred Tatasciore and Clancy Brown brought their characters to life. The show expertly blended comedy and action, exploring the Hulk’s journey towards acceptance and his team’s fights against foes like the Leader.

Integrating “Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.” into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) along with shows like “Ultimate Spider-Man” and “Avengers Assemble” would make it a seamless addition to the MCU’s multiverse, possibly as Earth-12041, thereby maintaining its connected storyline. Recognizing “Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.” as canon would give Marvel the opportunity to delve deeper into the Hulk’s extended family, an aspect that the MCU’s live-action films have not fully explored yet.

In the appearance of General Ross in the animated series X-Men ’97, there’s a suggestion that the Hulk might exist in another universe. This could pave the way for a contemporary animated story about the Hulk, providing a lively, team-oriented portrayal of gamma-influenced heroics that aligns well with the multiversal perspective of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Guardians of the Galaxy 

The animated television series titled “Guardians of the Galaxy,” airing on Disney XD between 2015 and 2019, translated the cosmic allure of Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Groot to our TV screens. It maintained the offbeat vibe of their Marvel Cinematic Universe counterparts while being deeply influenced by the Marvel Comics characters.

This show delved into the team’s thrilling journeys facing cosmic perils such as Thanos and the High Evolutionary, featuring voice talents like Will Friedle and Vanessa Marshall.

Originally belonging to Earth-12041 alongside “Ultimate Spider-Man” and “Avengers Assemble”, the series eventually moved to Earth-17628 for its concluding season, showcasing a more flexible narrative structure. Recognizing it as Earth-17628 would enable Marvel to maintain its distinct mix of humor, action, and cosmic folklore. This alignment aligns well with the MCU’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies, potentially offering another intriguing spin-off opportunity.

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2025-08-12 21:41