STAN LEE'S POW! ENTERTAINMENT LAUNCHES ADULT ANIMATED SERIES "COSMIC CRUSADERS"

Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee is headed to television. Together with The Hollywood Reporter and Genius Brands International Inc., Stan Lee's POW! Entertainment will launch an adult animated series called "Cosmic Crusaders," which follows Lee himself after he encounters seven aliens who have crash-landed on Earth.

Written by Deadpool co-creator Fabian Nicieza based on a concept by Lee, the show finds Lee with a case of writer's block -- until the aforementioned aliens arrive. Each of the seven aliens has superpowers, but there's a catch: they can only use their powers in their homeland. In order to help them, Lee offers them not only asylum but "intensive superhero immersion training" so that they can master their abilities on earth.

Lee will edit and voice himself as one of the series' main characters, with "Spawn" creator Todd McFarlane creating cover graphics.

The first four episodes of the show, which is aimed at 18- to 34-year-olds, will premiere on THR.com, with one episode airing each day during Comic-Con International 2016. Smartphone VR viewers will be handed out at Comic-Con for the debut episode, which will be presented in virtual reality.

"I can't wait to bestow upon the world one of our latest creations, 'Stan Lee's Cosmic Crusaders,'" Lee said in a statement. "And as if this wasn't exciting enough, we've joined forces with the creative teams at The Hollywood Reporter and Genius Brands, so you can guarantee this will be an unforgettable event that you won't want to miss!"

"The Hollywood Reporter is thrilled to collaborate with Genius Brands and POW! Entertainment to celebrate Stan Lee's amazing accomplishments and longevity with the premiere of his latest animated series, 'Stan Lee's Cosmic Crusaders,' on THR.com during Comic-Con International," added The Hollywood Reporter's Entertainment Group president/chief creative officer Janice Min." Having that exclusive airing coincide with a special feature on Stan, the superhero of comic creators, within the pages of our special Comic-Con edition of THR is so perfect. Nobody comes close to Stan's creative prolificacy, and the introduction of this new series is the ideal opportunity for the industry and THR to honor Stan and his trailblazing contributions as a one-of-a-kind visionary."

GBI will also collaborate with national retailer Hot Topic, which will "launch the brand under a direct-to-retail apparel and accessories program in stores and online in conjunction with the webisode launch at San Diego Comic-Con."

"Stan Lee's Cosmic Crusaders" will debut July 21 on THR.com.