Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow

Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow is the latest release in the animation distribution deal between Marvel and Lionsgate films.

It picks up in an alternate future where Ultron has killed most of the Avengers and taken over the United States, and is attempting to take over the rest of the world.

Tony Stark is raising the children of the Avengers on a tropical island, while keeping an eye on the rest of the world. We have Captain America's son, Black Panther and Storm's son, Thor's daughter, and Hank Pym and Wasp's son Pym living on a tropical paradise while training to eventually confront Ultron. Really, Tony is keeping them hidden so they won't be killed by Ultron.

The Vision is helping Tony keep an eye on Ultron and happenings in the rest of the world. Thor, in an unThorlike move, has retreated to Asgard to attend to Asgard, leaving his daughter behind, when the other Avengers were killed by Ultron. Bruce Banner has retreated into isolation in the desert and is constantly meditating to keep from triggering the Hulk.

The only other Avenger to survive Ultron's attack was Hawkeye who let a group of survivors in Ultra City. Hawkeye, now deceased, has been succeeded by his son, Francis Barton as leader of the group of survivors. Unknown to everyone involved Betty Ross, Bruce Banner's long time girlfriend/eventual wife, has been living with this Barton's group for many years.

I think the reason the Hulk figures so prominently is as a sort of lead into the new series of Hulk Vs. ... DVD animated films Marvel/Lionsgate are releasing and of course to ride the coat tails of the Incredible Hulk film.

Personally, I'd have enjoyed it more if the Hulk/Maestro were the villain and they had to figure out how to defeat him to free the world.

I watched this with my 4 year old daughter. She liked it, but I can't say she loved it. I felt about the same. It was a fun idea, with OK execution.

High Points: Seeing the children of the Avengers. Seeing Tony living life as a grown up, even if he's portrayed as an old man. Finding out the real story why Thor left his daughter behind.

Low Points: The Iron Avengers. Changes to Ultron's origin (He was made by Hank Pym in the comics and they have Tony Stark being his builder in Next Avengers).

I'd say pick it up when you can find it for $6 or less and watch it with your kids. Or catch it whenever they get around to releasing it on one of the cable cartoon channels.

Rating: 5.0/10.0.