5 Things ‘Marvel Rising: Initiation’ Fans Should Know Before Monday’s Premiere

Marvel Animation is launching their new franchise with “Marvel Rising: Initiation” Monday night, but there are a few things fans might want to know before tuning into the Disney XD cartoon.

1. Shorts: While there is a full half-hour of programming, the “Marvel Rising: Initiation” premiere is actually six shorts introducing our new heroes. There will eventually be a longer story. A feature film, “Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors,” is expected to premiere later this fall.

2. Familiar Voices: You’ll recognize the voice actors in this cast. While some have made their mark in the Marvel world before, all of them have been on successful TV shows.

• Dove Cameron plays Gwen Stacy/Ghost-Spider, but younger viewers might recognize her as Mal in Disney Channel’s “Descendants” franchise. “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” viewers saw her as the villainous Ruby last season.
• Chloe Bennet voices Daisy Johnson/Quake, a role she has gotten familiar with over the past five seasons on “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” This version of Daisy is a little younger, but she’s still a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent who is willing to bend the rules.
• Kathreen Kavari is the voice actress behind Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel, whom she also voiced in “Avengers Assemble.” The actress also appeared as Samantha on “Big Little Lies.”
• Milana Vayntrub plays Doreen Green/Squirrel Girl, and with any luck, the “This Is Us” actress will play the live action version of the character too if “New Warriors” ever finds a home.
• Kamil McFadden portrays Rayshaun Lucas/Patriot, Quake’s partner. McFadden is also a Disney Channel alum, starring on “K.C. Undercover.”
• Dee Bradley Baker voices Squirrel Girl’s sidekick Tippy Toe. The legendary voice actor has been on everything from “SpongeBob SquarePants” to “American Dad.”

3. Villain: Our heroes are teaming up to find someone they think is a villain — Ghost Spider. That’s right, Gwen Stacy was in the wrong place at the wrong time and now everyone from S.H.I.E.L.D. to Squirrel Girl wants to take her down. The problem is that none of them realize there is a bad guy getting away with murder while they chase down Ghost Spider.

4. Girl Power: You’ll notice that this series has plenty of strong female characters, but it isn’t a cartoon aimed solely at girls. “It’s a predominantly female cast. It’s got a female empowerment heartbeat, as I’ve been saying, because it’s not just for young girls. It’s for everybody, and everybody can find something to relate to, but it’s really beautiful,” Cameron told CBR.

5. It’s Really Good: Marvel sent out all six shorts to press, and they’re a fun introduction to these heroes. It’s fast-paced, funny and entertaining. It’s definitely worth watching if you enjoy Marvel Animation.

The “Marvel Rising: Initiation” shorts premiere Monday at 7:30 p.m. EDT on Disney XD.