"[13] This process starts with traditional animation,[14] then scanning into the computer to wrap it around the characters to give texture and weight to backgrounds and strongly emphasize facial expressions.

[7][15] In October 2012, Marvel Animation Studios announced its first DTV production, the direct-to-video film Iron Man & Hulk: Heroes United, which was scheduled to be released on April 23, 2013.

[19] Two Hydra scientists enlist the Abomination to help them capture the Hulk and siphon his gamma energy into their own version of Tony Stark's arc reactor.

[29][30] The Red Skull and Taskmaster strategize a plan to be rid of Captain America, by stealing weapons that belong to Iron Man.

The serum is fully created, and the Red Skull brainwashes Cap, causing him turn into a pawn called Captain Hydra and fights against Iron Man who arrives to rescue him.

During the fight, Cap hacks into Iron Man's systems, allowing Taskmaster to gain access to control the Mark VI armor.

John-Michael Bond of The Daily Dot wrote, "Marvel excels at telling patently ridiculous stories in a way that draws you in, and this animated tale of mad scientists run amok is a shining example.

Reimagining the origin story of the Hulk villain Zzzax, a being of pure energy and onomatopoeia, this adventure focuses on the humorous partnership that arises when Iron Man and the god of smashing team up.

"[31] Troy Blackburn of Screen Rant ranked Iron Man and Hulk: Heroes United 16th in their "16 Best Marvel Animated Movies" list.

"[33] John-Michael Bond of The Daily Dot wrote, "Marvel’s Heroes United movies are lighthearted fare, designed to show off the joys of a superhero team-up while telling a big action story full of laughs.