Freeform, Marvel Television and ABC Signature today announced their second project together, “Marvel’s New Warriors,” a new comedic live-action adaptation of the popular Marvel comic featuring young adult heroes. This marks Marvel’s first foray into comedy for a television series. The network has ordered ten 30-minute episodes slated to debut 2018.

“Marvel’s New Warriors” is about six young people with powers and abilities on the opposite end of the spectrum of The Avengers, living and working together. The New Warriors want to make a difference in the world… even if the world isn’t ready.

The series will feature fan-favorite “Squirrel Girl” — tough, optimistic and a natural leader. She is confident and has the powers of a squirrel… She’s acrobatic, can fight and talk to other squirrels. Her most important trait is that she has faith in people and teaches them to believe in themselves. Additional cast to be announced.

Our understanding is that there have been several variations of the New Warriors squad, and Marvel doesn’t say which heroes will be included in this series. Although we do know that some of the Warriors are black, and with diversity heavy on industry minds currently, we can assume the “New Warriors” cast will be diverse – of African descent, Asian, as well as LGBTQ, etc.

Freeform also has “Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger” underway at the network. Gina Prince-Bythewood is directing the pilot episode.

“Freeform’s mission is to deliver incredible content to young adults and Marvel Television seamlessly aligns with that mission–we couldn’t be more proud to collaborate with them on ‘Marvel’s New Warriors,’” said Karey Burke, EVP, Programming & Development, Freeform.

“’Marvel’s New Warriors’ have always been fan favorites and now particularly with the addition of Squirrel Girl, they are Marvel Television favorites as well,” said Marvel’s Head of Television and Executive Producer Jeph Loeb. “After the amazing experience we’ve had with Freeform on ‘Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger’ we can’t think of a better place for our young heroes.”

The series is co-produced by Marvel Television and ABC Signature Studios. Marvel’s Jeph Loeb (“Marvel’s The Punisher,” “Marvel’s The Defenders”), and Jim Chory (“Marvel’s The Punisher,” “Marvel’s The Defenders”) serve as Executive Producers on the series.