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The Ben 10 story follows the exciting adventures of boy-next-door turned global superhero Ben Tennyson, after he discovers a strange watch-like alien device, the Omnitrix (later the Ultimatrix) giving him the power to turn him into 10 different aliens for 10 minutes at a time (lots of 10s, get it?). Throughout his adventures Ben relies on the help of his Grandpa Max, his cousin Gwen and former enemy turned ally Kevin.
The Ben 10 saga continued to expand as a series, first with Ben 10: Alien Force in April 2008 and then with Ben 10: Ultimate Alien in spring 2010, when 16-year-old Ben Tennyson's life changes in major ways. Ben's secret identity has been revealed to the world and he's now an international mega-star superhero, loved by kids all over the world over but distrusted by many adults.
Ben 10 premiered on Cartoon Network on December 27, 2005. The pilot, titled "And Then There Were Ten," aired during Cartoon Network's "sneak peek" for its Saturday morning block. Then the second episode, "Washington B.C.," aired as a special on Friday night, before becoming a weekly series.
Ben 10 has spawned four animated series, two live-action feature-length television movies and one feature-length animated movie for television: Ben 10 Alien Force, Ben 10: Ultimate Alien, Ben 10: Omniverse and Ben 10: Secret of the Omnitrix. There have also been live-action movies: Ben 10: Race Against Time, Ben 10: Alien Swarm.
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News Flash
Cartoon Network is developing a brand new Ben 10 animated series. It will premiere on Cartoon Network international channels in the fall of 2016 and in North America in 2017. Cartoon Network’s fresh take on Ben 10 will center upon a new animated series re-introducing 10-year-old Ben Tennyson. At the core of the new Ben 10 is action, excitement, and all-around fun. Featuring many new and fan-favorite aliens, the series kicks off with the adventures of Ben, his cousin Gwen, and Grandpa Max as they travel the country during summer vacation. When Ben finds the mysterious Omnitrix, a world of alien superpowers opens up to him.
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Characters
Benjamin Kirby Tennyson is a mischievous kid when he first discovers Omnitrix, though his good nature leads him to use his new powers to save people in trouble. As he matures, he loses some of his arrogant nature and becomes more of a typical hero.
Gwendolyn Tennyson is Ben's first cousin. She is introduced to fans when her parents send her on a road trip with Ben and Grandpa Max Tennyson. She helps Ben with her techno and gymnastics abilities, eventually becoming a superhero in her own right when she taps into her magical powers.
Grandpa Max Tennyson drives an RV named "Rust Bucket" when he takes Ben and Gwen on a summer road trip across the country. He is widely known throughout the galaxy as the best plumber, though retired, which means he can craft or fix just about any contraption they need. He guides the children through using their powers for good.
Kevin Levin was introduced to Ben and his team when Kevin was 11. At that time he was a villain, able to absorb and use energy. He was Ben's worst nemesis. Over time he has reformed and become a friend and ally to Ben, though his wicked nature still presents itself from time to time.
Cast
Yuri Lowenthal (Ben) is a voice actor who has voiced several animé and video game characters including Clark Kent/ Superman on Legion of Super Heroes, Sasuke on Naruto and The Prince in Prince of Persia. He can also be heard on the Spike TV’s Afro Samurai opposite Samuel L. Jackson and Ron Perlman.
Ashley Johnson (Gwen) is best known for the role of Chrissy Seaver on the hit television show Growing Pains. She also appeared in the 1994 situation comedy All American Girl and was Mel Gibson’s daughter in the 2000 comedy What Women Want. Johnson voiced Gretchen Grundler in the animated series Recess, Terra in Teen Titans, and she also voices Jinmay on Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go!.
In addition to his role as Kevin Levin in Ben 10: Alien Force, Gregory Cipes’ credits include a recurring role as Miles Anderson in HBO’s Emmy Award-winning Western drama series Deadwood. He also had starring roles in the animated television series Super Robot Monkey Team Hyper Force Go!, W.I.T.C.H. and Justice League. He starred as Beast Boy in Cartoon Network’s television series Teen Titans.
'Ben 10: Omniverse'
In Ben 10: Omniverse, with a little help from his new, by-the-book partner, Rook, Ben explores the quirkier side of things in the alien underground and discovers enemies from his past looking for a rematch, all while a mysterious hunter is hot on his trail. With new aliens at his disposal, Ben 10: Omniverse brings a fresh look to Ben Tennyson. Ben 10 Omniverse premiered Saturday, September 22, 2012.