Ringo Starr: Reluctant Superhero

And you thought he could only play the drums.

Former Beatle Ringo Starr and comic book mogul Stan Lee announced a partnership Wednesday to launch an original entertainment franchise of an animated persona based on and voiced by Starr.

"Ringo is beloved worldwide for his commitment to people and his singular wit," said Lee, the man responsible for the likes of Spider-Man and The Hulk. "Our Ringo Superhero character will combine these qualities, along with Ringo's secret powers which people generally didn't know about because he has kept them secret - until now."

Starr's alter ego is described as an "evil-battling, Earth-saving - though reluctant - superhero with a great sense of rhythm."

Financed, produced and distributed by IDT Entertainment, Lee's POW! Entertainment will develop the project alongside Starr's Rocca Bella company for television, DVD, publishing and other ventures.

Production on the series will begin this year, with a DVD planned for release in the beginning of 2006.

"I'm so excited to become a 'reluctant superhero,'" Starr said in a statement. "How great to hang out with Stan and laugh, laugh, laugh, as we're in the first stages of creating this soon-to-be masterpiece."

He added: "Adding music to this adventure is something I am also looking forward to. See you in animation land - soon!"

No word on what superpowers Ringo has developed.