Nickelodeon has acquired Digimon Fusion ^[1], the latest installment in the Japanese anime franchise, following a deal with its new owner Saban Brands.

The kids’ cablenet will air the series later this year. It’s the sixth incarnation of Digimon, which Saban reacquired last year ^[2] from Toei Animation. The show was one of the first to combine TV and virtual pets.

The new version follows Mikey, a human boy, who is transported into the digital realm and must team up with his new ‘Digimon’ or ‘Digital Monster’ friends before their world is deleted once and for all.

“Digimon is the longest-running Japanese anime property and has been enjoyed by kids for more than a decade,” said Saban Brands president Elie Dekel.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing the all-new Digimon Fusion TV series to Nickelodeon, where we have the opportunity to introduce the series to a new generation of children while still engaging long-time fans.”

The Nick pick-up comes after parent Viacom last week unveiled plans ^[3] to introduce six new series in a bid to turn around its flagging ratings.

Power Rangers owner Saban first brought Digimon to US audiences in 1999 via Fox Family Worldwide. MarVista handles distribution of the property outside Asia.