Butch Hartman is launching his own independent animation studio geared toward faith-based and mainstream family and children’s programming.

The seven-time Emmy-nominated illustrator, writer and producer behind Nickelodeon’s The Fairly OddParents and Danny Phantom has announced Butch Hartman Studios, a full-service production studio with over 40 animation crew members.

“Our stories and shows are created and curated with families in mind,” said Hartman. “We’re working with some of the best animators in the business, many of whom I’ve worked with on other shows, to offer an enriching experience suitable for children of all ages.”

The studio is currently working on Season 2 of Hartman and wife Julieann’s The Garden Cartoon, which is currently available on Angel Studios and other streaming platforms. (via Deadline)

Prepare for the most electrifying chapter yet in the ThunderCats comics saga! The fight fans have been wanting for decades goes down in the third collected volume of the flagship series, presented by Dynamite Entertainment and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products.

This August, the battle for Third Earth reaches its most perilous turning point in ThunderCats Volume 3: Apex, collecting issues #11-15 of the acclaimed series from writer Declan Shalvey and artist Drew Moss.

With Mumm-Ra’s sinister Black Pyramid finally uncovered, Lion-O embarks on a daring mission to challenge the fearsome Devil-Priest in the heart of his stronghold. If he can defeat his nemesis in single combat, the ThunderCats may finally secure their claim to their new home. But as the dust settles from their epic clash, an even greater danger looms — thrusting Lion-O and the ThunderCats into two separate battles across two different worlds!

"This third arc on Third Earth is the apex (pun intended) of my original plans for when I took on ThunderCats as a comic book series,” said writer Declan Shalvey. “Where, with all the groundwork laid down, myself and artist Drew Moss could truly build to an epic climax and establish who the ThunderCats really were. Due to the tremendous support the series has received, this arc has also given us an extra opportunity... to build a springboard for new ideas and more ambitious storytelling. I'm so excited to see what comes next."




Available in both hardcover and trade paperback editions, ThunderCats Volume 3: Apex features breathtaking cover art from renowned artists Lucio Parrillo for the hardcover and Declan Shalvey for the paperback. This 128-page collection delivers the thrilling third major arc from writer Declan Shalvey and artist Drew Moss, culminating in the stunning revelations of the final chapter “Warrior” beautifully illustrated by Joe Mulvey.

Originally debuting as an iconic animated series, ThunderCats continues to captivate audiences through compelling storytelling, unforgettable characters, and dynamic artwork and animation. The latest comic series brings new life to the legendary warriors of Thundera, offering both longtime fans and new readers an epic adventure unlike any other.

Don’t miss this must-have addition to the ThunderCats legacy when ThunderCats Volume 3: Apex arrives on shelves this August!



THUNDERCATS VOLUME 3: APEX is solicited in Diamond Comic Distributors’ June 2025 Previews catalog, the premier source of merchandise for the comic book specialty market, and slated for release in August 2025. Comic book fans are encouraged to preorder copies of the issue with their local comic book retailers. It will also be available for individual customer purchase through digital platforms courtesy of Comixology, Kindle, iBooks, Google Play, Dynamite Digital, ComicsPlus, and more!

Visit www.dynamite.com for more news and information.

The adventures of Spider-Gwen will undergo an exciting evolution this August in ALL-NEW SPIDER-GWEN: GHOST-SPIDER #1 by writer Stephanie Phillips and artist Paolo Villanelli. The series follows Phillips and Villanelli’s current run of SPIDER-GWEN: THE GHOST-SPIDER which comes to a thrilling conclusion this July and sets the stage for this bold new beginning. Departing her home dimension under mysterious circumstances and finding herself trapped in Earth-616, Gwen embarked on a journey involving Loki, the TVA, and the reality-altering Cosmic Cube. Now, Gwen’s extended stay becomes permanent as her very life is rewoven into the main Marvel Universe!

A BRAND NEW DAY FOR SPIDER-GWEN! Gwen Stacy isn’t from this Earth but she’s here to stay, so it’s time to make herself at home! A new costume, a new home life – heck, she’s even starting a new band! Unfortunately for Gwen, new threats are also heading her way, starting with one that just might be her own fault! Follow the Ghost-Spider as she settles into Earth-616 to stay!

"For Gwen, this new start is about possibility,” Phillips said. “She’s carrying the weight of her past, but she’s finally in a place where she can build something new—new allies, new purpose, and maybe even a new sense of self... or, recovering an element of herself we haven’t seen in a while. Like playing in a band.”

Check out the main cover by David Marquez and preorder ALL-NEW SPIDER-GWEN: THE GHOST-SPIDER #1 at your local comic shop today!

Dynamite Entertainment, DC, and Queen "B" Productions today announced the official full details and launch for the hotly anticipated crossover between two cherished superstars, Harley Quinn and Elvira Mistress of the Dark. Harley Quinn X Elvira #1 releases this August!

Two of the biggest icons across pop culture, and inspirations to everyone who is a bit quirky, funny, macabre, and daring, are crossing paths this year and are joined by a who's who of top creators and veteran contributors to their tales.

As the scintillating story begins, readers will meet a bored Harley Quinn — this is very bad news for everyone else! While Elvira is faced with an uncertain future as her TV show is under siege by suits and corporate cuts. When these two peerless pariahs cross paths, what follows will be the most ridiculous Halloween party ever seen — and never wanted!

The world-famous tag-team and comic book power couple of Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti return once more to writing the cupid of crime. Their indelible chronicling of Harley's wild rollercoaster ride of a life through the 2010s significantly added to the foundation from which the massively popular character stands on to this day across media. This new escapade with Elvira will feature the beloved Brooklyn backdrop and some fan-favorite characters from their hallowed DC Harley Quinn adventures.

"I've been fortunate to have experienced a lot of crazy parties, both as attendee and host, with guest lists that would make your eyeballs pop out. And recently, in comics, I've crossed paths with many unexpected characters, but this is one of my most exciting yet!," said Cassandra Peterson, the voice and visage behind the Mistress of the Dark. "The party invite is open to all my fans, and Harley's too!"



"What I remember about first discovering Elvira is wanting to be like her," said Amanda Conner. "She’s got that sense of humor, that love of horror and comedy, and that hair and boobs and gorgeousness, all dialed up to eleven. I think she was (and still is) a great role model for all us weird girls."

Jimmy Palmiotti added, "When we were offered this crossover with Elvira, it was the easiest thing in the world to make it work for us. Die hard fans of our work will feel like we never left Harley, while at the same time, we can take her on a new adventure with her new friend Elvira. This series is so much fun."

In adding the Mistress of the Dark to the mix, they are joined by the wonderful Juan Samu. This inimitable illustrator returns to channeling the vivacious horror hostess, following his celebrated work on Elvira Meets Vincent Prince, back again for her next and perhaps biggest team-up to date. Samu will be pulling the heavy duty in bringing their scripts to the page, but as an exciting surprise, the one and only Amanda Conner will also be providing select interior artwork through the series!

As an incredible renaissance woman just like her two stars, Conner will be co-writing, contributing artwork, as well as TWO covers for each issue in this sizzling six issue event for the ages. She's joined for this momentous meet-up by fellow cover artist superstars Joseph Michael Linsner and Ben Caldwell. Plus, covers by one of comics' most scorching hot rising stars in Mark Spears, known for his hit Mark Spears' Monsters series. Last but certainly not least, Jimmy and Amanda's longtime Harley Quinn collaborator Chad Hardin also contributes covers!



HARLEY QUINN X ELVIRA #1 is solicited in Diamond Comic Distributors’ June 2025 Previews catalog, the premier source of merchandise for the comic book specialty market, and slated for release in August 2025. Comic book fans are encouraged to preorder copies of the book with their local comic book retailers. It will also be available for individual customer purchase through digital platforms courtesy of Comixology, Kindle, iBooks, Google Play, Dynamite Digital, ComicsPlus, and more!

Visit www.dynamite.com for more news and information.

This summer, a brand-new era of Stitch comic books kicks off courtesy of Dynamite Entertainment, Disney, and the creative team of writers Connor Ratliff and James III, artist Greta Xella, and the rest of the crew!

With a juggernaut film set to release soon, Stitch fans of all ages can get excited to complement it with a new era of comics starring the blue-furred phenom. This August, a brand-new title launches with original adventures and mishaps of the beloved Disney classic.

Dr. Jumba Jookiba is the mastermind creator of Stitch, his 626th such experiment. But he's found himself spending a lot of time on Earth recently, distracted from his villainous intergalactic background and expertise. He's in danger of losing his membership in the prestigious organization E.G.G.S. — the Evil Genius Group-slash-Syndicate. His time away has resulted in him being short on "Villain Points" that he needs to re-up his standing in the group. Though he considers himself fairly reformed from his past evil ways, he can't give up the benefits of being a card-carrying E.G.G.S. member. Their dental plan and complimentary travel lounges are too good to let go!

To keep himself qualified, Jumba is going on a spree of evil inventions. Each more frightening than the last, he needs to accrue as many Villain Points as he can, as fast as possible. The only problem is his companions are constantly tampering down his efforts, or throwing a fuzzy, blue wrench into the whole process. Earth expert Agent Pleakley tries to rein in the good doctor. But the unpredictable Stitch is even more of a nuisance, finding a way to ruin each and every new brilliant invention. Writer Connor Ratliff describes the dynamic they're aiming for with the core cast as an addition to the rich legacy of Disney trios, like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy, to The Three Caballeros, and The Three Little Pigs. Fans will get to see some other fan-favorite characters from the franchise too!

The new series is scripted by acclaimed writers, comedians, and podcasters Connor Ratliff and James III, known for their work on projects like Tiny Dinos, Dead Eyes, Fairly OddParents: A New Wish, and All That. They're teaming up with Italian artist Greta Xella. A wonderful, unique artist in her own right of course, she is connected to the legendary Mirka Andolfo's Arancia Studio. Which also makes her a peer of Giulia Giacomino who drew the preceding Lilo & Stitch title, providing returning fans with a bit of familiarity and stylistic connection.

"It's not everyday you get asked to write for characters created by your heroes Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois alongside a comedic mind like your other hero Connor Ratliff, but when that day comes you jump at the opportunity!," said writer James III. "We've cooked up some kooky misadventures that we hope will captivate both diehard Stitch fans and new ones alike."

"It's amazing to see how quickly Stitch has become an essential player in the vast canon of Disney characters," said writer Connor Ratliff. "With Pluto gearing up for his 95th birthday this fall, it occurs to me that, though Stitch is an extraterrestrial with a wild backstory, he is also in some ways the 21st century Disney dog. Is that a hot take? Anyway, James and I had a blast writing these new adventures, and I'm so glad that readers now get to see them brought to life with Greta's fantastic art."

Editor Nate Cosby added, “You are not prepared for how howlingly funny this comic is. This is Stitch at his most hilariously chaotic. The comedic chemistry between Conner, James and Greta is gonna blow your socks off-planet!"

The first issue of Stitch and beyond feature singularly celebratory covers from returning Dynamite Disney veterans like Edwin Galmon, Jae Lee, Ciro Cangialosi, and Jennifer L. Meyer.


Covers © Disney

STITCH #1 is solicited in Diamond Comic Distributors’ June 2025 Previews catalog, the premier source of merchandise for the comic book specialty market and slated for release in August 2025. Comic book fans are encouraged to preorder copies of the issue with their local comic book retailers. It will also be available for individual customer purchase through digital platforms courtesy of Comixology, Kindle, iBooks, Google Play, Dynamite Digital, ComicsPlus, and more!

M3GAN 2.0 has officially received its Motion Picture Association rating, signaling that the killer AI doll will again be accessible to a broad audience. The sequel has the same PG-13 rating as the first movie, which famously leveraged its teen-friendly status to become a viral sensation and a significant box office success in early 2023.

The MPAA’s official PG-13 rating for M3GAN 2.0 includes a detailed list of warnings: “strong violent content, bloody images, some strong language, sexual material, and brief drug references.” While violence, blood, and strong language are fairly typical components of edgier PG-13 horror fare, the inclusion of “sexual material” is curious. That could mean M3GAN will explore complex adult human behaviors or add some sexual innuendo to her repertoire as she evolves to face new threats. The “brief drug references” further suggest the sequel will weave mature concerns into its chilling narrative of an AI companion gone dangerously rogue.

M3GAN 2.0 is set to hit theaters on June 27, 2025. (via ComicBook.com)

Next month, IMPERIAL, a four-issue event series by visionary writer Jonathan Hickman and superstar artists Iban Coello and Federico Vicentini, kicks off a galaxy-spanning conflict, boldly transforming the cosmic landscape of the Marvel Universe. The highly anticipated series sets the stage for a new line of intergalactic storytelling, starting with five IMPERIAL WAR one-shots that spotlight individual characters and groups as they navigate the startling developments and explosive conflicts sweeping the stars.

These key chapters of the overarching IMPERIAL narrative will each be co-written by Hickman with the first two hitting stands in August: IMPERIAL WAR: BLACK PANTHER #1 by award-winning writer Victor LaValle (Wolverine: Sabretooth War) and acclaimed artist CAFU (Venom) and IMPERIAL WAR: PLANET SHE-HULK #1 by rising superstar Stephanie Phillips (Phoenix) and extraordinary artist Emilio Laiso (Godzilla Vs. X-Men).

The Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda is under fire from all sides in IMPERIAL WAR: BLACK PANTHER! Blamed for the assassinations that have started an all-out galactic war, T’Challa will first need to survive a brutal assault from the World-Breaker Hulk and Amadeus Cho before he can even think about hunting down the true culprit! And all while his spacecraft spirals towards certain doom! Sounds like another day at the office for the Black Panther!

“Working with Jonathan Hickman on an interstellar epic—who wouldn't be thrilled by that idea? I'm excited to start working on the Intergalactic Empire of Wakanda because there's not enough stories about Black folks in outer space. There could always be more. By the time I'm done, T'Challa and Shuri will have constellations named after them, in some distant galaxy,” LaValle said.

Then, a brutal war of succession ignites in IMPERIAL WAR: PLANET SHE-HULK! Left behind on New Sakaar to keep the peace, Jen Walters discovers that in this savage realm, what’s needed isn’t a litigator, it’s a liquidator! Fortunately, She-Hulk is accomplished at being both!

“She-Hulk’s voice just came naturally to me from the first line—she’s so sharp, funny, and confident,” Phillips shared. “It’s been incredible getting to bring her story to life as part of IMPERIAL and see what this talented lineup of creators is building together.”

Preorder IMPERIAL WAR: BLACK PANTHER #1 and IMPERIAL WAR: PLANET SHE-HULK #1 at your local comic shop and stay tuned in the weeks ahead for more IMPERIAL WAR one-shot announcements.

Today Skybound and Image Comics, in collaboration with leading games, IP and toy company Hasbro, revealed interior pages and the lineup of variant covers for TRANSFORMERS #21, the two-time Eisner Award winning series from writer Daniel Warren Johnson (Extremity, Do a Powerbomb), artist Jorge Corona (Middlewest), and colorist Mike Spicer (Stillwater, Murder Falcon). The next chapter of the tentpole Energon Universe story will be available on shelves in comic book shops June 11, 2025.

Autobots vs Decepticons! Round one of the face-off you demanded between Optimus Prime and Megatron is here.

In addition to the main cover by Daniel Warren Johnson and series colorist Mike Spicer, the lineup of variant covers for TRANSFORMERS #21 includes an open-to-order cover B by series artist Jorge Corona & Mike Spicer, a 1:10 incentive variant continuing the connecting cover series by David Nakayama, a 1:25 incentive variant by Derrick Chew, a 1:50 incentive variant by Pye Parr, and the Energon Universe second anniversary mural variant covers by Jason Howard (Super Dinosaur) & Annalisa Leoni (Invincible Universe: Battle Beast).

TRANSFORMERS is the cornerstone of the Energon Universe, the crown jewel of the historic collaboration between Hasbro and Skybound, who has introduced a brand-new era of the TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE franchises in one shared comic book universe. Other Energon Universe titles include the ongoing series Void Rivals by writer Robert Kirkman (Invincible, The Walking Dead), artist Conor Hughes (White Ash, The Game), and colorist Patricio Delpeche (The Sandman Universe: Nightmare Country) and G.I. JOE by writer Joshua Williamson (Superman, Dark Ride), artist Andrea Milana (Cobra Commander), and colorist Lee Loughridge (Universal Monsters: The Mummy). Fans should expect can’t-miss moments from every issue of the Energon Universe, as secrets are unveiled along the path to answering the BIG questions from some of the biggest franchises in comics today.

TRANSFORMERS #21 (Lunar Codes Below $3.99) will be available at comic book shops and digital platforms including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

The full list of variant covers is below:

TRANSFORMERS #21 Cover A by Daniel Warren Johnson & Mike Spicer (Lunar Code: 0425IM419)

TRANSFORMERS #21 Cover B by Jorge Corona & Mike Spicer (Lunar Code: 0425IM420)

TRANSFORMERS #21 Cover C (1:10 Copy Incentive) (Connecting) by David Nakayama (Lunar Code: 0425IM421)

TRANSFORMERS #21 Cover D (1:25 Copy Incentive) by Derrick Chew (Lunar Code: 0425IM422)

TRANSFORMERS #21 Cover E (1:50 Copy Incentive) by Pye Parr (Lunar Code: 0425IM423)

TRANSFORMERS #21 Cover F Energon Universe Second Anniversary Variant (Connecting) by Jason Howard (Lunar Code: 0425IM424)

TRANSFORMERS #21 Cover G Energon Universe Second Anniversary Variant (Black & White)(Connecting) by Jason Howard (Lunar Code: 0425IM425)

Nickelodeon has set five new hour-long “PAW Patrol” specials, including one set for Christmas 2025. Each special will focus on a different dog.

First is “Valiente: A Tracker Story,” premiering this fall. Per the official logline, “Tracker and his caretaker Carlos come across groups of nocturnal animals fleeing the scary Shadow Jungle region. With help from Ryder and the PAW Patrol pups, Tracker and Carlos must brave their fear of the dark and stop a new villain, Lucita Mala, before she forever turns nighttime into daytime.”

The second special is “A PAW Patrol Christmas”. The remaining specials will debut throughout 2026.

News of the specials comes after the recent renewal of “PAW Patrol” through Seasons 12 and 13. (via Variety)

From the creative team of New York Times bestselling author Rick Remender (Deadly Class, Uncanny X-Force) and powerhouse Daniel Acuña (Captain America, Black Panther)—the duo behind Marvel’s Uncanny Avengers—comes an all-new, wartime thriller titled, Escape. This ongoing series is set to launch in August from Image Comics.


Set in a brutal, fully painted world of anthropomorphic animals—think Inglourious Basterds meets Blacksad—Escape is a gritty, bullet-riddled journey through war’s scorched aftermath. It’s about the violence we inflict, the souls we try to save, and the courage it takes to crawl out of fire.

"Daniel and I have worked together many times, and each project sets a new high watermark in my experience making comics," said Remender. "He’s one of the best artists working today. Getting to take our time and build this book exactly the way we want—drenched in love—has been an absolute pleasure. I’m certain readers will feel that on every page. Escape is a perfect comic book."

Acuña added: "When Rick and I started working together years ago, we 'connected,' not only as artists but also on a personal level. Back then, we already decided we wanted to create something together. I honestly thought it’d never happen, but thanks to Rick’s infinite patience (and believe me, it is infinite) it’s happening! We both agreed we wanted to create a comic our parents would read and enjoy, a big war story. It’s been decades since I created a comic from scratch working with another creator, and I couldn’t ’t be more happy and proud with what we’ve done. It’s a great fit for both of us, and my most solid, mature and personal work. I’m sure you’re gonna be surprised and love every panel as I’ve enjoyed and have gotten emotional first reading, and then creating the art for it. In Escape Rick and I shine as never before."

Escape follows Milton Shaw, a battle-hardened bomber pilot flying missions over a war-torn world ruled by a ruthless empire. But when his plane is shot out of the sky, Milton wakes up behind enemy lines—in the smoldering ruins of a city he helped burn. And in less than 24 hours, his own side is dropping the big one to finish the job.

Now, injured, unarmed, and being hunted through enemy streets, Milton’s only shot at escape comes from the unlikeliest place: a grieving father and his son—civilians shattered by the same fascist regime that rules this land with an iron claw. Enemies by blood. Allies by circumstance. Together, they’ll have to fight their way out before the bomb drops and erases everything…and everyone.

Escape #1 will be available at comic book shops on Wednesday, August 20:

Cover A by Acuña

Cover B 1:15 copy incentive by Michael Wm. Kaluta

Cover C 1:25 copy incentive by Steve Epting

Cover D 1:50 copy incentive by Tradd Moore

Escape will also be available across many digital platforms, including Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Google Play