New-Gen universe launches first Comic-Con trading cards
New-Gen Universe launches first consumer products initiative at San Diego Comic-Con with an exclusive Cryptozoic Entertainment trading card set celebrating its Marvel-distributed comic. Just 300 convention boxes exist for the July 23–26 event, building buzz for the upcoming 3D CGI animated series New-Gen Nanobot Heroes while giving fans a rare collectible bridge between comics and animation.
Key Takeaways
- New-Gen Universe, Inc. is debuting its first consumer products line at San Diego Comic-Con with Cryptozoic Entertainment trading cards.
- Only 300 convention-exclusive boxes will be available worldwide for the July 23–26 show.
- Each box includes 13 cards: 11 base cards, one rainbow foil card, and one autograph card.
- The drop tees up New-Gen Nanobot Heroes, a 13-episode 3D CGI series from New-Gen Universe and Toonz Media Group.
- Buyers also get a free New-Gen graphic novel with a foreword by Mark Hamill.
What is New-Gen releasing at Comic-Con?
According to Variety, New-Gen Universe is pairing with Cryptozoic Entertainment on a Comic-Con-only collector’s trading card set. The cards draw on artwork from the Marvel-distributed New-Gen comic book series and are designed solely for the convention.
Each box holds 13 collectible cards: 11 base cards, a single rainbow foil card, and one autograph card signed on-card by either creator J.D. Matonti or voice actors Molly Fahey or Tony Oliver. Autograph cards are limited to a run of 100, and select base and foil cards were made as unique one-of-one pieces.
Convention buyers will also receive a free New-Gen graphic novel tracing the franchise’s origin story, with a foreword penned by Mark Hamill. A separate giveaway offers fans a chance to win a graphic novel signed by Hamill.
Why does this Comic-Con drop matter for the franchise?
New-Gen began as a comic created by J.D. Matonti, Julia Coppola, and Chris Matonti, and has grown into a transmedia franchise spanning publishing, animation, and now consumer products. In the comic, twin brothers Sean and Chris discover their bodies have been enhanced by nanotechnology and must battle the villain Deadalus in a futuristic world where nature and technology coexist.
Debra Joester, president of Joester Loria Group, is leading New-Gen’s expanding consumer products program. Matonti said the company envisions more imaginative opportunities with Joester Loria Group, Toonz Media Group, and other partners as it brings New-Gen Nanobot Heroes to children of all ages.
For fans tracking streaming and animation news, this merch launch is an early signal that the IP is moving beyond the page. More coverage lives in our Streaming & TV Alerts section.
When is New-Gen Nanobot Heroes coming, and who is involved?
The card release builds momentum for New-Gen Nanobot Heroes, a coming 13-episode, 22-minute 3D CGI series written and directed by Matonti. New-Gen Universe and Toonz Media Group are producing the show, with Chris Matonti, Julia Coppola, Brad Heisman, and J.D. Matonti as executive producers.
Writers include Brent Friedman (Star Wars: The Clone Wars) and Eugene Son (Avengers Assemble), among others. Toonz Media Group will distribute the series internationally, while Ketchup Entertainment will handle domestic release.
Voice talent set to appear includes Finn Wolfhard, Nick Wolfhard, Anya Chalotra, Luke Wilson, Henry Rollins, Taylor Gray, Molly Fahey, Lena Headey, and Tony Oliver, with John Loeffler composing the score. Attendees can also preview new artwork for the series ahead of its animated debut on the franchise’s website.