New-Gen Universe, Inc. is launching its first consumer products initiative at San Diego Comic-Con, debuting an exclusive collector’s trading card set made with Cryptozoic Entertainment to celebrate its Marvel-distributed comic series.
Just 300 convention exclusive boxes exist worldwide for the July 23–26 event, making this among the rarest “New-Gen” collectibles released to date. Designed solely for the convention, the set also builds momentum for the upcoming 3D CGI animated series “New-Gen Nanobot Heroes.”
In the comic, twin brothers Sean and Chris learn their bodies have been enhanced by nanotechnology, thrusting them into a fight against the villain Deadalus within a futuristic world where nature and technology exist side by side.
“New-Gen” was created by J.D. Matonti, Julia Coppola and Chris Matonti and has grown from its Marvel-distributed comic book origins into a transmedia franchise spanning publishing, animation and consumer products. The Comic-Con cards give fans a tangible link between the source comics and the animated series still to come.
The initiative is led by Debra Joester, president of Joester Loria Group, who is spearheading New-Gen’s expanding consumer products program.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Debra Joester and Cryptozoic Entertainment on this first New-Gen consumer products initiative. We envision many more imaginative opportunities like these as we work with Joester Loria Group, Toonz Media Group, and world class talent to bring our New-Gen Nanobot Heroes story to children of all ages,” said J.D. Matonti, creator of “New-Gen.”
Each box holds a set of 13 collectible cards: 11 base cards drawn from artwork in the comic book series, a single rainbow foil card, and one autograph card bearing the signature of either Matonti, voice actor Molly Fahey or voice actor Tony Oliver. Every autograph card carries an on-card signature and a limited run of 100, and select base and foil cards were produced as unique one-of-one pieces.
Buyers at the convention will also receive a free “New-Gen” graphic novel, with a foreword penned by Mark Hamill, that traces the franchise’s origin story.
“We are delighted to partner with J.D. Matonti, Toonz Media Group, and the extraordinary talent behind New-Gen Nanobot Heroes,” said Debra Joester. “Fans are craving the next evolution of superheroes and J.D. has created the gripping storytelling, compelling characters and rich, imaginative new world that delivers just that.”
Attendees can also preview new artwork for “New-Gen Nanobot Heroes” ahead of its animated debut on the franchise’s website, which will show the heroes touching down by spaceship in the series’ utopian setting. A separate giveaway offers fans the chance to win a graphic novel signed by Hamill.
The card release also builds momentum for “New-Gen Nanobot Heroes,” the coming 13-episode, 22-minute 3D CGI series from writer-director Matonti, whose representation includes Evan Anglin and Eric Williams at Zero Gravity Management. New-Gen Universe and Toonz Media Group are producing the show, with Chris Matonti, Julia Coppola, Brad Heisman and J.D. Matonti serving as executive producers.
Writers on the project include Brent Friedman, known for “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” and Eugene Son, who worked on “Avengers Assemble,” alongside four other writers. Toonz Media Group will distribute the series internationally, and Ketchup Entertainment will handle its 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, and John Loeffler composed the score.
New-Gen Universe is a transmedia company built around the New-Gen IP and other properties; its advisory board counts New-Gen’s own creators alongside former Marvel CFO Ken West and Bonnie Arnold, a producer on “How to Train Your Dragon.” Co-producer Toonz Media Group has spent upward of 25 years in the animation business, turning out an estimated 5,000 minutes annually of CGI and 2D programming, with past credits on “Wolverine and the X-Men” for Marvel, “Speed Racer: The Next Generation” for Lionsgate and “Mostly Ghostly” for Universal.