In This Week in Animation News, I’ll take a look at the previous week in the world of animation in order to get you caught up on everything you might have missed. It’s your one-stop shop for news regarding cartoons, anime, and animated web series. We’re talking movies, TV shows, digital shorts, and everything in between!

While we don't have much solid information on Disney XD's Marvel's Spider-Man just yet, the new series did launch their first short (of six) that explores Peter Parker's origin story. Elsewhere on the small screen, the DuckTales cast gets introduced in new videos, the upcoming Star vs. the Forces of Evil movie gets a trailer, and both The Powerpuff Girls and Star Wars Rebels get new Blu-ray releases. Plus Cartoon Network sets the premiere date for OK K.O.! Let's Be Heroes and announces upcoming episodes and times for their many series, while Nickelodeon reveals their Comic-Con 2017 schedule.

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Image via Sony Pictures Animation

On the big screen, we've got new trailers for the French film Leap and the Chinese feature Have a Nice Day. Warner Bros.' The LEGO Ninjago Movie gets a bunch of colorful new character posters while Sony Pictures Animation's Hotel Transylvania short PUPPY is explained by its creator/animator, Genndy Tartakovsky in the first of a few upcoming featurettes. All that and more awaits below!

For the latest animation stories we’ve already covered on the site this week, take a look at the following links. Then, check out a selection of new stories below. Be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Peter Parker's Origin Story Gets Animated in 'Marvel's Spider-Man' Short

Peter Parker is on a field trip to Oscorp when he accidentally gets bitten by a radioactive spider.

In addition to posting this short film, EW also had some behind-the-scenes news on the upcoming Disney XD series. The official premiere date and cast have yet to be announced, but the channel will be rolling out six animated short films each day on Disney XD and their YouTube channel from July 24th to July 29th. The above video is the first of those six shorts, so keep an eye out for more this month! Also, be sure to check out the above-mentioned interview with writer Jennifer Muro who had a hand in crafting an episode of Marvel's Spider-Man.

New 'Leap' Trailer Sets Up a Dance-Off

In Theaters Nationwide August 30th

 

11-year-old orphan, Félicie (Elle Fanning) has one dream - to go to Paris and become a dancer. Her best friend Victor (Nat Wolff), an imaginative but exhausting boy with a passion for creating, has a dream of his own - to become a famous inventor. In a leap of faith, Victor and Félicie leave their orphanage in pursuit of their passions. But - there's a catch, Félicie must pretend to be the child of a wealthy family in order to gain admittance to the prestigious and competitive Opera Ballet School in Paris. And with no professional dance training, she quickly learns that talent alone is not enough to overcome the ruthless, conniving attitudes of her fellow classmates, led by the devious Camille Le Haut (Maddie Ziegler). Determined to succeed, Félicie finds her mentor in the tough and mysterious school custodian, Odette (Carly Rae Jepsen) who, along with Victor's encouraging friendship, help her reach for the stars.

 

Directed by: Éric Summer, Éric Warin

 

Written by: Carol Noble, Éric Summer, Laurent Zeitourn

 

Starring: Elle Fanning, Nat Wolff, Maddie Ziegler, With Mel Brooks, Kate McKinnon And Carly Rae Jepsen

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Image via The Weinstein Company

Meet the Cast of 'DuckTales' in New Animated Shorts

Scrooge and Louie tussle with a mysterious clock.

 

Scrooge McDuck is the richest duck in the world. He’s tougher than the toughies, smarter than the smarties, and he made his money square. Scrooge’s obsession with adventure takes him and his family to the most exciting and dangerous places.

 

Based on the Emmy Award-winning series treasured by a generation of viewers, Disney XD's animated comedy-adventure series "DuckTales" chronicles the high-flying adventures of Duckburg's most famous trillionaire Scrooge McDuck, his mischief-making triplet grandnephews, Huey, Dewey and Louie, temperamental nephew Donald Duck and the trusted McDuck Manor team: big-hearted, fearless chauffer/pilot Launchpad McQuack, no-nonsense housekeeper Mrs. Beakley and Mrs. Beakley's granddaughter, Webby Vanderquack, resident adventurer and the triplet's newfound fierce friend.

 

"DuckTales" will premiere in a one-hour television movie to be presented for 24 consecutive hours, SATURDAY, AUGUST 12 (beginning at midnight, EDT/PDT) on Disney XD. Then, the series will debut with two new episodes SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 (7:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., 10:30 p.m., EDT/PDT). Each will also be available on the Disney XD app and Disney XD VOD on these same dates.

Find out how our friend Launchpad McQuack manages a little fender bender! Launchpad McQuack is Scrooge’s big-hearted, fearless, and clueless pilot and chauffeur. Loyal Launchpad isn’t afraid to fly into any adventure or crash any vehicle for good ol’ Mr. McDee.

See how Mrs. Beakley keeps the young adventurers and ‘spirited’ inhabitants of McDuck Manor in order. Mrs. Beakley is Scrooge’s extremely professional housekeeper and loving grandmother to Webby. She’s also an incredibly skilled fighter and unbeatable strategist with her share of secrets.

Join Webby Vanderquack as she hunts for hidden treasure in McDuck Manor! Webby Vanderquack is the “heart…and fists” of the kids, and the granddaughter of Scrooge’s housekeeper. An obsessive fangirl of adventure, and skilled martial artist, she finds the most adventurous solutions to everyday problems.

'Star vs. The Forces of Evil' Trailer Sets up "The Battle for Mewni" Movie

Catch the must-see movie event, The Battle For Mewni, Saturday, July 15 anywhere you watch Disney XD!

 

[EMBED_TWITTER]https://twitter.com/DaronNefcy/status/868208896199974912[/EMBED_TWITTER]

A special two-hour Star vs. The Forces of Evil TV movie event will premiere SATURDAY, JULY 15 (11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. EDT), on Disney XD, and will be available to verified users on the Disney XD app and Disney XD VOD platforms. Titled "The Battle for Mewni," the TV movie follows Star as she returns to her home dimension of Mewni where she discovers that magic is disappearing throughout the kingdom. Star must dig deep and challenge archnemesis Ludo in an effort to save her family and kingdom.

Star vs. The Forces of Evil is an animated comedy adventure that follows fiercely awesome teen princess Star Butterfly. After receiving an all-powerful magic wand for her 14th birthday, Star is sent by her Royal Parents to live with the Diaz family on Earth, bringing along her own unique interdimensional style to her new home. Together with the Diaz's teenage son Marco, they navigate high school and embark on dimension-hopping adventures across the multiverse while keeping her wand out of the clutches of evil.

Created and executive produced by Daron Nefcy, Star vs. The Forces of Evil stars Eden Sher as Star Butterfly, Adam McArthur as Marco Diaz; Alan Tudyk as Ludo and King Butterfly; Jeffrey Tambor as Glossaryck; Nia Vardalos  as Mrs. Diaz; Artt Butler as Mr. Diaz; and Jenny Slate as Pony Head.

'The Powerpuff Girls: The Last Donnycorn' Coming to DVD

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Image via Cartoon Network

One of Townsville’s most magical citizens, Donny the Unicorn is the star of Cartoon Network’s upcoming DVD release of The Powerpuff Girls: The Last Donnycorn, available in stores August 15, 2017. Join pint-sized superhero sisters Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup in this must-own DVD release that features 12 butt-kicking episodes from the Emmy-nominated hit series’ first and second season. The DVD includes the half-hour special, "The Last Donnycorn", the Emmy Award-nominated episode "Once Upon a Townsville", and bonus content, including five The Powerpuff Girls minisodes. The Powerpuff Girls: The Last Donnycorn will be available August 15, 2017.

Cartoon Network’s The Powerpuff Girls brings the adorable superhero sisters back with 12-action-packed episodes on one great DVD. This release includes the 30-minute special "The Last Donnycorn", in which Donny comes to the girls for protection when he’s hunted by a robotic unicorn. After narrowly escaping, he reveals that he’s accidentally unleashed evil unicorns that were trapped inside of a magic mirror upon Unicorn Land and needs the girls’ help to save his dimension. Get set for punch-outs and plenty of crime-stopping heroics! Juggling school, homework and a regular parade of villains is no easy task, but the Powerpuff Girls are more than up to the challenge.

The Emmy Award nominated The Powerpuff Girls is produced by Cartoon Network Studios, with Nick Jennings serving as executive producer and Bob Boyle as co-executive producer.  The series stars Amanda Leighton as Blossom, Natalie Palamides as Buttercup, and Kristen Li as Bubbles.

FEATURED EPISODES:

  • The Last Donnycorn (30 min. special)
  • Once Upon a Townsville
  • Odd Bubbles Out
  • Blue Ribbon Blues
  • People Pleaser
  • Electric Buttercup
  • The Wrinklegruff Girls
  • Rainy Day
  • Presidential Punchout
  • The Big Sleep
  • Claw Dad
  • 15 Minutes of Fame

'Star Wars Rebels' Season 3 Comes to Blu-ray/DVD This August

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Image via Walt Disney Studios, Lucasfilm

Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season Three delivers all 22 action-packed episodes of the hit CG animated series’ third season, plus exclusive, never-before-seen bonus material on Blu-ray and DVD! The story threads begin to tighten in this thrilling season of Star Wars Rebels, drawing connections to The Clone Wars, Rogue One and the original Star Wars trilogy into the series’ epic storyline. Available August 29, Star Wars Rebels: Complete Season Three delivers some of the most critically-acclaimed Star Wars storytelling to date, with engaging characters, harrowing conflicts, and spectacular space battles on par with those seen in the films.

Having established a secret base on Atollon, the Ghost crew, now led by a more powerful Ezra, strengthens the Rebel fleet by acquiring new resources and recruits eager to stand against the Empire.  However, the Imperial efforts to eliminate the Rebellion are now being led by the coldly analytical Grand Admiral Thrawn, whose strategic, tactical and cultural insights make him a threat unlike any they have faced before. Ezra and Sabine must take on new roles and challenges as the Rebels prepare for their biggest mission yet – a direct assault on the Empire.

Star Wars Rebels was created by Dave Filoni, Simon Kinberg, and Carrie Beck. The Lucasfilm Animation production is also executive-produced by Filoni and Kinberg.

Featuring the voices of Freddie Prinze Jr. as Kanan, Vanessa Marshall as Hera, Steve Blum as Zeb, Tiya Sircar as Sabine, Taylor Gray as Ezra, Dee Bradley Baker as Captain Rex and David Oyelowo as Agent Kallus.

Bonus Features:

Blu-ray:

  • Return To Mandalore - Explore where Mandalore fits within the Empire’s regime – and whether Sabine can unite her people against the Imperial forces.
  • Thrawn: A Legend Reborn - Learn Thrawn’s significance in Star Wars lore, and what the future may hold for this memorable villain.
  • Apprentices to Outcasts: Kenobi And Maul - Track two adversaries who’ve clashed throughout Star Wars history, and find out why the time was right to conclude their story.
  • The Original Rebel: Saw Gerrera Returns – Extended - Meet the Original Rebel. This exclusive extended version features Forest Whitaker discussing the character he brings to life in both Rebels and Rogue One.
  • Five Audio Commentaries: Featuring Dave Filoni (Executive Producer), Justin Ridge (Supervising Director), Kilian Plunkett (Art Director), Keith Kellogg (Animation Supervisor) and Joel Aron (CG Supervisor: Lighting & FX)

DVD:

  • A Rebel Alliance - Discover how the formation of the Rebel Alliance in Rebels ties into the Rogue One timeline – and the exciting story possibilities that lie ahead for season 4.
  • Rebels Recon - Go behind the scenes with the cast and crew in 19 entertaining and information-packed episode recaps!

'Have a Nice Day' Trailer Reveals the Chinese Animated Feature

Driver Xiao Zhang robs 1 million dollars from his boss in order to fix his girlfriend's failed plastic surgery, but he is soon faced with a bigger predicament when a hitman, a gangster and a robber go after him and the money.

ScreenDaily reports that Have a Nice Day, the first Chinese animation to play at the Berlin Film Festival earlier this year, has been sold to multiple international territories by Memento Film International (MFI), following up on the news that U.S. distributor Strand Releasing has acquired domestic rights and is planning for a fall release. Have a Nice Day is the follow-up to Jian Liu's award-winning 2010 animated feature Piercing I. Keep an eye out for it!

Disney Junior Series 'Vampirina' Casts James Van Der Beek, Lauren Graham and Isabella Crovetti

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Image via Disney Junior

James Van Der Beek and Lauren Graham will voice the roles of Vampirina's parents, Boris and Oxana Hauntley, in Disney Junior's animated series Vampirina, premiering this fall on Disney Channel, Disney Junior and the new Disney NOW app. Twelve-year-old Isabella Crovetti stars as the voice of Vampirina (aka Vee), a lovable young vampire girl, who is facing the joys and trials of being the new kid in town when her family moves from Transylvania to Pennsylvania.

The recurring guest voice cast includes Tony-award winning Broadway performers Patti LuPone and Brian Stokes Mitchell as Vee's grandparents, Nanpire and Grandpop, and Wanda Sykes as Vampirina's cantankerous yet loyal gargoyle sidekick Gregoria.

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Image via Disney Junior

Featuring music by Broadway composers Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond, the series will include original songs in each episode performed by the talented voice cast. Van Der Beek, Graham and Crovetti perform the series' theme song.

Set in an urban Pennsylvania neighborhood, "Vampirina" is centered around Vee as she settles into her new surroundings, including making friends and attending a new school. Excited to experience everything that the human world has to offer, Vee will learn that while it may be easier to blend in with her peers, it's important to celebrate the differences that make everyone unique. Always by her side, Vee's mom and dad are also adapting to their new life as proprietors of the local Scare B&B, a bed and breakfast for visiting ghouls and goblins.

Rounding out the voice cast are: Mitchell Whitfield as playful ghost, Demi; Jordan Alexa Davis as Vee's best friend and next-door neighbor, Poppy; ViviAnn Yee as another one of Vee's close friends, Bridget; Dee Bradley Baker as Vee's teacher, Mr. Gore, and the Hauntley's dog, Wolfie; Benji Risley as Poppy's twin brother, Edgar; Cree Summer as Poppy and Edgar's mom, Edna; and Ian James Corlett as Chef Remy Bones, the Scare B&B's comedic skeleton chef.

Inspired by Disney Publishing's popular children's book series "Vampirina Ballerina," the show brings together many of the key creative team behind Disney Junior's Peabody Award-winning animated series "Doc McStuffins," including executive producer Chris Nee and co-executive producer Norton Virgien. Nicky Phelan serves as director. The series is produced by Academy Award®-nominated animation studio Brown Bag Films in association with Disney Junior.

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Image via Disney Junior

MONDO to Premiere Animated Series 'Lastman' and 'Deep Space 69' at RTX 2017

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Image via MONDO

The visually bold, graphic-novel adapation of French comic series Lastman and the fourth season of the irreverent hit Deep Space 69 will premiere during the Rooster Teeth Animation Festival in Austin.

The Rooster Teeth Animation Festival, which takes place at RTX Austin, will hold the English-language premiere of Lastman and the global season premiere of Deep Space 69, which will be joined by a special screening of Adult Swim’s new series Apollo Gauntlet from MONDO’s studio Six Point Harness.

The traditionally animated series Lastman, which originally aired in France on France4, has been translated into English in a multi-national creative effort. Lastman mixes martial arts, boxing, action, drama and the supernatural into a unique adventure.

Deep Space 69 continues its intergalactic tale of sex, sexual exploits and sexual conquests with a fourth season – following three seasons that have attracted more than 50 million online views. Originally available on YouTube, Deep Space 69, from creator Daniel Katz (Xemoland, Beer Cops) will join Lastman as series available exclusively on MONDO’s channel on VRV, the new video experience from Ellation.

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Image via MONDO

The hour long MONDO panel, featuring both Lastman and Deep Space 69, will feature a discussion with Six Point Harness’s Burch, head of development Wendy Willis, and creative director Greg Franklin. The panel will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday, July 9, in Room 10AB of the Austin Convention Center.

In addition to Lastman and Deep Space 69, the all-new Adult Swim series Apollo Gauntlet, will have a special screening during the RTX Animation Festival, followed by a panel discussion that will feature series creator Myles Langlois – who also provides the voice of Apollo Gauntlet. MONDO’s Willis, Franklin and lead editor Tony Christopherson will also be on the Adult Swim panel.

Adult Swim’s screening and panel discussion featuring Apollo Gauntlet will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, July 8, on the Center Stage of the Austin Convention Center.

Single day and weekend passes for RTX Austin 2017 are still available at http://www.rtxaustin.com/ starting at $35.00. Children ages 6 and under get free admittance with a paying adult. For the latest developments and updates, visit the RTX Austin 2017 website, Facebook and Twitter.

'Mune: Guardian of the Moon' Gets One-Day-Only Theatrical Release

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Image via GKIDS

GKIDS and Fathom Events are bringing Mune: Guardian of the Moon to U.S. movie theaters for its cinematic debut. Moviegoers will plunge into a world of wonder, magic and beauty in this fantastical animated adventure from the producers of The Little Prince.

Mune: Guardian of the Moon will be in movie theaters nationwide for one day only on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 12:55 p.m. local time. The French produced film is being released in a new English language version featuring: Rob Lowe, Christian Slater, Patton Oswalt, Ed Helms and Jeff Dunham. The program also includes GKIDS MINIFEST a super-fun, super-condensed festival of the best short animation from around the world. The release of Mune: Guardian of the Moon continues the partnership between GKIDS and Fathom Events, who are bringing six masterpieces from the legendary Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli to theaters this year.

Tickets for Mune: Guardian of the Moon can be purchased online by visiting www.gkids.comwww.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Moviegoers throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in more than 350 movie theaters. A complete list of theater locations will be available June 9 on the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

As legend has it, the first Guardian of the Sun threw a harpoon into the cosmos and roped the sun to bring light and warmth to all of humanity. Then the Guardian of the Moon lured the moon to the Land of Darkness to provide a balance to the sun and supply the world with dreams. At a ceremony to appoint the two new guardians, an accident seems to occur: the heir apparent is passed over, and the title of Guardian of the Moon is bestowed on the waif-like creature, Mune, a small forest faun who is unprepared to take on such a weighty responsibility. This news excites Necross, the nefarious ruler of the Underworld, who decides to prey on Mune's weakness and steal the sun for himself. Now it is up to unlikely hero Mune and his friend Glim to save the sun and restore order to the world.

Nickelodeon's Comic-Con 2017 Schedule Revealed!

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Nickelodeon will immerse fans in three decades-worth of iconic characters and shows as it brings Rocko’s Modern LifeHey Arnold!SpongeBob SquarePants and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to life at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2017. From a 23-foot-tall pineapple under the sea to O-Town, Hillwood and the sewers of NYC, Nick will showcase its fan-favorite characters and popular shows with one-of-a-kind activations, panels, talent signings and interactive experiences.

Every day of the convention, Nickelodeon’s booth (#4113) will feature: a 23-foot-tall pineapple, housing an interactive gaming experience, allowing fans to literally step inside the world of SpongeBob SquarePants; a life-size replica of Helga’s shrine fromHey Arnold!; a retail area featuring a custom t-shirt station and one-of-a-kind, exclusive collectibles; costumed-character appearances; and autograph signings with the voice casts and creators from Rocko’s Modern Life, Hey Arnold!, SpongeBob SquarePants and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Nick animation creators Butch Hartman, Chris Savino and Billy Lopez, and more.

Nickelodeon also will present four panels during the convention: Rocko’s Modern Life: Return to Earth!, a reunion with the original voice actors and sneak peek at the upcoming TV special; Hey Arnold!: From Hillwood to the Jungle!, celebrating the return of the beloved characters in the upcoming TV movie with past and present casts and a live musical performance; Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, a dive into the thrilling story arcs in season five; and SpongeBob SquarePants: The Legend of Boo-kini Bottom, a behind-the-scenes look at the new stop-motion Halloween special, along with a live table read of a classic episode picked by fans via social media.

The following is the full rundown of Nickelodeon’s activations:

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Image via Nick

Rocko’s Modern Life: Return to Earth!

Thursday, July 20: Fans will be shouting, "Oh my!" and "SPUNKYYY!," when Nickelodeon’s beloved and wacky series Rocko’s Modern Life lands in San Diego. Original show creator Joe Murray, Cosmo Segurson(director) and the voice cast of O-Town’s popular residents--Carlos Alazraqui (Rocko), Tom Kenny (Heffer),Mr. Lawrence (Filburt), Charlie Adler (Mr. Big Head and Mrs. Big Head)--will dive deep into the lore of this animated classic and what to expect from Rocko’s return to the TV screen, including an exclusive sneak peek at the special.  The panel will be moderated by Marc Snetiker (Entertainment Weekly).

Hey Arnold!: From Hillwood to the Jungle!

Friday, July 21: Rejoice in the return of Arnold, Gerald, Helga and all of the Hillwood neighbors, with the series’ classic voice actors Lane Toran (Arnold), Jamil Walker Smith (Gerald), Francesca Marie Smith(Helga), and Anndi McAfee (Phoebe) and the new generation of talent featured in the upcoming TV movie--Mason Vale Cotton (Arnold) and Benjamin “Lil’ P-Nut” Flores, Jr. (Gerald). This panel will also feature a live musical performance by composer Jim Lang and an introduction to never-before-seen footage of the TV movie by show creator Craig Bartlett. The panel will be moderated by Marc Snetiker (Entertainment Weekly).

Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Friday, July 21: Executive producer Ciro Nieli will explore the thrilling story arcs and give fans an inside look at season five of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.  Joining the discussion are legendary creators and collaborators Kevin Eastman and Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo), as well as the talented voice cast from the series: Sean Astin (Raphael), Rob Paulsen (Donatello), Greg Cipes (Michelangelo), and Eric Bauza (Tiger Claw).  The panel will be moderated by Andre Meadows (Black Nerd Comedy).

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Image via Nickelodeon

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Legend of Boo-kini Bottom

Saturday, July 22: Celebrate Halloween in July as Vincent Waller (supervising producer), Marc Ceccarelli(supervising producer) and Mr. Lawrence (story editor, voice of Plankton) are joined by Chris Finnegan,Seamus Walsh and Mark Caballero (Screen Novelties) to share behind-the-scenes footage from the upcoming SpongeBob SquarePants stop-motion special. Plus, see panelists Tom Kenny (SpongeBob), Bill Fagerbakke (Patrick), Rodger Bumpass (Squidward) and Carolyn Lawrence (Sandy) do a live table read of a fan-picked classic Halloween episode and also be on the lookout for a special appearance by one of Bikini Bottom’s spookiest citizens. The panel will be moderated by Claudia Spinelli (Executive in Charge,SpongeBob SquarePants, Nickelodeon).

DAILY BOOTH ACTIVITY

  • SpongeBob Pineapple Experience: Attendees can step inside this 23-foot, larger-than-life pineapple straight from Bikini Bottom and immerse themselves inside the world of SpongeBob SquarePants,Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or The Loud House for an interactive game and video capture experience.
  • Customized T-Shirt Station: Set against a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles New York cityscape, fans can purchase a t-shirt from the retail shop and customize it on the spot with characters and art from their choice of seven fan-favorite Nick shows: SpongeBob SquarePants, TMNT, Hey Arnold!, Rocko’s Modern Life, The Loud House, Rugrats and Danny Phantom.
  • Hey Arnold! Photo Opp. featuring Helga’s Shrine: Fans can take photos with Arnold and Gerald, plus visit a replica of Helga’s shrine and have the opportunity to see their Hey Arnold! social media content appear in the shrine’s real-time feed.
  • Autograph Signings: Signing opportunities with Nickelodeon talent include: SpongeBob SquarePantsvoice talent; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles voice talent and executive producers; Hey Arnold!: The Jungle Movie voice talent and creator; Rocko’s Modern Life: Static Cling voice talent and creator; and Nick’s current series creators and executive producers Butch Hartman (Bunsen is a Beast), Chris Savino (The Loud House) and Billy Lopez (Welcome to the Wayne).
  • Costumed-Character Appearances: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; SpongeBob SquarePants and friends Patrick Star, Sandy Cheeks, Squidward Tentacles; and Saban’s Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Power Rangers Ninja Steel will make appearances at Nick’s booth at select times during the convention.
  • Retail: Attendees can purchase Comic-Con exclusive figures and collectibles, the summer edition of the Nick Box, t-shirts and more.
  • Giveaways:  Enter for a chance to win special prizes over the course of the convention.

Cartoon Network Sets a One-Hour Series Premiere for 'OK K.O.!'

Cartoon Network announced that its newest animated series, OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes, will have a special one-hour premiere Tuesday, Aug.1 at 6:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The show follows K.O., an endlessly optimistic kid attempting to be the greatest hero he can be in a video game inspired world set in Lakewood Plaza. OK K.O.! is at the nexus of gaming and animation, with a new console game, OK K.O.! Let’s Play Heroes, an integrated action brawler with RPG elements, launching later this fall in partnership with Capy Games. The connected world of OK K.O.! was developed to span across all screens and to deliver an engaging storytelling experience for fans.

Earlier this month, Cartoon Network offered audiences a sneak peek at K.O.’s first week in training by making all-new episodes available on the network’s Emmy Award-winning app and On Demand. The exclusive sneak peek is available now through premiere.

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Image via Cartoon Network

With an abundance of support from his cool friends and co-workers Enid and Rad at Gar’s Bodega, a one-stop shop for every hero’s needs, his boss Mr. Gar, and his super-powered mom, Carol, K.O. is on a journey to level up and defeat villainous foes like Lord Boxman. OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes delivers a powerful punch of humor and action filled with touching moments and heartwarming characters working together to build a strong community.

OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes is created by Ian Jones-Quartey, named one of Variety’s “10 Animators to Watch” in 2016, and previously served as co-executive producer on pop culture hit, Steven Universe. Jones-Quartey also voices Rad and the featured voice cast includes Courtenay Taylor as K.O., Kate Flannery as Carol, Ashly Burch as Enid and David Herman as Mr. Gar. OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes is produced by Cartoon Network Studios.

 

Get More Magiswords with Cartoon Network's Full Series Line-up!

For the first time ever, fans can use the immersive MagiMobile app while watching Cartoon Network to collect Magiswords beyond the Mighty Magiswords universe. This mega collection event applies to each episode of favorite Cartoon Network series including Adventure Time, Steven Universe, Teen Titans Go!, Ben 10, The Amazing World of Gumball, We Bare Bears, and the upcoming new series OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes premiering this August.

All-new episodes of Mighty Magiswords will premiere weeknights at 4 p.m. (ET/PT) beginning Saturday, July 1 through Sunday, July 23 on Cartoon Network. A powerful and one-of-a-kind legendary sword will be up for grabs when fans join Prohyas and Vambre as they fight to rescue their robot pal, RoboPiggeh, in a half-hour special, “The Saga of RoboPiggeh,” premiering July 23 at 4 p.m. (ET/PT). A series of 2-minute shorts featuring flashbacks on Vambre and Prohyas attending Adventure Academy as kids will also be available on the Cartoon Network app.

Plus, the fun continues with Emmy-nominated The Powerpuff Girls as Buttercup puts her superhero skills to test against a difficult foe: honors math.

See below for full programming lineup:

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Image via Cartoon Network

Mighty Magiswords

New episodes weeknights beginning Saturday, July 1 at 4 p.m. (ET/PT) through Sunday, July 23

Highlights include:

  • Wednesday, July 5: “Random Acts of Memory” – The Warriors learn that Nohyas has been using a Selective Memory Magisword to erase select interactions with Prohyas’ bizarre doppelganger their entire lives, so their new mission: take back that sword!
  • Monday, July 10: “The Cave of Gelatinous Doom!” – The Warriors don’t have a worthy adventure to use their impressive new skull-and-crossbones-emblazoned Bonehead Magisword until they are sent on a quest to battle a mighty slime beast in the Dungeon of Gelatinous Doom!
  • Wednesday, July 12: “Squideo Games” – When Vambre and Prohyas are hired for separate gigs, they end up having to battle each other to claim a rare Squideo from Lake Sprite in Galacton.
  • Tuesday, July 18: “Continue?” – The Mysterious Hooded Woman hires the Warriors to retrieve the Orb of Sphericity from a temple in Galacton. The odd thing is, this temple has save points! When the Warriors are defeated, they respawn, but Vambre remembers what happened and Prohyas does not.
  • Sunday, July 23: “The Saga of RoboPiggeh” – A botched rescue attempt damages their robot pal, RoboPiggeh, and Vambre and Prohyas must battle the evil cyborg, Tera-Bite, in Galacton, who is determined to dismantle their broken pal for being obsolete.

The Powerpuff Girls

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Image via Cartoon Network

The Powerpuff Girls returns to Cartoon Network Sundays at 5:30 p.m. (ET/PT)

  • Sunday, July 2: “Buttercup vs. Math” - When Buttercup tests into Honors Math, she tries to avoid being labeled a nerd.
  • Sunday, July 9: “Home, Sweet Homesick” – When the Girls go to Camp, Blossom has a hard time leaving her schoolwork at home.
  • Sunday, July 16: “Memory Lane of Pain” – While going through the Professor’s scrapbook, Bubbles starts to question if she’s ever been a hero.
  • Sunday, July 23: “Spider Sense” – When a monster ruins their relaxing vacation, the Girls run into a familiar face.
  • Sunday, July 30: “Imagine That” – The Girls have to battle Him after he causes Bubbles’ imagination to run wild.

Transformers: Robots in Disguise

A new episode premieres Saturday, July 29 at 6:30 a.m. (ET/PT)

  • Saturday, July 29: “Guilty as Charged” – Strongarm worries that her Academy classmate Chicane may still harbor a grudge, but when a powerful foe comes after her old friend, Strongarm and the Bee Team put their sparks on the line to protect her.

Justice League Action

New episodes continue Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. (ET/PT)

  • Saturday, July 8: “Time Out” – Batman must team up with Booster Gold when an inter-demoniacal alien creature starts eating up time literally.
  • Saturday, July 15: “The Fatal Fare” – Space Cabbie inadvertently learns about a great threat to the Justice League when one of his passengers turns out to be Darkseid.
  • Saturday, July 22: “Mxy’s Mix-Up” – As the Justice League is trying to protect the United Nations from Grodd’s gorilla army, Mr. Mxyptlk pops up from the fifth dimension and thinks it would be great fun to put each of the superheroes’ brains into another hero’s body.
  • Saturday, July 29: “Supernatural Adventures in Babysitting” – Stargirl has to enlist Constantine’s help when Klarion the Witch Boy takes the place of the boy she’s supposed to be babysitting.
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Image via Cartoon Network

Genndy Tartakovsky Explains His 'Puppy!' Short

Discover the premise of the upcoming Hotel Transylvania short, PUPPY, with director Genndy Tartakovsky, and check back next week to learn about its inspiration! #PuppyThursdays (via Facebook)

'The LEGO Ninjago Movie' Posters Reveal the Colorful Cast of Characteres

The LEGO NINJAGO Movie stars Dave Franco, Justin Theroux, Michael Peña, Fred Armisen, Kumail Nanjiani, Abbi Jacobson, Zach Woods, Olivia Munn, and the legendary Jackie Chan.

In this big-screen NINJAGO adventure, the battle for NINJAGO City calls to action young Master Builder Lloyd, aka the Green Ninja, along with his friends, who are all secret ninja warriors. Led by Master Wu, as wise-cracking as he is wise, they must defeat evil warlord Garmadon, The Worst Guy Ever, who also happens to be Lloyd’s dad. Pitting mech against mech and father against son, the epic showdown will test this fierce but undisciplined team of modern-day ninjas who must learn to check their egos and pull together to unleash their inner power of Spinjitzu.

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Image via Warner Bros.
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Image via Warner Bros.
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Image via Warner Bros.
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Image via Warner Bros.
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Image via Warner Bros.
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Image via Warner Bros.
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Image via Warner Bros.
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Image via Warner Bros.
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Image via Warner Bros.

 

Wolverine/X-23 Gets Venomized in a Stop-Motion Short

The young mutant clone designated X-23 collides with a cryogenic tube containing a strange alien symbiote during her frenzied escape from The Facility. Bonding with the alien enhances her already considerable abilities, and aids in her escape, but it begins to alter her mind! On the run from the very people that made her, can X-23 hold it together or is she doomed to give in to Venom!

 

The series that sets up the epic VENOM STORY of 2017 STARTS HERE! Each issue introduces another major Venomized character that will feed into VENOMVERSE itself!

 

EDGE OF VENOMVERSE #1 is available in comic shops on June 28.

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Image via Marvel Comics