Thursday, July 30, 2026

NITRATE GAMES LAUNCHES WITH KEVIN SMITH - LICENSED JAY AND SILENT BOB’S JOINT VENTURE

 

Independent video game company Nitrate Games enters the realm of digital publishing and niche IP development with the announcement of Jay and Silent Bob’s Joint Venture, an adult cozy farm sim that offers fans an opportunity to engage with and play as filmmaker Kevin Smith’s beloved cult classic characters within the digital realm. The announcement was made during Smith’s annual Saturday night Hall H panel at Comic-Con International in San Diego.

The game provides a raunchy new take on a cozy farming game – if those crops were akin to Jay and Silent Bob’s specific cultural tastes. Heading toward its beta testing phase of production, the game is expected to be released in late Spring 2027 on Steam/PC. 

Players will build, cultivate, and expand their operation, interact with familiar faces, and experience an original story featuring Kevin Smith's iconic characters. 

“Since Jay and Silent Bob are the stars of this hilarious growing game, I cannot wait to play with myself! Many thanks to Nitrate Games for taking my little animals to this crossing and making them Stars Dew a Valley!” 

Nitrate Games is the brainchild of Daniel Kendrick, Montana Sommese and Nick Madonna. Co-Founder & CEO Kendrick previously ran IDW Entertainment, working on films & games for properties like Locke & Key, Wynonna Earp, 30 Days of Night, Godzilla, Sonic the Hedgehog and 250 other titles. He was the co-executive producer of last year’s breakthrough hit Batman Azteca for Warner Bros. Animation. Sommese, Nitrate’s Co-Founder, has served more than 15 years at the intersection of Hollywood and gaming, specializing in adapting premier IP for the next generation of players and delivering dozens of experiences for industry titans like Warner Bros. and Fox. Serving as Nitrate’s Head of Development, Madonna boasts more than 20 years of experience working on game titles for Saber Interactive, Square Enix & Vivendi Universal. Madonna also runs PHL Collective, a leading licensed entertainment developer delivering award-winning titles for world-class IPs like Star Wars, Justice League and SpongeBob SquarePants. 

Nitrate’s creative triumvirate has launched their business by following a philosophy of applying comic book sensibilities and strategies to indie video games, utilizing niche licenses of popular titles and cult classics like Smith’s Jay & Silent Bob and the 1978 surprise hit Attack of Killer Tomatoes. The publisher has been actively acquiring some wildly entertaining titles across licensed and original IP, with more titles to be announced in the near future. 

“Our core mission is to make games that we wish existed when we were kids,” says Kendrick. “We’re an independent game publisher with an eye toward creating unexpected takes on unique, beloved properties.” 

Chase Marotz, who has worked on such popular titles as Star Trek and Dungeons & Dragons for IDW Publishing, and as Lead Narrative Director for Gameloft’s New York studio, shipped 40+ titles, including collaborations with Marvel, Disney and NBCUniversal, is the creative director on Jay & Silent Bob’s Joint Venture. 

Celebrated live-action and animation scribe Ernie Altbacker (Batman: Hush, Justice League Dark) is the game’s writer. 

Both Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes have been involved from the start, shepherding the creative vision. 

“We set out to build Nitrate Games as the pop culture company of the future,” Kendrick says. “Audiences want to step inside the worlds they love; to emotionally engage with them, change them, break the fourth wall. That's why Montana, Nick and I built Nitrate Games: to be the indie publisher where beloved and new brands become something you don't just watch, but live. Nitrate Games exists for fans hungry for stories and entertainment that transcend formats and platforms.” 

Other key members of the Nitrate Games team include:

Deepak Nair (Vice President of Growth & Publishing Strategy), who has helped structure creator ecosystems for some of the world’s largest UGC platforms, including Roblox, Epic Games, and Meta. Nair was the founding Developer Relations lead for Fortnite Creative at Epic Games, a foundational member of Roblox’s DevRel team and most recently drove platform advocacy for Meta Horizon across creator tools, mobile, XR, and monetization. 

Jeff Whitlock (Vice President of Digital Marketing & Advertising), who brings more than two decades of digital production and user experience in consumer products, mobile applications, research and creative workshops. Whitlock has unmatched enthusiasm for turning ideas into reality and solving complex business problems with brands such as Adobe, Google, Meta, Nike, Volkswagen, Doritos and HBO. 

Players can learn more and sign up to playtest and wishlist.


To sign up and claim a Comic-Con exclusive in-game costume, visit https://joint-
venture.firstlook.gg/signup/joint-venture
To join Wishlist on Steam,
visit https://store.steampowered.com/app/4902580/Jay_and_Silent_Bobs_Joint_Venture/

Paramount Products & Experiences Unveils New Star Trek LEGO and Magic: The Gathering Reveals at SDCC


Paramount Products & Experiences celebrated Star Trek's 60th anniversary at San Diego Comic-Con with the Star Trek: The Collector Frontier panel, where fans got exclusive first looks at all-new collaborations from the LEGO Group and Magic: The Gathering. 

During the panel, the LEGO Group debuted its playful "A Taste of Turbulence" video and shared a behind-the-scenes look at the newly announced LEGO® Icons Star Trek: U.S.S. Enterprise™ NCC-1701 Bridge set, now available for preorder

Wizards of the Coast also unveiled exciting new details about Magic: The Gathering | Star Trek, including the franchise's first-ever Signature Cards featuring authentic signatures from Star Trek legends, with only 200 Captain Kirk and Captain Janeway cards being produced. Fans also experienced a Star Trek: Boldly Built, an immersive photo opportunity at the Marriott Marquis. 

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

FX’s AHS 13 Flavors at SDCC 2026

Photo Credit: FX

Who tried all 13 flavors of the AHS ice cream during SDCC? We made it to 2 locations but did not make it to the 13th flavor activation which looked pretty damn cool. 

Unlock DC Connects Everyone to Everything DC Across The Convention and San Diego

July 28, 2026 As part of DC's presence throughout last week's convention, Unlock DC helped everyone discover DC programming, activations, panels and exclusive rewards across San Diego. 
 
The mobile-first web experience served as a central hub for all to explore DC throughout the week, helping attendees navigate activations across the convention while unlocking exclusive offers and rewards. 
 
Throughout the event, attendees visited DC Street Signs located across the convention area to scan QR codes, earn stars and redeem exclusive rewards at the DC Rewards Truck, including a limited-edition DC collectible watch. The truck became a popular destination as attendees lined up to claim rewards and trade with fellow participants.
 
Unlock DC encouraged visitors to explore DC's footprint throughout San Diego by connecting digital and in-person experiences during the convention. 

"MATCHBOX THE MOVIE" STARRING JOHN CENA

 

Inspired by the iconic Mattel toys, “Matchbox The Movie” is an action-packed, globetrotting adventure about a group of friends since childhood who have their lives upended when undercover CIA agent Sean (John Cena), their long-absent former leader, returns to their small town and unwittingly gets them embroiled in a frantic international pursuit to save the world.

 

An Apple Original Film hailing from Skydance Media and Mattel Studios, “Matchbox The Movie” is directed and executive produced by Sam Hargrave and written by David Coggeshall. David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger produce for Skydance, and Robbie Brenner and Ynon Kreiz produce for Mattel Studios. Jules Daly also serves as producer. Patrick Newall and Elizabeth Bassin serve as executive producers.

 

 

Jamie Campbell Bower Guest DJs and Nazgnagôls Descend at Prime Video/IGN’s SDCC Party

On Friday, July 24, 2026, Prime Video and IGN took over San Diego Comic Con with a rousing celebration at FLOAT at the Hard Rock Hotel. Among the party’s highlights was a 20-minute guest DJ set by The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power star Jamie Campbell Bower, as well as a special surprise appearance by the series’ Nazgnagôls, ring-servants to Sauron, who will be making their debut in the upcoming third season, premiering on Prime Video on November 11, 2026. Guests were also able to take their photo on Sauron’s throne, and view his crown and gauntlet on display. 

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Funko! Pop Yourself and Pop! Mystery Exclusive SDCC Experiences

Funko is bringing con attendees all-new Spider-Man Pop! Yourself and Pop! Mystery experiences to the con floor! 


Fans can embrace their inner superhero with the Pop! Yourself Spider-Man: Brand New Day SDCC Exclusive Bundle, an immersive, convention-only experience available exclusively at SDCC. Priced at $60, the SDCC-exclusive Pop! Yourself Spider-Man: Brand New Day Bundle includes: 

  • A custom Pop! Yourself Spider-Man: Brand New Day cosplay figure 

  • Select (2) Spider-Man-inspired accessory options, including: Spider Web, Spider-Man-themed Convention Lanyard, Spider-Man Cosplay Mask

  • A Bitty Pop! Hulk collectible 

  • Exclusive SDCC convention-themed packaging and stickers 

  • A protective Pop! display protector 

The Auction by Google Play Coming to Comic-Con

 


DC Launches Unlock DC as Fans Prepare to Take Over San Diego

DC today announced that registration is now open for Unlock DC, a new digital destination that brings together everything fans need to experience DC across the convention hall and the city. 
 
Unlock DC serves as the central hub for all to discover DC programming, activations, panels and experiences. The mobile-first web experience brings together DC's full convention footprint into one destination, making it easier for everyone to navigate everything DC has happening across the convention hall and the city. Register in advance to jump into Unlock DC as soon as it goes live Thursday morning. Early registrants will receive a notification the moment the experience launches. 

Disney Announces New Shopping Experiences and Exclusive Merchandise Available to Fans at D23 Expo

 

Today, Disney unveiled the full lineup of exclusive retail experiences and merchandise coming to D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event presented by Visa, taking place August 14, 15, and 16, 2026, in Anaheim, California. Shopping will once again be a cornerstone of this year's celebration, offering fans even more ways to engage with the stories, characters, and brands they love. Highlights include an all-new store from Mickey's of Glendale; The Disney Experiences Auction – Rare and Remarkable Finds from Disney Parks featuring props, artwork, and other unique treasures; limited-edition pins and collectibles; first-to-market brand collaborations and books; event-exclusive apparel; collectible vinyl records; and more.

Spanning the Disney universe, these curated shopping destinations transform retail into an immersive part of the event, offering attendees access to exclusive releases, limited-edition merchandise, and unique treasures available only at the event, while creating new ways for fans to celebrate their connection to Disney. Reflecting the passion of Disney’s global fandom and the company’s unmatched ability to create cherished stories that span generations, D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year and brings Disney’s unmatched ability to create meaningful connections to life through experiences designed especially for its most passionate fans.

“Shopping is a fan-favorite part of the event, and this year our teams across Disney have come together to make it truly one of a kind,” said Michael Vargo, head of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. “We can’t wait for fans to discover exclusive merchandise they won’t find anywhere else and take a piece of the magic home to enjoy long after the event ends.”

FX’s AHS 13 Flavors at San Diego Comic-Con

Here's the lineup of where to get 12 of the 13 Flavors of FX's AHS Ice Cream during San Diego Comic Con this year. The 13th scoop experience details will be announced on Saturday morning on FX's socials. 

Thursday, 7/23
 
10AM - 2PM
COVEN: Fifth Ave. Landing Lot B
FREAK SHOW: Hilton San Diego Bayfront Lawn
 
3PM - 7PM
MURDER HOUSE: Copley Alley at the Horton Grand Hotel
ASYLYM: MLK Promenade
 
Friday, 7/24
 
10AM - 2PM
HOTEL: Fifth Ave. Landing Lot B
CULT: Hilton San Diego Bayfront Lawn
 
3PM - 7PM
APOCALYPSE: Copley Alley at the Horton Grand Hotel
ROANOKE: MLK Promenade
 
Saturday, 7/25
 
10AM - 2PM
1984: Copley Alley at the Horton Grand Hotel
DELICATE: Hilton San Diego Bayfront Lawn
 
1PM - 5PM
DOUBLE FEATURE: Fifth Ave. Landing Lot B
NYC: MLK Promenade

 All giveaways while supplies last.

HASBRO PRESENTS A BLOCKBUSTER LINEUP OF ICONIC BRANDS, NEW IPS, AND FAN EXPERIENCES AT SDCC 2026

 


Hasbro, a leading games, IP and toy company today announced an action-packed lineup of products, panels and fan-first experiences for San Diego Comic-Con. At Booth #3213, fans can explore an unmatched portfolio of iconic Hasbro brands including Transformers, Dungeons & DragonsMagic: The GatheringMy Little Pony, G.I. Joe, and Power Rangers—alongside premier collaboration brands like Star Wars™ and Marvel from Disney Consumer Products, KPop Demon Hunters from Netflix, The Legend of Zelda from Nintendo, Ghostbusters from Sony, Beyblade X from ADK Emotions NY Inc. and T-Licensing Inc., and many more. 

“San Diego Comic-Con remains one of the most exciting moments of the year for fans and for Hasbro,” said Billy Lagor, President of Toys & Board Games at Hasbro. “It’s where fandom comes to life, and for us, it’s a chance to celebrate the stories, characters, and worlds fans love most. From must-have product exclusives at our Hasbro Pulse Store to highly anticipated brand panels and exciting new collaborations with globally loved entertainment properties, we’re continuing to expand what’s possible in the fan space.  Throughout the weekend, we’re creating moments that spark connection, fuel nostalgia, and bring fans of all generations together through the joy of play.” 

Mondo's Toy Talk Live Panel at SDCC


Join members of the Mondo creative team, along with special guest moderator Bryan Starr, for our Toy Talk Live panel, where we'll take a deeper look at the latest and upcoming releases. Attendees joining us on Thursday, July 23, from 2:00–3:00 PM PT in Room 7AB will receive a panel exclusive poster designed by Nolan Fleming, and have a chance to win one of many giveaways!

While you're exploring, don't forget to discover everything we're bringing to the Mondo booth (Hall G, #5137). Hidden beneath the surface, we've reeled in a few very limited quantity, in-booth only, Warehouse Finds.

The Nacelle Company & Oni Press Celebrate THE ART OF THE TOYS THAT MADE US on KICKSTARTER


 

Oni Press, the multiple Eisner and Harvey Award–winning publisher of groundbreaking comics and graphic novels since 1997, and global entertainment powerhouse The Nacelle Company are proud to reveal THE ART OF THE TOYS THAT MADE US, capturing the instantly recognizable designs, artwork, advertising, concept art, and more from the brands behind the smash-hit streaming series created by Nacelle founder and CEO Brian Volk-Weiss.
After three hit seasons (with two new seasons on the way), get ready to watch THE TOYS THAT MADE US rocket off of television screens and into a brand-new, lovingly designed set of deluxe, oversized hardcover art books debuting first on Kickstarter, alongside an eye-popping array of limited edition merchandise and collectibles. In the immortal words of every Saturday morning toy commercial: “Get them while supplies last!”
Packed with artwork, stories, and behind-the-scenes details assembled from THE TOYS THAT MADE US archives, this two-volume set is the ultimate accessory for the toy brands you know and love. Clocking in at roughly 250 pages each, this deluxe hardcover artbook set will take an eye-popping look at the world-class brands and awe-inspiring iconography that define THE TOYS THAT MADE US, including Hasbro’s G.I. Joe, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, My Little Pony, Nerf, and Transformers; Mattel Inc.’s iconic brands Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Masters Of The Universe®, and Polly Pocket®; and Nacelle’s own BIKER FROM MARS, POWER LORDS, ROBOFORCE, SECTAURS, C.O.W.–BOYS OF MOO MESA, BARNYARD COMMANDOS, and THE GREAT GARLOO.

UDON'S COMIC-CON 2026 FULL SCHEDULE



UDON AT COMIC-CON 2026!

UDON Entertainment returns to Comic-Con International: San Diego 2026 with incredible creators, exclusive merch, and a full slate of signings and panels!

July 17, 2026UDON Entertainment is BACK AT COMIC-CON! Join us at booth #100 just inside the Hall A doors for an incredible booth design, exclusive merchandise, signings featuring Shinkiro and the UDON Crew, and so much more!

Keep reading for:

SIGNINGS - PANELS - COMICS AND MERCH, INCLUDING:
SHINKIRO - STREET FIGHTER - SHANTAE - MEGA MAN - DARKSTALKERS - PERSONA 5