NYCC Superhero News: Batman: Knightfall, X-Men '97, Batfam and More
New York ComicCon took place last weekend. Naturally, among the exhibitors in attendance were the biggest names in comics. DC and Marvel both held panels, and as well as news on comics and movies they both had news on upcoming animation productions.
DC and Warner Bros Animation held a panel called The Art Knight: Batman in Animation. There, in association with Warner Bros Home Entertainment, they announced the next upcoming animated Batman release. Batman: Knightfall is a multi-part “animated event bringing to life one of the most iconic and beloved runs in the rich history of Batman comics.”
The first of a planned series (it's not yet clear how many parts it will comprise) Batman: Knightfall Part One is due for release in 2026. The film will be directed by Jeff Wamester and written by Jeremy Adams. It's produced by Jim Krieg and Kimberly S. Moreau. Supervising producer is Rick Morales and Sam Register and Michael Uslan are executive producers.
The film sees a mysterious and monstrous figure known only as Bane free Batman's entire rogue's gallery from Arkham Asylum, pushing the Dark Knight to his physical and mental breaking point. The film is based on the DC Comics event of the same name.
Another production from DC and Warner Bros Animation was previewed, this time at the Amazon Prime Video panel. BatFam is a comedic take on the adventures of the Bat-Family, and is a follow-up to the Christmas film Merry Little Batman. It will debut on November 10 in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
The series follows Batman, Alfred and Damian Wayne, who has now taken on the mantle of Little Batman, as they prepare to welcome newcomers to Wayne Manor. They include Alfred's grand-niece Alicia Pennyworth, a reformed super-villain called Claire and Man-Bat, who is like Batman in reverse. This unusual family of misfits navigates the pitfalls of everyday life, all while trying to protect the people of Gotham City.
The series stars the voices of Luke Wilson (as Bruce Wayne/Batman) Yonas Kibreab (Damien Wayne) James Cromwell (Alfred Pennyworth) Haley Tju (Claire) London Hughes (Alicia Pennyworth), Michael Benyaer (Ra's Al Ghul) and Bobby Moynihan as Man-Bat.
Over in the Marvel camp it was confirmed that Your Friendly Neighbourhood Spider-Man's second season would be coming to Disney Plus in the autumn of 2026. The series will apparently feature much more Spidey-lore this time around, and as revealed in teaser footage at the panel, will prominently feature a certain black goo.
Also coming to Disney Plus next year is season 2 of X-Men '97. A summer 2026 release was confirmed for the second season, which will again continue the story of the original 90's X-Men series. It was also revealed that Eric and Julia Lewald, creators and writers of the original series and original director Larry Houston have joined season 2 as executive producers.
The news was also shared that the series had been greenlit for a third season. Matthew Chauncey has been hired to write season 3.
Away from the world of Marvel and DC, Amazon Prime Video held a panel for the hugely popular adult animation superhero saga, Invincible. The cast and crew were in town to share the news of the upcoming season, and screen an exclusive new preview. The trailer announced that the series will return in March 2026.
It was also announced that actor Lee Pace (Guardians Of The Galaxy) would be joining the cast as the much anticipated character Thragg. Thragg is one of the comic's most notorious villains, and will be making his animated debut in the upcoming fourth season. Thragg is the leader of the Viltrum Empire as Grand Regent. Trained from birth for this role, "Thragg rules his people through strength, cruelty, and will – determined to restore Viltrum to its previous glory at any cost."
Check out the trailer below.
