At the Jim Lee and Friends panel Saturday at New York Comic Con, Jim Lee and some friends shared rough designs and even an animated sequence from the forthcoming Absolute Batman cartoon.
Bad news, however, because room security prevented anyone from taking photos or videos of said designs. In fact, they wouldn’t even let me use my laptop or phone to take notes, so bear with me here as I try to recall everything that happened in the room.
First things first, the designs and animation were pretty cool. They’re very much in keeping with the art in the comic. In fact, main series artist Nick Dragotta was one of Jim Lee’s friends on the panel, and he’s also a producer on the show, seemingly leading the way on the design work. Great move there, keeping Dragotta involved.
At the panel, they also shared new art from the forthcoming Creature Commandos Season 2 cartoon, and they reminded us that a Mister Miracle cartoon was still coming too.
Past that, Rafael Grampa stopped by to promote an original soundtrack for his Batman: Gargoyle of Gotham deluxe edition Black Label book.
And Jim Lee also announced a third volume of Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong. This new series — due in Spring 2027 — will see the Crime Syndicate and their kaijus get involved, which forces the Justice League to work WITH Godzilla and Kong.
For that book, Lee himself is designing a new kaiju, and hoping to revive the old Apache Chief character from Super Friends in a way that’s more respective to his people and culture.
Stay tuned to The Beat for more news from NYCC ’26.
