Rey Mysterio's animated series goes global on YouTube

Rey Mysterio vs The Darkness will premiere worldwide on YouTube on July 26, following a first public U.S. screening at Comic-Con on July 25. The move opens the long-running animated series to fans outside Latin America after its earlier run on Cartoon Network LATAM.

Why it matters: - Rey Mysterio vs The Darkness is moving from a regional run to a worldwide release, giving the series broader reach after years of limited availability. - The free YouTube rollout removes paywall and geography barriers for a fan base that includes kids and adults. - The release also signals unusual creator control over a property that can now be distributed directly to audiences.

What happened: - Rey Mysterio and Calavera Hermanos will bring Rey Mysterio vs The Darkness to a global audience through the series’ official YouTube channel. - The first public U.S. screening is set for July 25 at Comic-Con. - Episode 1, titled "Enygma," will premiere on Sunday, July 26. - The episode will be available worldwide without a paywall, conditions or geographic restrictions.

The details: - The animated series was developed over a decade ago by Rey Mysterio in partnership with Calavera Hermanos, the masked creators from Mexico City. - A prior relationship with Cartoon Network Latin America produced 10 episodes and 5 shorts. - The show aired in Mexico and Latin America only and reached the top 10 on Cartoon Network LATAM. - The release plan starts with Episode 1, with the creators saying they are just getting started. - Rey Mysterio said he wanted the show to reach as many fans as possible and said Episode 1 begins that effort. - Mestizo Enmascarado, one of the Calavera Hermanos creators, said Cartoon Network LATAM was a strong partner and that the team still has options to continue working together. - The creators said their first priority is getting as much of the show to as many fans as possible. - Public social links for the series include LinkedIn, Bluesky, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

Between the lines: - The global release suggests the creators regained enough control to make distribution decisions that were not available during the original Cartoon Network LATAM run. - The free, direct-to-fan launch is designed to build the audience quickly and expand awareness beyond the show’s original market. - The move could also create room for future partnerships if the series gains momentum online.

What's next: - The July 25 Comic-Con screening will preview the series in the U.S. before the public online launch. - Episode 1 will go live on the official YouTube channel on July 26. - The creators say additional steps for the show are still ahead, with more opportunities possible after the initial release.

The bottom line: - Rey Mysterio vs The Darkness is shifting from a Latin America-only animated property to a global, free-to-watch release.