Rey Mysterio's animated series goes global on YouTube

Rey Mysterio vs The Darkness will premiere worldwide on the series’ official YouTube channel July 26, one day after its first U.S. public screening at Comic-Con. The release gives fans outside Latin America access to a show that previously aired only on Cartoon Network Latin America.

Why it matters: - Rey Mysterio vs The Darkness is moving from a regional TV run to a global digital release. - The free YouTube launch removes paywalls and geographic restrictions, widening access for wrestling fans, animation audiences and younger viewers. - The move also signals a rare shift in control of a licensed property back to its creators, giving Calavera Hermanos more room to expand the franchise.

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

The details: - The animated series was developed over a decade ago by Rey Mysterio and the masked creators from Mexico City known as Calavera Hermanos. - A partnership with Cartoon Network Latin America produced 10 episodes and 5 shorts. - The series aired in Mexico and Latin America only. - Rey Mysterio vs The Darkness reached the top 10 on Cartoon Network LATAM. - Rey Mysterio said the release fulfills a promise to fans and is only the start of the rollout. - “We are delivering what we promised,” Rey Mysterio said. - Mestizo Enmascarado, one of the creators of Calavera Hermanos, said Cartoon Network LATAM has been a strong partner and that the team still has options to keep working together.

Between the lines: - The release strategy suggests the creators want to build a broader audience before exploring any next partnership or distribution deal. - Making the show free on YouTube lowers barriers for viewers who never had access to the Latin America broadcast. - The property returning to creator control is notable because that kind of reversal is uncommon in entertainment.

What's next: - Episode 1 is the first step in the show’s global rollout. - The creators say they want to get as much of the series as possible in front of fans around the world. - The team has left open the possibility of future collaboration with Cartoon Network LATAM. - Fans can follow the series on social platforms and the official YouTube channel for updates and future releases.

The bottom line: - Rey Mysterio is turning a long-running passion project into a worldwide free release, and the franchise now has a shot at a much bigger audience.