Author: Newsroom
July 23, 2025 (SAN DIEGO, CA) — It’s been over three decades since SWAT KATS first launched missiles (and hearts) across television screens worldwide. Now, the cult-favorite cartoon is back—and it’s getting its very first comic book series. Joining the team is veteran editor Joseph P. Illidge, whose work at DC Comics on Batman and Milestone helped shape modern superhero storytelling. The upcoming comic will debut on Kickstarter this fall with exclusive content and surprises for fans old and new.
On the project, co-writer Frank J. Barbiere, known for his work on Avengers, Lobo, and the Image series Five Ghosts, teams up with Kevin Roditeli (The Exiled, Zorro: Man of the Dead), the founder of Roditeli Productions and former co-founder of Massive Publishing. And fresh off his Golden Issue Award-winning run on Transformers, the series also marks the return of acclaimed artist Jorge Corona (Batgirl, We Are… Robin; Middlewest).
Created by Christian and Yvon Tremblay, Swat Kats originally aired in 1993 on Cartoon Network, produced by the legendary Hanna-Barbera. The show has been broadcast in over 76 countries and remains one of the most iconic cartoons of the ’90s, thanks to its slick jet-fueled action, gritty art style, and cult fan following.
“Swat Kats was one of my favorite animated shows of its time because of its unique mix of adventure, characters with believable personalities, and city politics,” said Joseph P. Illidge. “Batman meets Blacksad. So when Kevin offered me the opportunity to join his radical squadron as editor, it was an automatic, ‘Let’s go!’ We’re looking forward to reigniting this world for you in a new era of high-level action with bigger stakes.”
“We are absolutely thrilled to bring new storytelling to the Swat Kats universe,” said the Tremblay Bros. “We are equally excited that such outstanding collaborators are joining us in this first-ever comic book series.”
Titled MegaKat City Has Fallen, the story picks up with the city in ruins and the Radical Squadron facing their greatest threat yet. It’s the launch point for a bold new era of Swat Kats, with more stories planned across multiple mediums.
Barbiere added, “I’m honored and excited to be contributing to the world of the Swat Kats. As a fan who grew up and was inspired by the action and excitement of the original series, I’m working hard with the team to deliver an energetic, modern take that will thrill longtime fans and a new audience ready for the Radical Squadron.”
“From being a kid watching the show and filling notepads with missile designs for the Turbo Kat… to now being part of the first comic iteration of the Radical Squadron—it’s pretty awesome,” said Corona.
More contributors and variant covers will be revealed leading up to the Kickstarter launch, which is expected to feature exclusive editions, collectibles, and fan-first bonuses.
This fall, MegaKat City returns—louder, sharper, and more radical than ever. To learn more, check out the Kickstarter for Swat Kats, launching on Kickstarter in Fall 2025.
Joseph P. Illidge is in attendance at San Diego Comic-Con, July 24–27.