DC Studios made one of its biggest animation announcements yet during the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, officially revealing three brand-new animated series: Absolute Batman, Joker: Laugh Riot, and Krypto. The projects were unveiled by DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran alongside Warner Bros. Animation, signaling a major expansion of the studio’s animated slate.

Each series offers a completely different take on the DC Universe, ranging from mature storytelling to family-friendly adventures.

Absolute Batman Brings DC’s Best-Selling Comic to Animation

Perhaps the biggest reveal of the showcase was Absolute Batman, an adult animated adaptation of the hit comic series from Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta.

Rather than following the traditional version of Bruce Wayne, Absolute Batman reimagines the Dark Knight as a working-class hero with none of the wealth, mansion, or high-tech advantages fans have come to expect. The series will adapt the darker, grounded “Absolute Universe” that quickly became one of DC’s biggest publishing successes.

Scott Snyder will serve as executive producer and showrunner, while Nick Dragotta joins the project as a producer. According to DC, the series asks a simple question:

“When you take away the manor, the money, and the advantages… what’s left is Batman.”

Absolute Batman [credit: DC Studios]

Joker: Laugh Riot Gives the Clown Prince His Own Anime

One of the biggest surprises was Joker: Laugh Riot, an adult anime series being produced with Japanese animation studio SOLA Entertainment.

The premise completely flips the traditional Batman/Joker dynamic.

After Batman is murdered, the Joker launches a violent campaign across Gotham’s criminal underworld to hunt down whoever killed his greatest enemy. As his investigation unfolds, Joker begins drifting closer to becoming a vigilante than a villain, forcing him to question who he really is without Batman.

The series will be directed by Yasuhiro Aoki with Jim Krieg serving as executive producer.

It’s one of the boldest concepts DC has announced in years and marks the company’s newest push into anime storytelling.

Joker Laugh Riot [credit: DC Studios]

Krypto Targets a Younger Audience

Balancing the darker projects is Krypto, a family-oriented animated series centered on Superman’s loyal canine companion.

Created by C.H. Greenblatt (Chowder), the show follows Krypto as he accidentally becomes involved with a group of aspiring criminals. Instead of helping them commit crimes, Superman’s best friend gradually teaches the gang how to become better people.

The series appears aimed squarely at younger viewers while maintaining the humor that Greenblatt is known for.

Krypto [DC Studios]

DC Continues Expanding Its Animation Slate

The announcements demonstrate that DC Studios isn’t relying on a single animation style or audience.

Between mature comic adaptations like Absolute Batman, experimental projects like Joker: Laugh Riot, and all-ages shows like Krypto, the studio appears committed to offering something for every kind of DC fan.

With James Gunn and Peter Safran continuing to build DC’s future across film, television, and animation, today’s reveal suggests animation will remain a major pillar of the new DC era.

Ed Kelce is gushing over his future daughter-in-law, Taylor Swift, as the celebrity wedding of the year looms.

“I am super excited,” he said of the upcoming nuptials between Swift and his son, Travis Kelce, in an interview with Fox 29 Philadelphia on Wednesday, June 24.

“She is a sweetheart that is truly the girl next door, just like Kylie,” he added, referring to eldest son Jason Kelce’s wife, Kylie Kelce.

Ed, 75, was on hand to support Jason at his annual Team 62 Fundraiser in Sea City Isle, New Jersey.

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Speaking to reporters, Jason also expressed his excitement for his younger brother’s wedding.

“Very excited for my brother. I’m very happy for both of them. I’m looking forward to celebrating with them. It’s a good year right now,” he said.

Asked if he is invited, Jason quipped, “I plead the fifth.”

Taylor and Travis, both 36, announced their engagement in August 2025 and are rumored to be marrying at Madison Square Garden in New York City over the July 4 weekend.

The New York Times reported on Wednesday that a permit was filed with New York City to close the streets around the arena from July 2 to July 4 for an event set to take place on Saturday, July 3.

According to the Times, several of Kelce’s Kansas City Chiefs teammates have also booked hotel rooms at the nearby Marriott Marquis in Times Square for that weekend.

Ed, who shares Jason and Travis with ex-wife Donna Kelce, previously opened up about his son’s engagement, revealing that the NFL tight end proposed two weeks before they announced the news publicly.

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“Travis actually did the proposal, oh, maybe two weeks, not quite two weeks ago,” Ed told ABC affiliate News 5 Cleveland last August. “He was going to put it off till this week … but he was going to put her off till this week to, you know, make some grand thing, to make it a big, special event.”

Ed continued, “And I told him repeatedly, you know, you could do it on the side of the road, do it any place that makes it a special event … when you get down on one knee and ask her to marry you.”

“He got her out there, they were about to go out to dinner, and he said, ‘Let’s go out and have a glass of wine.’ … They got out there, and that’s when he asked her, and it was beautiful,” Ed said of Travis’ serene garden proposal at his home in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. “They started FaceTiming me and their mother and her folks to make sure everybody knew. So, to see them together is great.”

Kyle Cooke shared his reaction to West Wilson’s Summer House exit — and it’s surprising, to say the least.

“It’s unfortunate,” Kyle, 43, said on the Wednesday, June 24, episode of Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea” podcast. “It was [only] months ago that I considered him a friend.”

Kyle’s Summer House costar Lindsay Hubbard, however, had a more blunt reaction to the news.

“I’m fine with it,” she said.

Related: West Wilson’s ‘Summer House’ Exit Explained After Amanda Batula Scandal

West Wilson’s exit from Summer House isn’t a surprise to a large number of Bravo fans after his controversial relationship with Amanda Batula shook the cast to its core — but how did the arguably inevitable goodbye all go down? “It was a mutual decision between the network and West,” a source exclusively tells Us […]

Us Weekly exclusively broke the news that West, 31, will not be returning to film Summer House season 11 following his controversial relationship with Kyle’s ex, Amanda Batula. (West previously dated costar Ciara Miller.)

“West isn’t coming back,” a source told Us earlier in June. “He could still make an appearance on Summer House or [Amanda’s spinoff show] In the City in the future, especially if things with Amanda progress, but he’s not a cast member this season.”

“[West was] already feeling like his time on the show was coming to an end,” another insider said. “It became even clearer that there wasn’t a long-term fit anymore. He is at peace with the decision and is focusing on his podcast and other business ventures.”

West confirmed the news on Wednesday, telling the Broadcast Boys on Instagram, “I wanted to tell it on my own but that [exit rumor] is true. In [Bravo’s] defense, I don’t think it would have been a fun summer.”

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While West’s future on Summer House is now confirmed, it’s unclear whether he’ll continue to film scenes with Amanda, 34, for spinoff show In the City, which follows Kyle, Amanda, Lindsay and more.

Kyle said on Wednesday, “That’s the big conundrum.”

“I think that’s what we’re trying to figure out,” Lindsay, 39, added. “In the City films in the fall. We just have to see how this plays out. It’ll probably come down to the wire.”

Kyle also spoke about his conversation with West during the Summer House: The Aftermath bonus episode, which was filmed in May and aired last week on Bravo as an addendum to season 10. In the episode, Kyle confronted West about the origins of his relationship with Amanda, from whom Kyle announced his separation in January.

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Related: Messiest Bravo Breakups of All Time: Kyle Cooke, Amanda Batula and More

Over the years, Bravo stars from every franchise have been subject to the messiest of breakups — from Real Housewives to Southern Charm. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Enter your email Please enter a valid email. Subscribe By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive […]

“I’m glad we did it because I don’t want someone to think I won’t film, I won’t give them the chance … have the last word, I don’t care,” the Loverboy founder said. “But I look back on that and, yeah, that was a three-hour helicopter ride where we just talked in circles.”

West and Amanda confirmed that their friendship had turned romantic in a joint Instagram statement in March.

“Our connection grew out of a genuine, longstanding friendship, which made it especially important for us to approach this with care,” they wrote at the time. “As our feelings evolved, we wanted to take time to understand exactly what we were feeling. We also recognize that this has had an impact beyond just us and never wanted our actions to cause any hurt or be perceived as careless. We truly appreciate the understanding and respect as we navigate this.”

Looks like Zeus CEO Lemuel Plummer and Joseline Hernandez are ready to put their beef behind them and turn over a new leaf. If y’all recall, back in April, Joseline took to social media with claims that Lemuel allegedly tried to harm her. She also accused him of trying to sabotage her new streaming platform, Why Are You Here TV, while making additional abuse allegations.

At the time, Lemuel denied the claims. Now, the two have officially linked up for a sit-down to clear the air and set the record straight.

RELATED: Zeus’ Lemuel Plummer, Girlfriend Scotty & Ex Janeisha John React To Joseline Hernandez’s Abuse Allegations

Lemuel Plummer And Joseline Hernandez Pose Together In New Picture

On Tuesday night, Lemuel Plummer took to his Instagram page to post a new photo with Joseline Hernandez. The two posed side by side, with Lemuel placing his hand on Joseline’s baby bump, seemingly showing that they have put their recent issues behind them.

In an additional post he stated , “Joseline and I had a heart-to-heart and addressed everything. Honest conversation. Mutual understanding. Accountability. Growth”

Joseline Hernandez Issues Apology During Sit Down With Lemuel Plummer

Following the photo, Lemuel shared footage from his sit-down with Joseline. During the conversation, Lemuel made it clear the sit-down was never forced. He also said nobody was paid or pressured to participate. He explained the conversation was meant for both of them to express their feelings and tell the truth.

He shared, “This is for us to express ourselves and express our feelings and really tell the truth. My character and my integrity is everything for me, just like I know it is for you. When I heard some of the things you said on social media, it did break my heart.”

While he didn’t address every allegation Joseline previously made, Lemuel did speak on the Diddy comparisons. made it clear he does not support trafficking, the mistreatment of women, or any form of abuse. He said any implication suggesting otherwise was deeply hurtful. He added, “Implying any type of abusive conduct was very hurtful because that’s not me. That’s not who I am.”

Joseline admitted she was disappointed in herself and apologized for how she originally handled the situation.

She said, “Some of the things I said were wrong. I should’ve never went about it like that. I should’ve tried to go about it another way, speak to you, talk to you, and not let my emotions take me to that place.”

Joseline apologized again and made it clear it would never happen again. Lemuel accepted her apology and showed forgiveness. The two ended the conversation by embracing and showing love to one another.

Social Media Reacts 

Folks quickly gathered under The Shade Room as they reacted to Lemuel Plummer and Joseline Hernandez’s sit-down. While some praised the growth and were happy to see them make amends, others remained skeptical about the link-up. Some even questioned the validity of their original feud.

Instagram user @prettygirlll__c9h, wrote  “I love the growth of joseline fr. She takes accountability, In the past she’s never done that lol”

Instagram user @misstroupe9172 added, “Love it ❤️ ❤️ Thanks Lemme for doing the right thing”

While Instagram user@iam_londonnykole added, “She apologized for how she went about things that’s really it. She never said anything was a lie! Joseline always be telling facts for the most part”

Instagram user its.@_nomili wrote, “This was definitely a forced conversation, it’s a bit scary ngl”

Instagram user @chinxx.ii added, “One thing Lemmy gon’ do is make sure everything personal is on camera…👏🏾”

While Instagram user @sunnishinne_ wrote, “She see them cabaret girls on baddies she need to get back in😂😂”

Instagram user @jaycap14 wrote, “They must got hella money at Zeus everybody that argue with this n*** always go back Imaoo this lemmy 20th! “heart to heart””

Instagram user @keydotann added, “lol lemmy please”

While Instagram user @sherellefay wrote, “Her allegations were HEAVY just to turn around and apologize like that”

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RELATED: Lemuel Plummer Reacts After Joseline Hernandez Accuses Him Of Cutting Payments & Sabotaging Her Streaming Platform (PHOTOS + VIDEO)

Netflix‘s live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender adaptation has been quite the divisive series, with many fans of the original show either hate-watching or not watching at all, but the numerous changes to Toph Beifong’s character, played by Miya Cech in the live-action, have raised many an eyebrow among longtime fans. After all, the original series didn’t earn its rightful place among the elite animated series of all time by softening its most unsavory characteristics. The original achieved greatness through embracing these characteristics instead.

In Book Two of Avatar: The Last Airbender (ATLA, 2005), we witnessed the exact thing happen to the original, animated Toph (Michaela Jill Murphy), who made her first appearance on the show after the world, stakes, and heart of the show had already been established by the end of Book 1. The introduction of the Blind Bandit provided the key ingredient to propel the Avatar universe into a higher plane of creativity and quality. More than two decades later, Toph Beifong will always remain the greatest character ever created for the Avatar franchise.

Toph Completed Team Avatar in ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Season 2

Image via Nickelodeon 

Book One introduced viewers to Aang (Zach Tyler Eisen), Katara (Mae Whitman), and Sokka (Jack De Sena), and the trio was compelling enough to make Avatar: The Last Airbender stand out from the start, but Book Two is where the series truly became special, and Toph deserves a great deal of the credit for that.

Each member of Team Avatar brought a different perspective to the table: Aang was compassionate and idealistic, Katara was nurturing and emotionally driven, and Sokka balanced the group with his intelligence and one-of-a-kind humor. Toph, meanwhile, entered the picture like a wrecking ball. She was sarcastic, stubborn, brutally honest, and completely unimpressed by nearly everyone around her because she had herself to behold, all of which could have made her exhausting in lesser hands. Instead, it made the Gaang feel complete, and she made the show all the better for her personality and her skills.

It was refreshing to see Toph meld so well with the group from the first moment — save for any initial clashes of “pulling my own weight. Toph challenged Katara’s tendency to veer towards strictness; she constantly traded insults with Sokka while somehow perfectly matching his sense of humor beat for beat, the way it seemed no one else had — though their relationship is a story in itself for another day — and importantly, she became the perfect teacher for Aang. Earthbending required him to stand his ground instead of avoiding conflict, to know when, precisely, to tap into his neutral jing — waiting and listening before attacking — and nobody embodied those principles better than Toph. The result was a group dynamic that felt richer and funnier than ever before, and it was clear that, well before Zuko saw the light, Avatar had found its missing piece.

Toph Was More Than Just the Strongest Earthbender in the World

Image via Nickelodeon

It’s easy to reduce Toph to her accomplishments. After all, this is the girl who invented metalbending, became one of the greatest earthbenders in history, and regularly humbled opponents twice her size, but that’s never been the most interesting thing about her by a landslide. Toph’s brilliance comes from her refusal to let anyone define her. Her parents treated her blindness like a weakness; society expected the daughter of the wealthy Beifong family to behave like a delicate noblewoman. Toph rejected both ideas, even as her parents hid the fact that she existed.

She wasn’t interested in being protected; the girl merely wanted her freedom. She wanted to live her life and earthbend and make friends along the way, hoping that her parents would love and accept her as she was. That independence shaped every part of her personality, and she was able to fully enjoy that part of herself once she left the Beifong mansion to teach Aang. Sometimes it made her difficult or seem reckless, but it also made her fiercely loyal and deeply empathetic in ways that are easy to overlook beneath all the sarcasm and roughness.

For all her insults and eye rolls, Toph understood people remarkably well. She recognized that Katara’s protectiveness stemmed from genuine love; she trusted Zuko before most of the group did because she sensed his sincerity. As a master in her craft, she listened and waited before reacting, which is a main pillar of her character. She rarely softened the truth, but her honesty came from a place of caring. Toph wasn’t simply tough, though she was tougher than anyone would’ve initially thought, but she was also thoughtful and intelligent. Her character felt like a real person instead of a collection of catchphrases and one-liners, even though she had some of the best ones (looking at you, “Three-on-three, plus Sokka.”)

Toph’s Personality Is What Made Her Such an Unforgettable Character

Image via Nickelodeon

Part of what makes Toph so beloved is how impossible she is to put in a box. She spent many episodes wreaking havoc and getting up to no good with Sokka, and in some episodes, she — as though it was no big deal — held up a whole ancient library as it sank into a desert abyss to make sure her friends made it out. While she enjoyed creating mischief, she was also fully aware of when it was time for fun and when it was the right moment to get serious; she could act her age but maturely at the appropriate times, selfish yet benevolent, brash yet gentle, and show many different faces all in a single episode.

She also had a unique sense of humor; some of Avatar’s greatest moments happen when Toph shows great confidence in herself. She never viewed her blindness as an obstacle, nor did she expect viewers to pity her; her own behavior allows her to joke about her disability while maintaining as much self-confidence as she shows when fighting in every episode. Quite frankly, it was evident throughout most of the series that she saw better than any other character in that series, and she couldn’t even see. As such, Toph Beifong has been an inspiration to so many fans, not by being a perfect version of herself; instead, she achieved as much by staying true to herself and not becoming someone who meets the expectations of those around her.

‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ Understood Exactly Who Toph Was

Image via Nickelodeon

One of the smartest things the original series did was resist the urge to soften Toph. She wasn’t introduced as a calm sage nor was she especially mature, and she was much less trying to fit anyone’s idea of what a young girl should be. She was a messy, rebellious twelve-year-old with a well-earned chip on her shoulder and something to prove.

Watching Toph grow while still remaining unmistakably herself is part of what made her journey so satisfying. She became beloved because she shattered these archetypes and stereotypes for girls who looked like her in the media, which is why any adaptation that mistakes her rough edges for flaws to be corrected risks missing the character’s heart entirely.

Avatar: The Last Airbender gave audiences incredible villains, unforgettable heroes, and one of animation’s richest worlds, but its greatest addition didn’t arrive until Book Two, Episode 6: “The Blind Bandit.” Toph Beifong made the series better, yes, but she also made it whole and, more importantly, found a family that took her as she was.

1. Our Favorite: Bloated-day insurance comes in the form of this empire-waist midi that flows away from your body without looking like a tent. The print reads expensive even though it’s not — was $50, now $34!

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