XANAR & MR. TUXEDO Coming This Summer from Papercutz

A Robot. A Penguin. And a Multiversal Threat That Only Friendship Can Stop.

When a villain threatens every universe, only two unlikely best friends can stop him with the power of courage, trust, and joy.

Mad Cave Studios’ YA imprint Papercutz presents XANAR & MR. TUXEDO, the middle-grade graphic novel that throws two wildly different heroes into a collapsing multiverse, where courage, trust, and joy may be the only things holding reality together.

Written by Sean Ryan (Nova, The Amazing Spider-Man), with art by Giulia Giacomino (Disney Lilo & Stitch), colors by Valerio Alloro (Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories), and letters by Eisner, Ringo, and GLAAD Media award-winning Lucas Gattoni, Xanar & Mr. Tuxedo brings together a boyish, optimistic robot and a gruff, one-eyed penguin in a story that moves across worlds, tones, and genres without losing its heart.

Friendship is a powerful thing. Hailing from two different universes, Xanar and Mr. Tuxedo are brought together because of Roy Higgins, a powerful sorcerer, determined to eradicate his sworn enemy in every single reality. Roy’s singular focus on his foe has made him paranoid, angry, violent and mean. His corrupting influence threatens to destroy every universe in existence. The only two that can put a stop to Roy, through bravery, hope, trust and joy, are new best friends, Xanar and Mr. Tuxedo.

Sean Ryan shared: “It still doesn’t feel real that Xanar & Mr. Tuxedo is really a graphic novel that is going to be released. I came up with these characters 26 years ago, and so now to see them brought to life so exquisitely by Giulia is surreal. I hope readers love these characters and want to follow them in any future adventures they might have. And maybe, also, for them to find joy in Xanar’s persistent optimism in the face of aggressive anger, despair, and fear.”

Pulling from the spirit of Adventure Time and the multiversal unpredictability of Rick and Morty, this exciting new OGN delivers a fast-moving, emotionally grounded adventure that will speak to younger readers. Friendship is the ultimate weapon when two unlikely allies rise to face a sorcerer determined to erase every reality.

Perfect for readers ages 10-14, Xanar & Mr. Tuxedo goes on sale July 7, 2026, in paperback (ISBN: 9781545827079 | $14.99) and hardcover (ISBN: 9781545827086 | $19.99) formats. Order from your favorite bookstore, comic shop, or papercutz.com.

Papercutz is dedicated to publishing great graphic novels for all ages, from humor and adventure to mystery and heartfelt coming-of-age tales.

Stay up to date with Mad Cave Studios—and its imprints Papercutz, Maverick, and Nakama Press on social media, or visit www.madcavestudios.com to explore new releases, licensed series, and creator-owned titles.

Author Profile

Al Mega: I'm Al Mega the CEO of Comic Crusaders, CEO of the Undercover Capes Podcast Network, CEO of Geekery Magazine & Owner of Splintered Press (coming soon). I'm a fan of comics, cartoons and old school video games. Make sure to check out our podcasts/vidcasts and more!