Grosnor

BASK IN THE SUMMER OF SK💀LL!

Tuesday July 14, 2026

FAN-FAVORITE TRADING CARD BRAND ‘CRANIACS’ ANNOUNCES 'THE SUMMER OF SKULL’, A PROMOTIONAL INITIATIVE SHOWCASING THE DEBUT OF A DEDICATED YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND THE LAUNCH OF ‘CRANIACS’ BOOKS FROM AUTHOR R. L. STINE AND PUBLISHER SIMON & SCHUSTER!

LICENSEE CROSS-PROMOTIONS, SOCIAL MEDIA OUTREACH AND CREATION OF AN ONLINE SHOP WITH EXCLUSIVE MERCH ARE AMONG THE OTHER ‘CRANIACTIVATIONS’ COMING THIS SUMMER!

‘CRANIACS’ co-creators Ira Friedman and Joe Simko announce a multi-partner, multi-format initiative designed to broaden its base of collectors and grow its following on social media. “We know that our fans love the colorful, skull-headed world that we’ve built. With so much happening now – and all that is coming around the corner – the SUMMER OF SKULL is a good reason -- and the right SEASON -- to celebrate and experience the brand in fun and meaningful ways!” says Ira and Joe.

A newly created, dedicated ‘CRANIACS’ YouTube Channel will debut in late July. A key component of the channel will be the introduction of animated episodes based upon the ‘CRANIACS’ comics published by TITAN COMICS. For the very first time, the ‘CRANIACS’ brand will come to life on-screen -- with motion, character voices, sound and visual effects. In addition, a host of artist-driven original content will be posted on the channel, including GIFs of the key characters and more – all sure to delight core fans and those newly introduced to the brand

Coinciding with the launch of the YouTube Channel and the SUMMER OF SKULL campaign is the introduction of an online ‘CRANIACS’ Shopify Shop. The Shop will feature exclusive branded merchandise, as well as first-looks at upcoming product releases, including Cranimal Chaos, the fourth card series, scheduled to hit retail counters mid-October. Creator-curated content and merch offerings will appear across all social media, including Instagram and TikTok.

But wait, there’s more, MUCH more… R.L. STINE, the creator of global phenomenon GOOSEBUMPS, and publishing powerhouse SIMON & SCHUSTER, have joined forces to introduce a series of ‘CRANIACS’ books geared towards middle-school kids ages 8 and up. R. L. Stine is on board to write three ‘Create Your CRANIACS Quest’ titles; the first two launching simultaneously on August 25, 2026: ESCAPE FROM THE CHROME DOME and REVENGE OF THE RHINOBINO. With over 400 million GOOSEBUMPS in print, Stine brings an unrivaled track record and a limitless imagination that places him in rarefied air in book publishing history. Complementing Stine’s storytelling are spectacular cover paintings and detailed interior illustrations from ‘CRANIACS’ co-creator and celebrated artist Joe Simko.

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Additionally, the upcoming SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON will provide the ideal venue for fans (or Craniacolytes as we call them) to express their ‘CRANIACS’ passion. Ira and Joe host a trading card scavenger hunt on the exhibition floor across all four days of the show. Exclusive ‘puzzle’ cards will be available free of charge at the booth locations of four different participating partners – while supplies last. During the show, Joe also will be signing cards and comics at Titan’s stand (#5537), CGC Grading company (#5500) and at the Simon & Schuster booth (#1128), promo prints of one of the Stine book covers, signed by Joe will be given away to lucky fans.

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