Convention - WonderCon 2026 : The Watchers Unveils an Ambitious New Trading Card Universe with Cinematic Aspirations

By Mulder, Anaheim, Convention Center,, 28 march 2026

At the heart of WonderCon 2026, held at the Anaheim Convention Center, one of the most intriguing creative revelations didn’t come from a major studio presentation or a blockbuster franchise, but from an ambitious indie project that aims to be both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. During an intimate yet lively press session attended by our photographer Barbara Henderson, creators Justin Waldner and Alexander Gray unveiled The Watchers, a sprawling new universe that blends collectible card games with a complex narrative mixing science fiction and fantasy. Hosted by Gary Miereanu, the presentation wasn’t just a showcase; it felt like the starting point of something much bigger—a cross-media ambition that echoes the beginnings of genre-defining franchises, but with a distinctly artisanal origin.

What immediately sets The Watchers apart is its deliberate return to the tactile, community-driven roots of collectible card games (CCGs), at a time when the dominance of the digital realm often overshadows analog experiences. Clearly inspired by iconic titles like Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering, Justin Waldner’s journey didn’t begin as a calculated commercial venture, but as a deeply personal creative turning point. After an injury forced him to abandon his traditional career, he turned his full attention to a passion that had been quietly evolving for over two decades: what began as an unpublished novel has now transformed into a universe of its own. This origin story is not merely anecdotal; it permeates the DNA of The Watchers, imbuing it with a sense of authenticity and a long-term vision that many contemporary projects lack.

The scope of this vision became even more evident thanks to the involvement of Alexander Gray, known for his work as a producer on documentary projects related to DC Entertainment. When he discovered the concept, Gray immediately recognized its potential beyond a simple card game and committed to helping shape what is now known as the Watchers Cinematic Universe (WCU). And this term is not used lightly. The creators have openly spoken of ambitions that extend to animation, comics, and potentially film, all rooted in a dense narrative foundation of over 600 pages of lore. At a time when cinematic universes are often built on the back of a commercial success, The Watchers flips the formula: its mythology comes first—rich and expansive—with the game serving as a gateway to this world.

We appreciate the concept of the Bio-Forge, a central element of the WCU universe that allows players to create and deploy unique creatures within a galactic-scale conflict. It’s not just a game mechanic; it’s a narrative device that reinforces the player’s role in shaping the universe itself. This level of interactivity is increasingly sought after in modern video games, but rarely implemented with such a clear narrative framework. The artwork, already partially revealed at WonderCon, reflects this ambition, showcasing creatures and characters that seem both alien and mythological, grounded in a cohesive visual identity that avoids the generic pitfalls of many new collectible card games.

Equally important is the accessibility factor emphasized by the two creators. Unlike some long-established card games that may seem financially or mechanically intimidating to newcomers, The Watchers positions itself as an easy-to-learn and relatively affordable game. This strategic choice could prove decisive in building a sustainable player base, particularly among younger audiences or returning players seeking the social aspect of physical card games without overly high barriers to entry. As Alexander Gray noted during the session, the resurgence of interest in analog games isn’t just a matter of nostalgia: it’s a response to a genuine desire for face-to-face interaction and shared experiences.

Beyond the mechanics and mythology, there was an undeniable sense at WonderCon that The Watchers embodies a broader creative philosophy—one that prioritizes passion-driven development over commercial calculation. Watching Justin Waldner and Alexander Gray discuss their project, there was a palpable and contagious enthusiasm that reminded attendees of the early days of conventions, when ideas—not franchises—were the main attraction. It is, of course, still too early to tell, but judging by the reaction at WonderCon 2026, The Watchers could very well become one of those rare properties that, starting from a niche following, naturally evolves into a full-fledged multimedia phenomenon.

For now, the game is already available through its official channels, inviting players to dive into this rapidly expanding universe and discover for themselves this unique blend of strategy and storytelling. And if the trajectory hinted at in Anaheim holds true, this may be just the beginning of a much larger saga—a saga where the line between player and storyteller continues to blur, and where The Watchers is only just beginning to unfold.