Celebrating 25 Years of an Underrated Masterpiece
The 2001 animated sci-fi classic Atlantis: The Lost Empire is officially marking its 25th anniversary, and Disney is celebrating in an unexpected way. While the film did not get the traditional theatrical sequel fans spent decades dreaming of, the story of Milo Thatch and Queen Kida is set to continue. Disney is partnering with publisher Papercutz to release a brand-new, official graphic novel sequel titled Disney Atlantis: The Lost Empire Vol. 1: The Curse of Kurok.
This exciting new release is scheduled to hit shelves on October 13, 2026, offering a canonical follow-up that fans of the cult-classic adventure have long deserved.
What Is “The Curse of Kurok” About?
Written by Matthew K. Manning and beautifully illustrated by Christian Colbert, this graphic novel picks up after the events of the original 2001 film. Instead of focusing on the fragmented adventures seen in the 2003 direct-to-video release, Milo’s Return, this story serves as a direct, unified sequel.
In this new adventure, Milo and Kida must work together to protect the sunken kingdom from a massive, monstrous threat bubbling up from the deepest depths. To save their people and preserve the natural world around them, the duo will have to dive deeper than ever before. They will explore ancient Atlantean fables to unlock secrets that hold the key to their survival.
Whether you are a lifelong fan who remembers seeing the film in theaters or a newcomer exploring this world for the first time, this 80-page graphic novel is designed as the perfect entry point back into the action.
Our Take: Why This Sequel Matters
For Disney enthusiasts, this release is more than just a fun book. When Atlantis: The Lost Empire debuted in June 2001, it was incredibly experimental. It completely abandoned the traditional Disney musical formula in favor of stylized action, heavy science fiction themes, and a distinct visual design influenced by legendary comic artist Mike Mignola. Because it was so different, it did not perform as well at the box office as Disney had hoped, leading the company to scrap several major projects, including a planned television series and a massive Disneyland attraction that would have rethemed the Submarine Voyage.
Over the last 25 years, however, the film has built an intensely loyal cult following. Fans have kept the spirit of Atlantis alive, and this graphic novel is a major acknowledgment from Disney that this world is worth exploring. Returning to the comic format is incredibly poetic, given how much the film’s visual identity was inspired by comic books in the first place.
More Ways to Celebrate the 25th Anniversary
If you want to show your love for Milo and Kida, Disney has released several limited-edition items alongside the announcement of the book:
- The 25th Anniversary Spirit Jersey: Available at the Disney Store, this dark blue jersey features gold lettering, glow-in-the-dark elements, and beautiful character art.
- Limited-Release Pins: Keep an eye out for special anniversary pins featuring Milo and Kida to add to your collection.
- Pre-Orders: Atlantis: The Lost Empire Vol. 1: The Curse of Kurok is already available for pre-order on major retail sites like Amazon.
This anniversary celebration proves that even the most overlooked Disney films can find their way back into the spotlight. Keep your eyes on the horizon for more updates as we get closer to the October release!
Disclaimer: This information is gathered from various online sources and news outlets. While we strive for accuracy, Disney plans and policies can change rapidly. We recommend double-checking official Disney sources for the most up-to-date information before making final travel plans.
Featured cover photo was generated using AI.