Introduction: The Return of a Legendary Voice

In a surprise that has electrified animation fans, Yuri Lowenthal, the original voice behind Ben Tennyson, has officially joined The Ink Tank’s acclaimed fan-made web series, 5 Years Later. Known for his roles in Ben 10: Alien Force, Naruto (as Sasuke), and Marvel’s Spider-Man, Lowenthal now voices Alien X, Ben’s most powerful transformation yet.

This crossover marks a nostalgic yet futuristic leap — blending the essence of Ben 10 with multiverse storytelling that spans Danny Phantom, Marvel, and anime universes.

1. The Big Announcement That Broke the Internet

On November 9, 2025, the popular animation news account @TheCartoonBase posted a bombshell on X (formerly Twitter) revealing Lowenthal’s role as Alien X. The post included dynamic visuals — from Lowenthal wearing a green Omnitrix jacket at SDCC to animated glimpses of Ben facing cosmic threats. Within hours, it went viral among Ben 10 and Spider-Man fandoms alike.

2. Who Is Alien X — The Cosmic Judge of Reality

Alien X, a Celestialsapien introduced in Ben 10: Alien Force, is one of the most powerful beings in the Ben 10 universe. He can manipulate time, space, and reality itself, but his power is limited by internal conflict among his three personas — Serena, Bellicus, and Ben. Lowenthal’s nuanced voice acting now brings this cosmic debate to life in 5 Years Later, blending emotional depth with philosophical intrigue.

3. 5 Years Later — The Ultimate Fan Crossover Universe

Created by Kuro the Artist and produced by The Ink Tank, 5 Years Later started as a fan webcomic in 2019 and evolved into a full-fledged animated series. It imagines an older Ben Tennyson navigating a chaotic multiverse, facing villains across dimensions. What began as a Ben 10 x Danny Phantom crossover now includes Easter eggs from Naruto, Marvel, and DC, building a fan-powered multiverse that rivals official franchises.

4. Why Yuri Lowenthal’s Return Means So Much

Yuri Lowenthal’s portrayal of Ben defined a generation of Cartoon Network viewers. After stepping away from the 2016 reboot, his comeback as Alien X in 5 Years Later feels like a symbolic homecoming. Fans flooded YouTube with praise:

“Hearing Yuri as Alien X again gave me chills — it’s like childhood reborn!”

His performance adds emotional gravity, especially in moments when Alien X’s god-like power clashes with Ben’s humanity.

5. Inside the Epic Episode 12 Reveal

The fan series’ latest release, Episode 12, features Alien X’s dramatic entry. The 20-minute episode showcases multiverse battles, emotional reunions, and cinematic animation — earning over 1 million views within days. Lowenthal’s delivery gives the cosmic scenes a weight reminiscent of Spider-Man’s introspective tone mixed with Ben’s heroic resolve.

6. What’s Next for the Multiverse

According to The Ink Tank, Lowenthal’s role continues in two major upcoming episodes:

• Episode 13 (December 2025) – Rising conflicts across the multiverse.
• Season Finale (Spring 2026) – A potential conclusion tying together five years of fan storytelling.

The studio hinted at possible spin-offs and comic continuations, suggesting that this fan universe might evolve into something even bigger.

7. The Impact on Fan Culture and the Animation Community

Lowenthal’s involvement in a non-official fan series demonstrates the growing respect for community-driven animation. Projects like 5 Years Later thrive on crowdfunding, social media, and fan devotion, bridging the gap between professional voice actors and passionate creators.

As traditional studios slow down, fan projects like this prove that creativity thrives beyond corporate borders.

FAQs

Q1. What is ‘5 Years Later’?

A fan-made crossover animation project by The Ink Tank, imagining Ben Tennyson’s adventures five years after Omniverse.

Q2. Is Yuri Lowenthal officially part of Cartoon Network’s Ben 10 team again?

No, this is a fan collaboration, not an official CN project. However, his involvement has been approved for fair use within the fan-made series.

Q3. Where can fans watch it?

Episodes are available for free on The Ink Tank’s YouTube channel.

Q4. What makes Alien X special?

Alien X is a reality-warping alien with near-omnipotent abilities, symbolizing the ultimate test of Ben’s morality and judgment.

Conclusion: Why This Collaboration Matters

Yuri Lowenthal’s return to voice Alien X in 5 Years Later isn’t just a nostalgic cameo — it’s a cultural statement. It bridges official and fan storytelling, proving that passion, not corporate backing, drives timeless creativity.

This move may redefine how voice actors engage with their legacy characters — not as static icons but as living symbols within evolving universes.

In an age where Hollywood reboots dominate, projects like 5 Years Later remind us that authentic storytelling still lives — in the hearts of fans who grew up with it.

“Reality can be rewritten… but passion remains eternal.”

Neutral, Intellectual Opinion (Deep Take)

What’s remarkable here isn’t just a voice actor’s return — it’s the democratization of storytelling. When professionals like Lowenthal engage with community projects, it blurs the line between fan fiction and cultural canon. It challenges Hollywood’s monopoly on nostalgia and creativity. Perhaps this signals a new era where fans no longer consume stories — they co-create them. That’s the true evolution of media: from ownership to participation, and from nostalgia to innovation.