5 Years Later | Episode 2 | Crossover Series

EPISODE TWO: The Lonely Ghost
After spending five years lost in space, Vlad Masters reflects on his past before receiving a visit from a mysterious stranger.
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__CREDITS__
Written & Illustrated by Kuro the Artist
Executive Producer
: Hurshie L. K. Williams
Vlad Masters - Brook Chalmers
Eon - Jonah Scott
Danny Fenton - Scott Frerichs
Ben Tennyson - Paxton Lee
Rook Blonko - AJ Beckles
Blukic - Ryan Asher
Driba - Ryan Asher
Lula - Juicy Flannigan
Vilgax - Xander Mobus
Magister Labrid - Xander Mobus
Ultimate Echo Echo - Kellen Goff
Casting Director
: Kellen Goff
Voice Director
: Xander Mobus
Edited by
Kuro the Artist
Additional Art
: O.R.Ash
Additional Character Design:
Insane-Mane
Visual Effects
: Crystalmoon101 &
Kuro the Artist
Sound Designer & Sound Effects Editor:
Kellen Goff
& Kuro the Artist
Original Score
: NoxiMation
Opening Theme Music
: Jake Neutron
Opening Theme Vortex Animation
: Stan Hanrahan
Opening Theme Ending Animation
: Adventure Noises
Additional Music
Raw Punks - Rascal Genius
Ben 10: Protector of Earth Soundtrack
Robots on a Trampoline - One Two Feet
Additional Assets
: Vecteezy
Omnitrix Icons
: Captain Eon
Special Thanks
Fro the Bro
Yvonne Orpilla
and all of our
Patreon Supporters!
5 Years Later is not an official property of the “Ben 10” Franchise owned by The Cartoon Network Inc. & Warner Bros. Discovery or “Danny Phantom” and “Invader Zim” owned by Nickelodeon & Paramount Global. It is not a replacement for these properties which inspired this series. Please support the official release.

[@notBK]

Can you imagine, maybe in a couple years we'll get 5YL the animated series.

[@insanitysymphony9175]

man of action next generation shit right there

[@LowQualityAnimations807]

Maybe in 5 years

[@gripetype4771]

I think people don't understand how difficult it actually is to put together an animated series, especially something like 5YL

[@2ndspringtube708]

There would massive redesigns and stuff and a really REALLY long time before we get that if we say we will get it ‘aside from the obvious “animation is difficult and takes time” there is the fact that some of 5yl designs just doesn’t work well with animation and are extremely hard to animate ‘even animation studios wouldn’t like to animate these designs ‘why do you think ov has better animation then uaf ?

[@insanitysymphony9175]

bro people give a compliment and everyone be like nooo

[@matthewstanley1521]

Vlad was trained by ghost monks?! That's such a good addition to his backstory! Well freaking done.

[@TheInkTank]

Thank you! There's a lot of Easter Eggs in that sequence that flesh out Vlad's backstory even more.

[@emanuelrojas2]

It's such a nice little addition, that I wish it was canon

[@triforceofcourage100]

It does explain the outfit for someone who’s goto outfit is a black suit

[@sirreginaldfishingtonxvii6149]

_Ghost Monks_ are also a very cool concept. It only makes sense they'd exist, really. If there's any place you'd expect to find spirituality, it'd be the dimension full of living spirits and spirit energy, right? Can't help but imagine they're able to punch your soul right outta ya.

[@membersonly6685]

This is amazing. I didn’t expect the motion com to be this well produced

[@thegamingembassy1543]

I imagine Butch Hartman and Man of Action must be proud. Too bad this could never actually happen, but that's why we the fans can make this happen.

[@TheInkTank]

The fanbase makes it special!

[@Keruthesage]

I mean you never know

[@thegamingembassy1543]

​@@KeruthesageThat would be awesome. Who knows. Maybe some company buys the rights from Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network and we get an official crossover. If Sega allows Sonic to cross over with Street Fighter, cartoon network shows, and even Megaman, why not Ben 10 with another show?

[@AntonyChakiat]

​@@thegamingembassy1543it's gonna happen I'm so sure if it

[@alucardvekkia3966]

I cant get enough of Vlad's origin, he's like a demented Doctor Strange!

[@victorsilva-ib6im]

Maybe one "And Beyond" about his order, or other format of video can be maked? Please???

[@7473R]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@victorsilva-ib6im*SPOILERS* There’s already an episode on the Ghost Zone, while Vlad is mentioned, the cult isn’t.

[@emanuelrojas2]

An interesting take but nonetheless a welcome one

[@Lord-Regent-of-the-Imperium]

Id say more like toned down Doctor Doom

[@victorsilva-ib6im]

@@7473R I know, the fact i already read this chapter three times (2 old format, 1 recalibrated) and i always forget this order! I know they are explain in his link in the site and i liked the lore! The problem i wanted they feel more alive, more memorable!

[@anothergamer112]

I cant enough of Paxton Lee's performance as Ben. He really captures that "more laid back Yuri Lowenthal" energy youd expect from a young adult Ben.

[@PaxtonLee]

[@senzanome9824]

Seeing Vlad's sadness, that in 5yl the antagonists are treated as well-rounded characters and not just as villains, is fantastic. One of my favorite parts of this comic

[@TheInkTank]

Thank you, we love making characters feel three-dimensional

[@RedKing12000]

I like how Vlad was more than willing to hang up his spurs and basically retire in disgrace. For as thoroughly drunk on power and bent on retribution as he may have been, he was never a character totally devoid of sense, and after hitting such an ultimate low in the series finale, it makes complete sense that his spirit’ would be broken and his drive would correspondingly diminish. His sad old man design also reminds me of “The Ultimate Enemy”, and I quite enjoyed the twist on his character there.

[@TheInkTank]

Vlad's always got a crafty way of thinking

[@CheezsterYT]

I actually haven't read 5 Years Later, so this is the first time I'm seeing it and let me tell you, I'm already invested in the story., even though I have never watched Danny Phantom

[@TheInkTank]

Thank you! We're hoping the Motion Comic invites a lot of new fans like yourself to check out the series!

[@Deaglan753]

same man, looking forward too seeing more of it, episode 1 and im already hooked

[@lunawolf6288]

Danny phantom is my all time favorite show and part of my world

[@JayJaytheweird]

Took the words out of my mouth.

[@henrymalloy1344]

while I did read the comic other wise same here

[@ancientking224]

Not gonna lie you all have me smiling like a loon while in class. First over the brief Kevin showing, seeing my favorite character in a new design and hopefully making full use of his powers in this is going to be great. Second is seeing Rook in human clothes just sort of fits to me. Lastly is just Ben's interactions in general, he feels and talks like how a young man Ben should feel to me.

[@TheInkTank]

You'll be seeing a lot more of Kevin soon!

[@knuggles3075]

Eon's introduction was insanely well executed

[@TheInkTank]

He knows how to make an entrance!

[@knuggles3075]

@@TheInkTank true

[@StanHanrahan]

Another amazing episode! Those classic music stings fit the vibe so perfectly

[@TheInkTank]

Thanks, bro! Classic had the best music

[@lightstar3817]

Applause all round for the team. Much like episode 1 this was a splendid masterpiece. Introducing both eon and vlad as well as showing what Vlad did with his 26 years of having powers was great world building.

[@TheInkTank]

Thank you, we consider Eon and Vlad as main characters along with Ben and Danny!

[@RekhaLahkar]

​@@TheInkTank have you heard Olivia corgi died

[@animatrix206]

Man, a number of years ago we saw this comic and it was simple, then chapters and edits were added, and now you are making a motion comic for it. I just like to consider this work as canon, even despite the release of a Danny comic and so on. It is just worthy of praise. The effort you have given is indescribable

[@learnasienes2983]

True

[@jimbenzo]

Oh its canon to me too😂

[@DrewDoesStuffOfficial]

The attention to detail in the Ben introduction where you can see cannonbolt hit the Omnitrix pod just makes me smile so much.

[@levievil9220]

0:23 is the time you see it

[@therestinghornet6906]

god i cried we he said i made many mistakes "one more should do it" one of the most bone chilling line reads ever in the show used perfectly to show that even Ben's righteousness can lead to his failings

[@TheInkTank]

Ben always tries to be the hero, but heroes have to make tough choices!

[@sohara7713]

The guy voicing Ben does a fantastic Yuri impression. Its almost perfect

[@TheInkTank]

That's Paxton Lee, he's so good!

[@ryangray3d]

I'm absolutely blown away with the motion comic - it's went above my expectations and some! It's so cool that through this more people will be introduced to 5YL, and I can't wait to witness it grow even more! I'm so grateful for all the hard work and dedication the Ink Tank has poured into this master piece, continuing the legacy of two titans from so many peoples childhoods. much love!

[@TheInkTank]

Thanks Ryan, happy you're enjoying it!

[@crystalmoon101]

Another great chapter! Claps for everyone on the team 💚

[@TheInkTank]

Clap for yourself, bucko!

[@369destroyer]

Ive always loved how you write Ben and Danny's interactions. Ben is technically more experienced in this canon, but is still the same as he ever was.

[@profjproductions9607]

Earlier, I just watched the first one then there's a new one already? Man, this is nice to see.

[@TheInkTank]

Gotta keep the hype train going!

[@TTRPGSarvis]

@@TheInkTankYou must be new to this KZbin thing. You're supposed to release an episode, wait multiple years for episode 2, and never make episode 3. It's tradition!

[@Elclassico10-7]

@@TheInkTank i dare you to like this

[@basedsaz7049]

Eon’s voice sounds so similar to how it does in Race against Time I love it !!!

[@TheInkTank]

Jonah Scott does a great job as Eon!

[@ChrisKnowsGames91]

Love the reference to secret Saturdays! Love that show so underrated ❤

[@TheInkTank]

It's cool that they share a universe, so we wanted to acknowledge it more!

[@mastertadakatsu]

​@TheInkTank will we be seeing more of the Saturdays then?

[@cheteyaliyanage8721]

Yeah, maybe some new members? Wonder if his parents are retired now.

[@BeluLaFan1]

@@mastertadakatsu PLEASE WE NEED THAT, I'm a fan of that show too.

[@ACastillo_]

Okay, officially watched it. Amazing job, yet again everyone! VAs keep killing it as well! 💚

[@TheInkTank]

Happy you're enjoying it!

[@Jack-sy8mr]

The ghost dudes who trained Vlad, their outfits should’ve had the black and white switched and Vlad changed his when he turned evil, to reference how Danny’s jumpsuit inverted when he got his powers

[@TheInkTank]

That's a neat idea!

[@hattoripool1533]

I loved the use of the original series tracks in this. It almost makes me wished the Uaf and Omniverse eras used those tracks

[@TheInkTank]

Classic had some really solid music

[@Bl4ckDemon6]

@@TheInkTank really good choice immediately gave me goose bumps while watching it all

[@vulcanimatehd7506]

I love the inclusion of Classic Ben 10's original soundtrack, brings back that 2005 vibe.

[@TheInkTank]

Thank you, that's the idea!

[@fogartyfox592]

@@TheInkTankI’m curious did you guys make the sounds yourself or just took it from the show directly.

[@meganrickards7902]

I really hope there’s a super cut of all this once all the parts are released. That would be SO AWESOME!!!!!!!

[@TheInkTank]

A full 5YL movie-style release could be fun!

[@Average_me001]

This is amazing you should be honored to have created this and side note I don't know how you did it but you managed to capture Yuri's level of snarkiness with Ben

[@TheInkTank]

Paxton Lee is just that talented!

[@Average_me001]

Well for moments I actually thought it was Yuri behind the mic .He's just that good

[@Ben10Abridged]

If this doesn't get its own animated series in 5 years max. We riot

[@zainebamfo2077]

This is closest we will get sadly😭😭

[@alexanderdixson9956]

This is basically continuing both the Ben 10 franchise and the Danny Phantom series

[@randomaussie8498]

Yeeesss another one! Read 5YL countless times and seeing it come to life like this is amazing. Big congrats to everyone who worked on this project, absolutely love it!

[@TheInkTank]

Thanks for sticking with us all these years!

[@joyboy9944]

Just finished episode one and DAAAAAAAAAAAAM i didn’t realise how overdue a 5YL series was till i watched episode one now am absolutely here for it! Colour me hella excited for episode 2!!!!

[@senzanome9824]

Spoiler I can't wait to hear Lula's voice! My favorite of the original characters, redemption for the Citrakayahes

[@reggiemartin4882]

Another great chapter here. I really liked how you guys included vlad's backstory. The music score, effects and voice acting is still on point. Props to vlad`s va he nailed it! And that goes for the rest of the va cast, awesome job.

[@TheInkTank]

Vlad is played by Brook Chalmers, who kills it in the role!

[@retroforager]

Dude you guys really know how to write a story! the pacing and character work is great! this is high quality fanfic! and of course the animation and art direction are wonderful too!

[@TheInkTank]

Thank you, we're so happy with this!

[@OnofrioDebenedictis-hh1hu]

0:01 And the most adorable robot

[@TheInkTank]

Just the cutest!

[@SlipperySlope11111]

6:43 OMG THAT THEME

[@TheInkTank]

Classic Music FTW

[@spacefalcon6900]

I hope in the next 10 years, yall offer a good animation team to animate 5YL, Because i want my kids to watch this amazing content. Also imagine a and beyond animated series 😱😱

[@meth_clefairy1069]

this is the best piece of fiction I have seen in a long time I have tears from the last one because I haven't seen some new ben media within a cinematic format, and let me say, THANK YOUUUUUUUUUUUUU SOOO MUCH

[@victorsilva-ib6im]

The animation is Great! The voices are perfect! And hear Lula, a original character, for the first time is awesome!!!! I just want to see the diference when she is less "on duty" with the Orion Squad!!!

[@EJMM209]

I like how Ben is written, instead of being wildly inconsistent between scenes and episodes he stays on point and you can tell he has matured while still having flaws thank you for making Ben's character good again Ink Tank 👌👌

[@ayodeledare8724]

What a blessing this is! Episode 2 so soon! Let’s go!

[@owenobrien1351]

God i haven't seen any new ben10 content in a long time that had this much quality put into it, you guys at the inktank are what keep this franchise alive

[@Insert_Name_-sp7xy]

Ah! Cliffhanger. And right before my favourite chapter. Can’t wait. Also 9minutes and 58 secs. 2 seconds more you would have hit that sweet spot that KZbinrs keep talking about.

[@TheLuckyDerp]

This was hype dudes, the series is only gonna better and better, major props to the whole team for a great job and performance!

[@MrRonald327]

Oh yeah. It’s hero time!

[@Waqas_Khan02]

1:28 Whoever voiced Vilgax in this scene did a great job. I almost thought as if Steve Blum did this scene.

[@TheInkTank]

That was Xander Mobus!

[@Waqas_Khan02]

@@TheInkTank Thanks for telling & Kudos to Xander. 😃

[@phatassfatterheart]

I love the fact that in Ben’s backstory everyone’s Plumber ID are key episodes for them Max’s being the first episode( I know it was confirmed in canon but still cool) Gwen’s being Lucky girl, Kevin and Room their debut episodes, and of course Ben’s being the final episode of Omniverse 😮

[@ATVPokemonMaster_02]

0:52 Well Gwen is looking lovely as always ❤

[@Waffletastic]

Absolute banger of an episode. Fantastic work from everyone involved!

[@parashockx1102]

dude continue making thease comic videos i love them and they if anything everyone seems to be accurate to their character please AND PLEASE CONTINUE I LOVE YOUR 5YL COMIC

[@TheInkTank]

Thank you, another episode coming Friday!

[@Sketchy6081]

0:46 oh, max likes that? Not surprised

[@TheInkTank]

He's been known for having a little intergalactic fun

[@tanaychouhan4048]

I’m so happy Scott went with an older Trunks voice from DBZA for Danny. He’s killing it!

[@memeelfman324]

9:33 HE HE HE SAID IT

[@ryijishida2638]

This is going to be fun!😍😍😍 Ben 10 still lives on to this day thank you all the everybody at Ink Tank

[@shadowldrago]

Vlad was THIS close to being able to just, try and live without revenge. But, in the end, he couldn't resist.

[@TheInkTank]

Bad habits are hard to break

[@garg4531]

The voice acting and characterization is incredible! And for Vlad’s backstory I love how you’re able tell a clear story without any dialogue They trained him to use his powers and accepted him as one of their own, but when he used his powers for evil they turned him away (and it seemed like he did to pay them back rather than for personal gain, which likely would’ve felt like such betrayal for him, after he felt like he found a place where he could belong and be accepted) And then his reaction to seeing the man who ruined his life marry the woman that he loved… you can really feel the pain, and seeing that after his backstory emphasizes that there’s nothing for him, not in the ghost zone or the living world

[@TheInkTank]

Thank you, Vlad's backstory is one of Kuro's favorite parts! You picked up on a lot of the hints.

[@garg4531]

@@TheInkTank As I said, you did a great job of telling a story and portraying emotion!

[@jasoncampbell3558]

Another banger episode guys, great stuff all around. I also like the little backstory for Vlad. Shows that while he was an evil monster during his battles with Danny, he wasn't always that heartless. He was ambitious and had dreams, but his pride and ego got the better of him. I especially liked that he became introspective during his time alone. Now I really gotta catch up on the comic. Great work all around, looking forward to EP3 and the epic battle between Danny, Vlad and Ben. Keep it up dudes!

[@TheInkTank]

Vlad's a great character. An asshole, but a great character!

[@jasoncampbell3558]

@@TheInkTank Always nice to add more depth to your favorite baddies.

[@Waqas_Khan02]

Recently watched episode 1 and Already invested in this story can't wait for this one 🤩

[@ahguythatcares7558]

I've read 5YL like 3 times over for the past years, Im so happy to see it take shape again, please keep it you guys, y'all are amazing❤

[@josephmaller592]

I really do feel like you should do a breakdown of Danny Phantom.

[@Tahoedex1]

THIS IS SO AWESOME!!!!! The nostalgia is flooding!!!! Love this bro appreciate the work

[@TheInkTank]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[@lionusprime8188]

6:47 did the Saturdays discovered Skull Island, Titans or Hollow-Earth???

[@TheInkTank]

They've done a lot!

[@BcmPaidPain]

Bro don’t ever stop making this story this is the greatest content I’ve ever seen keep up the good work

[@TheInkTank]

Thanks, new episode today!

[@veradishay2604]

Man it’s insane how much life you guys have breathed into your continuation. Perfectly blending your own unique and interesting ideas with two established tv shows. Truly inspiring. I also enjoyed listening to those soundtracks from the og series near the end of this episode. It’s like Ben 10 never left😊

[@neon_spotlight]

Eon's theme... Holy shit you all nailed the theme for eon's conversation with vlad (Eon's whispers if you feel inclined). I legitimately got chills down the spine when hearing it. My personal listening choice when reading it in comic form was the mephiles resurection theme from sonic 06, but honestly, what you guys did was even better.

[@TheInkTank]

All thanks to NoxiMation!

[@sagelg]

Was it just me or did I see No Watch Ben’s cannonbolt hit the shuttle containing the Omnitrix?

[@TheInkTank]

Good eye!

[@sagelg]

@@TheInkTank thank you.

[@northonpr]

You guys just SMASH on this! MAAAAANNN, you are just creating the PERFECT sequence to the original series. The classic's soul is right here! Good job, guys, you are creating a MASTER PIECE.

[@TheEntertainmentKnight]

Wow I love this show Danny meeting Vlad after five years is so amazing I love how shocked Danny is to see him

[@TheInkTank]

He's got a lot of repressed feelings to unpack

[@TheEntertainmentKnight]

Cool

[@Waqas_Khan02]

5:05 This wans't in the show but its cool to see Vlad's untold backstory.

[@TheInkTank]

Part of the fun of this series is expanding on the characters we love. Vlad's a complicated person, so we felt he needed a backstory to compliment that.

[@Waqas_Khan02]

@@TheInkTank Vlad Masters/Plasmius, as a villain, has always been my favorite. Thank you so much for your efforts in expanding his unseen backstory. 😃 I can't wait for another episode.

[@Luisramos27679]

Ben 10 origin story is so way cool 0:10

[@TheInkTank]

Thank you!

[@delsongreene8770]

I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect from this but I’m loving it so far. A new way to tell the story but still has a huge sense of nostalgia. Ben still has that major positive and a healthy amount of confidence in his attitude still. And Danny is still a little more on the realistic side to kind of balance themselves out. Very well done! I hope some kind of publication picks this up!

[@TheInkTank]

So glad you like it!

[@LordUzaki]

I cant get over how great the voice work is. It isn't just the casting, thought thats a big part of it, but the direction too. This is some professional quality stuff. Props ro Kellen and Xander on leading the front on this work.

[@joshnunya324]

Peak 2

[@JALG3710]

4:22 Is that Eon? That does mean Professor Paradox is in the series also?

[@TheInkTank]

Wouldn't that be something ;)

[@youngphoenix4634]

0:23 i like how we see Nowhach ben in canon bolt redirect it

[@cds7012]

I love how Vlad's humanity is handled. Him not up for a fight when meeting Eon, regretting the path he walked ... Damn this is good stuff!

[@TheInkTank]

Vlad's getting old and getting tired

[@NehemiahDixom]

Yes if yes cuz yes is yes, like comment if the ink tank is best cuz yes is yes but yes isnt yes cuz yes is yes

[@TheInkTank]

Thank you!

[@NehemiahDixom]

Yes :)@@TheInkTank

[@phoenixannemichelle9719]

ayyyooo,mah man Zak Saturday making a cameo!! Love to see it

[@OnofrioDebenedictis-hh1hu]

The most beautiful crossover in the world

[@TheInkTank]

Stay pretty

[@marcrodriguez3234]

getting better each day

[@Themuffin858]

someone send this to man of action,they need to see this masterpiece

[@MatthewK122]

Love your Ben 10 five years later

[@BeastForce141]

Can’t wait for more, Kuro. Thank you.

[@TheInkTank]

Thanks, BeastForce!

[@Guendison]

"Relax, we'll be back in 10," unironically goes hard!

[@cameronlindsey5238]

Woooooooow, a Secret Saturdays reference? In the year of our God 2024? Thats epic, and so is this series so far! Hope we see more of the Saturday family again in the future! ❤❤

[@BeluLaFan1]

I love that series too. Please make them part from the final battle :3

[@Romicu]

Well done guyss!!The best part about this comic is that you know about what u are writing, the characters, the lore, and when i heard the original SOUNDTRACKS i was just over, it gave me some nostalgics chills, well done team!

[@TheInkTank]

Thank you!

[@Elclassico10-7]

I have read the whole 5 years later comic till chapter 12 and i cant wait for chapter 13 and the alien x part😊 keep it up kuro the artist and many others

[@tripleo7109]

The soundtrack during Vlad's backstory was great!

[@TheInkTank]

Such a good track!

[@nathanvertil7355]

I CAN'T WAIT FOR EPISODE 3 !!!!

[@solierix]

The music is a perfect blend between the two series

[@TheInkTank]

We love musical homages

[@paulherrera1614]

Dude hope we all support

[@sawkchalk6966]

I smiled so much at the Secret Saturdays cameo

[@TheInkTank]

That was a fun one!

[@nipunmittal6250]

saturdays cameo brought memories

[@TheInkTank]

Great memories!

[@KillerTrint22]

dude where are the views this shit is too good for it to not be popping

[@TheInkTank]

Help spread the word - Episode 4 drops today!

[@JohnDoe-lk7er]

Imagine if Ben holding the Annihilargh as Feedback caused a power surge that deactivated some of the safety settings on the Omnitrix, including those preventing Ben from having Master Control unlocked permanently.

[@TheInkTank]

That'd be crazy!

[@chadsebastian6521]

It just gets better and better

[@TheInkTank]

Thank you!

[@totalynota2ndaccount18]

I now feel the urge to watch Danny Phantom and then start reading 5YL. I’ve always wanted to but this series is the tipping point. Very well done! Loving this.

[@TheInkTank]

Thanks for giving us a chance!

[@guilhermerafaelzimermann4196]

The absolute flex of sparing a whole universe for someone to rule over

[@TheInkTank]

Eon doesn't play

[@FernandoBenitez-ht7uq]

The voices for our lovable tech support galvans are on point! Awesome work Also, casual t-shirt rook

[@TheInkTank]

That's O.R.Ash as the Galvans! And we wanted to show Rook more outside of his Proto-Armor!

[@michaelmaysonet3754]

I just want to say I loved that nod to the secret saturdays

[@TheInkTank]

It's a fun show!