Del Rey Manga, an imprint of Ballantine Books at the Random House
Publishing Group, in collaboration with Cartoon Network Enterprises,
today announced a new manga publishing partnership that will launch
with original manga based on two of Cartoon Network’s most successful
series: Bakugan Battle Brawlers and Ben 10 Alien Force. This
announcement marks the first partnership between Cartoon Network and
the Random House Publishing Group’s manga imprint.
Christina Miller, vice president, Cartoon Network Enterprises says,
“Cartoon Network is the home to many of the leading brands, and manga
and film-comics are natural extensions of our rich and immersive
content. As one of the category’s best publishers, Del Rey Manga will
bring these stories to life, starting with the incredibly successful
Bakugan later this year.”
The first book published under the new partnership will be released in
December 2008. Bakugan Battle Brawlers: The Battle Begins, incorporates
full-color stills from the animated show in a manga-style graphic novel
format. A second volume will follow in March 2009. As one of the
hottest boys properties currently in the market, Bakugan, has been a
hit in the US since it first aired on Cartoon Network in February of
this year. A character-rich animated series aimed at boys 6-11, Bakugan
follows the adventures of Dan and his fellow Battle Brawlers as they
use strategy and skill to unleash their Bakugan power and save Vestroia
and Earth from destruction.
Ben 10 Alien Force: Ben 10 Returns, the first title for the hit Cartoon
Network franchise, will be published in April 2009 and follows the same
format, drawing art directly from the cartoon itself. The top-rated Ben
10 Alien Force show chronicles the adventures of everyone’s favorite
hero, Ben Tennyson. Armed with the Omnitrix, which gives him the
ability to transform into different alien superheroes, Ben , his cousin
Gwen and former foe-now-friend Kevin Levin are on a mission to defeat
the evil DNALIENS and save the Earth.
Original black-and-white, manga-style graphic novels based on Bakugan
and Ben 10 Alien Force will release in Summer 2009 and Fall 2009,
respectively.
“We’re thrilled to join forces with Cartoon Network. Fan favorites
Bakugan and Ben 10 Alien Force are beautifully crafted animated series
that lend themselves well to this unique artistic form of manga,” says
Mutsumi Miyazaki, director of licensing and acquisitions for Del Rey
Manga. “Our partnership with Cartoon Network will provide a new and
exciting opportunity for Del Rey Manga as we further expand our
publishing program.”
