Abrams, IDW Scare Up New 'Monster High' Books and Comics

There is no better time than Friday the 13th to announce that Abrams and IDW are set to debut new books and comics, respectively, tied to Mattel’s beloved Monster High franchise.

Mattel says the publishing program is being brought back after years of demand from the fan base. “Even when Monster High was on hiatus, we were hearing from fans constantly who, simply put, wanted more Monster High,” said Ryan Ferguson, Mattel’s global head of publishing. “As the desire for more publishing content that expands the Monster High universe has been a common request, we’re particularly excited about today’s news.”

“We’re all huge fans of anything spooky, and several of us read and loved the books when they came out a decade or so ago,” said Anne Heltzel, editorial director, entertainment publishing and content development for Abrams Children’s Books. “The Monster High brand has a rabid fan base made up of both kids who are new to the series and older readers who are nostalgic for those original ghouls. To be able to delve into this rich world and tell all-new stories perfectly tailored to both groups has been a dream.”

The publishing program commences with a middle grade series, Monster High School Spirits, with the first title, A Fright to Remember, launching this Halloween and new stories to follow annually. This series features self-contained original stories inspired by the animated show on Nickelodeon, which features a new generation of characters. “The books will target newly minted fans as well as older fans who want to pass on their passion for the brand to the young people in their lives,” Heltzel said.

In spring 2024, the publisher will release a new young adult novel, Once Bitten, Twice Dead. The book is by Tiffany Schmidt, author of nine YA novels including the Bookish Boyfriends series. The book, with a very different cover illustration style from the middle-grade series, continues and expands on the narratives of the original characters and stars fan-favorite character Draculaura. The novel is positioned as a standalone, but the conclusion leaves room for a sequel.

Abrams also has a Monster High graphic novel in the works.

IDW, meanwhile, will peg its introduction of the brand to Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) on May 4, 2024. The company will offer a gratis 32-page comic including an exclusive new Monster High story and an extended preview of its new comic book series based on the franchise, Monster High: New Scaremester. The monthly series will begin with 10 books.

Monster High was first introduced in 2010. Core to the franchise were books penned by Gitty Daneshvari and Lisi Harrison and published by Little, Brown. There were also dolls and online content from Mattel, followed by other entertainment and licensed products. The franchise wound down in 2018 when Mattel retired the doll line.

In early 2021, Mattel announced that it was relaunching and reimagining the franchise. After success with a collectible line called Monster High Skullector Dolls, released through the Mattel Creations platform, Mattel introduced a new range of dolls, clothes, and accessories in May 2022 that reflect more diversity in body types, ethnicities, and gender expression than the first time around. A live-action movie premiered in October of that year, and a sequel debuted this past October 5 on Paramount+. In addition, an animated TV series was introduced in September 2022 on Nickelodeon, with a second season starting this fall.

Other components of the program include a stage show, Monster High Live, which arrived last month; product collaborations, which include a just-released pairing with fashion label Off White; digital gaming; and a social impact platform, Monster High Project Belonging.

“These programs include core characters and themes from the original Monster High but have also greatly expanded the Monster High universe for today’s audiences, including all new toys, characters, and storylines, all still rooted in the values of inclusivity and self-expression,” Ferguson said.

Focusing on the lives of the children of famous monsters, including Clawdeen, a half-human and biracial werewolf; Frankie Stein, who is non-binary and uses a prosthetic leg; and Draculaura, a curvy vampire who is adopted, among others, Monster High is meant to encourage a more accepting world where everyone can be proud to be their authentic self. This is a message the company believes will resonate perhaps even more today than in the 2010s.

Watch Monster High on Nickelodeon and Stream Monster High The Movie and Monster High 2 now on Paramount+. Try it FREE at ParamountPlus.com!

More Nick: ‘Monster High 2’ and 'A Really Haunted Loud House' Conjure Up Ratings Victories For Nickelodeon!

Original source: Publishers Weekly.

---

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, Facebook, Google News, Tumblr, via RSS and more for the latest Nickelodeon and Monster High 2 News and Highlights!

Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: First Look at Issue #2

The Crisis in a half shell continues

Who could have guessed that Batman and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles would wind up being two great tastes that taste even greater together? DC Entertainment and IDW are continuing their hot streak of hilariously over-the-top collisions between the rain-slicked gloom of Gotham and the cartoon color of the Turtles’ New York City with Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III--the third and final miniseries in the crossover saga. And this time, TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman is getting in on the action alongside writer James Tynion IV and artist Freddie Williams II. Take a look at this awesome preview of Batman/TMNT III #2 below, via GameSpot!

While the first miniseries brought the villainous Foot Clan to Gotham and the second brought longtime Batman foe, Bane, to NYC, the third series is getting bigger than ever before as Krang--though probably not the Krang you might be familiar with--poses a threat to the multiverse itself.

That’s right, the weird and wild world of Batman/TMNT is going full Cosmic Crisis as Krang is mixed in with the Anti-Monitor. And that’s only the beginning of Batman/TMNT III’s reimagining of classic characters: The Turtles themselves all borrow looks from the roster of Robin alumni like Red Hood and Nightwing while Joker is now the Shredder-like leader of the terrifying Smile Clan.

Issue #2 continues the multiversal insanity as Batman and the Turtles are pitted against strange black-and-white doppelgangers of themselves that may or may not be from some other dimension. Or, maybe, something even more insidious is at play.

Batman/TMNT III hits shelves Wednesday, June 5, 2019!

Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III #2

(W) James TynionIV (A) Freddie Williams II (A/CA) Kevin Eastman

Kevin Eastman, co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, joins series artist Freddie E. Williams II as guest artist for the second issue of BATMAN/TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES III! Krang’s true power has been revealed, and now it’s up to Batman and the Turtles to stop him, but their only hope may lie with the strange, yet familiar, visitor from another world.

RATED T

In Shops: Jun 05, 2019

SRP: $3.99

From Bleeding Cool:

An Origin Retold in Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III #2 Preview

The worlds of Batman and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are undergoing a crisis in Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III, the third crossover comic between the caped crusader and the heroes in a half shell. For one thing, the continuities of the two universes have been merged, with Batman and the Turtles living together and sharing characteristics, with Turtles dressed like Robins and a Shredder/Joker mash-up.

And now, Batman and the Robin-Turtles have come face-to-face with someone claiming to be the original Raphael, in authentic black and white just like the original Eastman and Laird comics. And to prove he’s the real thing, he’s able to easily kick all five of their asses while simultaneously recounting his own origin story.

See it all in the preview of Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III #2 below, and look for the issue in stores on Wednesday.

###

More Nick: Worlds Collide in 'Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' - New Animated Movie Out Now!

---

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon Comics and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles News and Highlights!

Batman And Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Team Up In New Comic Book Mini-Series

Original IDW Publishing and DC Entertainment Press Release via Newsarama.com:

IDW Publishing and DC Entertainment will continue their successful editorial mash-ups and bring fans two new comic book crossovers based on some of their most popular properties, including a sequel to the smash-hit co-publishing venture Star Trek/Green Lantern and an all new crossover with animation-inspired versions of Batman and Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

“We’re very happy to extend our ongoing relationship with DC with these iconic characters in new storylines,” says Greg Goldstein, President and COO of IDW Publishing. “Fans who enjoyed the previous series will enjoy the fun, new adventures we have in store for these upcoming titles.”

Captain Kirk and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise will once again cross paths with the Green Lantern Corps in a sequel to last year’s Star Trek/Green Lantern series. The creative team of Mike Johnson and Angel Hernandez will reteam for another epic space opera, this one picking up the new status quo where it left off and introducing additional cosmic heroes and villains familiar to fans of both series. This series is slated for a winter 2016 launch.

Following the recent success of Batman/TMNT, IDW, DC, and Nickelodeon are also happy to announce another pairing between the Caped Crusader and the Ninja Turtles: Batman/TMNT Adventures, coming this November. Based on the animated versions of both series, this storyline for fans of all ages will bring the Dark Knight of the beloved Batman: The Animated Series in contact with Nickelodeon’s animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The dynamic duo of writer Matthew K. Manning (Beware the Batman) and artist Jon Sommariva (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Amazing Adventures) will team on the series.

“The previous Star Trek/Green Lantern and Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossovers were a huge hit with fans of each of the characters,” said Hank Kanalz, DC SVP of Editorial Strategy and Administration. “Bringing these characters back again, and expanding Batman and the Turtles to the realm where they’re most recognized by comic fans and fans of the TV series will make for a great story that any fan can’t wait to read.”

“It’s always a blast to pair up beloved characters in comic series, and our recent pairings with DC have been especially satisfying on a creative level and in regards to fan satisfaction, too,” said Chris Ryall, IDW’s Chief Creative Officer. “Being able to bring Ciro Nieli’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to the amazing animated Gotham envisioned by Bruce Timm and Eric Radomski is a major bonus.”

Stay tuned for more upcoming news regarding these massively popular pairings from two of today’s most premier comic book publishers.

###

The storyline of Batman/TMNT Adventures will follow Batman, in the style from Batman: The Animated Series, in his pursuit of his usual band of foes after they break free—as they always seem to do—from the confines of Arkham Asylum. The assorted criminals will find their way across canons into New York City, where Bats will have no choice but to call upon the help of the pizza-loving Turtles devoted to keeping the Big Apple safe. It won’t only be Batman’s foes who stand in the way of justice, however; the Turtles’ collective of enemies will step in to ensure the longevity of this new taste of chaos. And of course, we’re likely to see some contribution from the heroes’ pals—perhaps Robin, Alfred, and Commissioner Gordon will lend a hand, ditto April O’Neil and Casey Jones.

The inceptive 32-page issue—the first of six altogether—will be priced at $3.99, and should hit stores on Wednesday 9th November 2016!

Additional source: Nerdist.

---

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles News and Highlights!

IDW Expands TMNT Comic World With "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe"

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comic series from IDW Publishing is getting a sister series called Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe by writer Paul Allor and artist Damian Couceiro, with backups by writers Tom Waltz and TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman and artist Bill Sienkiewicz, reports IGN UK!

Check out the cover for issue one by artist Freddie Williams II below!:

This new series will tell stories focused on various supporting characters in the TMNT world. Characters named by series editor Bobby Curnow include Casey Jones, Fugitoid, Old Hob, April, Nobody, Harold, and Baxter Stockman. Bobby also teased that fans will get a couple of brand new villains!

Allor, who has written previous TMNT comics Turtles in Time and Mutanimals, told IGN what fans expect from the story.

"This is a classic siege story, in the vein of Rio Bravo and Assault on Preinct 13. It's a brutal, action-packed siege story, packed with villains old and new, that's also very driven by the relationship between these four brothers," Allor said.

He also let shine his excitement to be working with Couceiro.

"His previous work -- including Cluster, his creator-owned book with Ed Brisson, of which I'm a big fan -- shows that he does big action and deep emotion incredibly well. I know he's gonna bring so much depth to this book, and I can't wait for people to see what we're cooking up," Allow said.

But why is now the time to expand IDW's TMNT line to two ongoing comics?

"Essentially, over the past four-plus years our TMNT world has grown too large to contain to one monthly title. There are dozens of fan-favorite characters. In short, we need a second title to do the 'TMNT Universe' justice," Curnow explained. "With two series we can flesh out these supporting characters more and devote greater time to the Turtles themselves and expanding their world. Our aim is to tell stories that are self-contained but complementary to the original ongoing TMNT title."

Curnow's vision is to simply let the creators do their thing and tell awesome TMNT stories.

"In addition to enabling us to tell stories that we might not get the time to otherwise, my aim for this series is encourage creators, both new and familiar to TMNT, to stretch their creative muscles and run. Often in the past we've been shackled a bit to the events of the ongoing title. Here, if a creator wants to tell a story that's a bit farther away, in either tone or plot, than what is happening in the ongoing title, we can explore it. My hope is that we'll be able to nurture and flourish the creativity that has always been a huge part of TMNT, and in doing so, bring new creators and readers to the title," Curnow said.

Curnow also revealed that his favorite Turtle is Leonardo!

The Turtley Awesome news comes after IDW also recently announced plans to launch TMNT: Bebop & Rocksteady Destroy Everything, a brand-new miniseries starring the humanoid mutant Warthog and Rhinoceros pair which will feature a madcap time-travel adventure that puts the fate in the universe in the hands of the Ninja Turtles' foes!

Here's the official solicitation info for the series, scheduled for release in August 2016:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Universe #1

Paul Allor, Kevin Eastman, Tom Waltz (w) / Damian Couceiro, Kevin Eastman, Bill Sienkiewicz (a) / Freddie Williams (c)

Introducing a new era in TMNT! This series will explore characters and story-lines that are pivotal to the IDW TMNT universe! When a mysterious new mutant targets Baxter Stockman, it will be up to the TMNT to reluctantly save him. Little does everyone know that a larger trap is being laid by a new arch-foe! Plus a back-up story from TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman and comics legend Bill Sienkiewicz!

*Retailers: See your order form for incentive information.

FC - 40 pages - $4.99

August on sale

---

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles News and Highlights!

Bebop & Rocksteady Destroy Everything In IDW's New Weekly Comic Book Miniseries

With Bebop and Rocksteady set to appear in June's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows movie, it's the perfect time for IDW to launch a brand-new miniseries starring the humanoid mutant Warthog and Rhinoceros pair!

The publisher has assembled a Turtley Awesome creative team for the weekly TMNT: Bebop & Rocksteady Destroy Everything, a madcap time-travel adventure that puts the fate in the universe in the hands of the Ninja Turtles' foes, and it's exciting to see two creators who are typically artists co-writing the title!

First-Look At "Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" Crossover Comic Book Mini-Series

It's a fantasy held by a lot of comic book fans - what would happen if Batman got to team up with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?

Well, now you don't have to imagine what that would be like by acting it out with your collectible action figures, because it's finally happening for real in comic book form. Cowabunga!

A joint effort between DC comics and IDW Publishing, the company who currently owns the comic publishing rights to the "Ninja Turtles", "Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1" marks the beginning of an all-new mini-series by "Batman Eternal" writer James Tynion IV and artist Freddie E. Williams II.

In the brand-new Batman/TMNT crossover comic book series, the ninja turtles are transported to another dimension where they end up in Gotham City, along with the deadly Foot clan. Now they have to work together with the Caped Crusader to get to back to their world and stop their ninja enemies - and one can only hope they get a break to compare batarangs and shurikens at some point, too!

Check out this fantastic preview of the issue, from MTV News, before it goes on sale next Wednesday, December 9, and get ready for all the pizza and quiet brooding you can possibly stand!:

Knights in a Half Shell

BATMAN/TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #1
Written by JAMES TYNION IV
Art by FREDDY E. WILLIAMS II
Variant cover by KEVIN EASTMAN

DC Comics and IDW team up for the crossover you never saw coming as two of the greatest entertainment icons meet for the first time! In Gotham City, a series of deadly raids leads Batman to believe he’s up against a group of highly trained ninjas known as the Foot Clan! Somehow, they’ve crossed over to another dimension and are determined to take advantage of the situation while looking to get back home. But they haven’t come alone: Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo are hot on their trail. Get ready for excitement as heroes and villains from both worlds clash and team up in an epic battle that threatens the very fabric of reality!

32 PGS/$3.99

---

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles News and Highlights!

DC Comics And IDW Publishing Announce "Batman"/"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" Crossover Miniseries

DC Comics today, Friday 10th July 2015, announced the Turtley Awesome news at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2015 that the four mutant Heroes in a Half-Shell turtles will be taking a break from fighting crime in New York and making their way to Gotham City for a brand-new crossover miniseries collaboration between IDW Publishing and DC!

According to DC's press release, the plot for DC and IDW's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" crossover miniseries will be: Needless to say, four giant turtles with Japanese weapons and a guy cosplaying as a cheese grater quickly attract Batman's attention, and, well, you can guess what happens from there. DC and IDW have put James Tynion IV and Freddie Williams II in charge of the shenanigans, so they’ve got a solid creative team already.

The comic will see Krang, in a attempt to get rid of them, teleport the Turtles and Shredder into the alternate reality of Gotham — naturally attracting the attention of the Dark Knight himself. Presumably from there, our heroes will team up to fight crime and maybe eat pizza.

The Batman/TMNT crossover will begin in November 2015!

Source: io9, UPROXX.

---

Follow NickALive! on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, via RSS, on Instagram, and/or Facebook for the latest Nickelodeon and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles News and Highlights!

Nickelodeon And IDW Present The "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Annual 2012"; To Be Released In October 2012

Below is a IDW Publishing Press Release from the official IDW Publishing website, idwpublishing.com:

IDW Presents Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Annual 2012

TMNT story written and drawn by co-creator Kevin Eastman

Coming in October 2012

San Diego, CA (July 14, 2012) – IDW Publishing and Nickelodeon are excited to announce the launch of TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ANNUAL 2012, a 48-page jam packed story written by co-writers Tom Waltz and Kevin Eastman, and drawn by co-creator Eastman. It's been nearly 20 years since Eastman has created a full TMNT story, but fans will relish this Annual filled with non-stop downtown action and mayhem that is well worth the wait!

"After nearly 20 years I find myself once again fully engrossed in the wonderful mythos of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and having the absolute best time in my life!" said Eastman. "The intense creative energy flying around between IDW and Nickelodeon is when this idea was inspired and born, so with this incredible team, I'm back on the drawing board--hanging with the boys, knocking out a full blown epic--and it is AWESOME!"

Releasing in October this year, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ANNUAL 2012 follows the adventure of Raphael and Casey as they find themselves in the middle of a criminal escapade gone wrong. Rival clans jockey for power in the NYC criminal underworld, and the Ninja Turtles are drawn into the chaos. Expect the unexpected in this exciting, all-new tale that sets up a crucial future TMNT storyline. Readers are encouraged to ask their retailers about the special variant “Eastman Layout” edition.

IDW's TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES comics launched in August 2011 with great success, resulting in multiple printings of the first five ongoing issues. Last month, TMNT comics launched digitally, and are now featured in IDW Comics and comiXology Mobile Apps for Android, iPhone, Kindle Fire, and more. There is no doubt that the Turtles have made a huge comeback, and IDW and Nickelodeon are catering to the fans by providing even more Ninja Turtle action!

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES ANNUAL 2012 ($7.99, 48 pages, full color) will be available in October. Diamond order code AUG12 0321.

Visit IDWPublishing.com to sign up for updates and learn more about the company and its top-selling books.

About IDW Publishing
IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro’s The TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE, Paramount’s Star Trek; HBO’s True Blood; the BBC’s DOCTOR WHO; Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; Toho’s Godzilla; Wizards of the Coasts Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons; and the Eisner-Award winning Locke & Key series, created by best-selling author Joe Hill and artist Gabriel Rodriguez [and Ghostbusters]. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints, and Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studio.

IDW's critically- and fan-acclaimed series are continually moving into new mediums. Currently, Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Disney are creating a feature film based on World War Robot, while Michael Bay‘s Platinum Dunes and Sony are bringing Zombies vs. Robots to film.

About Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon, now in its 33rd year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 17 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B).

###

Tags teenage mutant ninja turtles, tom waltz, kevin eastman, tom waltz, annual

It is currently unknown whether IDW's "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Annual 2012" TMNT book will be released in the UK and Ireland for British and Irish "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" fans buy.

Also, from Digital Spy:

'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Annual 2012' announced by IDW

Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman will write and draw the book for the publisher.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Annual 2012 has been announced by IDW Publishing.

The property's co-creator Kevin Eastman will write and draw the book, which is being released to capitalise on the hype surrounding the Nickelodeon television show.

© IDW Publishing"After nearly 20 years I find myself once again fully engrossed in the wonderful mythos of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and having the absolute best time in my life," said Eastman.

"The intense creative energy flying around between IDW and Nickelodeon is when this idea was inspired and born, so with this incredible team, I'm back on the drawing board - hanging with the boys, knocking out a full blown epic - and it is awesome."

Nickelodeon acquired the rights to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and will debut its new animated series on September 29. The children's TV network previously teamed up with IDW to launch a Ninja Turtles comic book app for mobile devices.

Eastman, who came up with the concept in 1984 in collaboration with Peter Laird, recently spoke out in support of the controversial Michael Bay-produced Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie reboot.

Bay's project sparked a backlash from fans following the announcement that the titular characters have been reimagined as extra terrestrials, rather than the mutated reptiles of the source material.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Annual 2012 is released in October.