Media Release -- IDW Publishing, under license from Hasbro, Inc. and Wizards of the Coast, will launch several all-new comic book series based on the many worlds of the hugely popular roleplaying game, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS. Following IDW's previously established comics model, the first new series will begin with an introductory debut issue in August 2010, with new monthly comics and deluxe reprints of past series launching in November.
IDW's Dungeons & Dragons series will each offer new stories and playable characters to existing game campaigns. The Dungeons & Dragons title will take place in the core world, as seen in the gaming supplements and upcoming novels, followed by a Dark Sun series starting in January 2011. Plans also include a series for the longtime fan-favorite Forgotten Realms setting. Each comic book will also be collected at intervals into graphic novels. The many planned projects will be distributed to a wide audience through comic book outlets, trade bookstores and mass retailers.
"We are delighted to partner with IDW," said Liz Schuh, Brand Director for Dungeons & Dragons. "Together, we will bring great D&D stories to our fans, told through IDW's high quality comics."
IDW Publishing and Wizards of the Coast will work closely together to offer another layer of experience for Dungeons & Dragons. Acclaimed fantasy painter Wayne Reynolds will supply covers for the launch of the new series. Specific creative teams and information about each new series will be forthcoming.
"We are excited to expand our relationship with Hasbro and bring DUNGEONS & DRAGONS to comics," said IDW CEO, Ted Adams. "Hasbro is a great company to work with, and we value our unique partnership with them."
IDW Publishing is Hasbro's comic book licensee for TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE. IDW also recently entered a deal to create comic books with the worldwide bestselling author James Patterson, and publishes licensed comic books for many other hugely popular brands, include Fox's Angel, The BBC's Doctor Who, and EA's Dragon Age. In March, IDW was given premier publisher status with Diamond Comics Distributors, in recognition of the company's success.
About Dungeons & Dragons
Dungeons & Dragons is the iconic roleplaying game of fantasy and imagination that is part storytelling, part social interaction and part chance. Players take on the role of characters that go on a journey together through a fantasy realm to discover treasure, fight monsters and battle adversity while one member of the group (the Dungeon Master) creates, narrates and referees the game. Together, the Dungeon Master and the characters bring the game to life.
About IDW Publishing
IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renown 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; Fox's Angel; the BBC's Doctor Who; and television's #1 prime time series CBS' CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints; Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studios; and is the print publisher for ComicMix.
IDW's original horror series, 30 Days of Night, was launched as a major motion picture in October 2007 by Sony Pictures and was the #1 film in its first week of release. More information about the company can be found at IDWPublishing.com.
About Hasbro, Inc.
Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com.
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