Exclusive: Papercutz to Publish Rio Graphic Novels
The children’s graphic novel Papercutz, already home to the Smurfs, Annoying Orange, and Lego Ninjago graphic novels, is adding another licensed property to its lineup: A series of graphic novels based on the movie Rio, which will fill in the story between the original movie, which came out in 2011, and the sequel, Rio 2, due out in April 2014. The first graphic novel will be out in March 2014. Longtime Papercutz scribe Stefan Petrucha, whose credits include the Nancy Drew and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers graphic novels, will be the writer, and James Silvani (shown above at the Papercutz booth at San Diego Comic-Con), who has drawn Darkwing Duck and Muppets comics, will handle the art. Here’s the full press release:
TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND PAPERCUTZ
TAKE FANS OF THE ANIMATED COMEDY RIO ON A NEW ADVENTURE
WITH LAUNCH OF GRAPHIC NOVEL SERIESAVAILABLE MARCH 2014, NEW ONGOING NOVEL SERIES
LEADS IN TO THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED THEATRICAL RELEASE OF RIO 2San Diego, CA – July 21, 2013 — Papercutz, the industry’s leading children’s graphic novel publisher, will introduce fans to the box office sensation “RIO” through an ongoing series of graphic novels developed in partnership with Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products. Available in March 2014, the first book will serve as a bridge between the original animated comedy adventure, and the highly anticipated sequel from Blue Sky Studios and Fox Animation, “RIO 2,” arriving in theaters April 2014.
“When I first saw ‘RIO’ a few years ago I was completely swept away, just like everyone else,” said Papercutz Editor-In-Chief Jim Salicrup. “The breathtaking vistas, the music, and Blu’s journey; all of it is amazing. The storytellers at Blue Sky Studios are so talented and we jumped at the chance to tell more tales in the rich world they’ve created.”
The series will be written by Stefan Petrucha (POWER RANGERS, NANCY DREW) and illustrated by fan-favorite animation comics artist James Silvani (Darkwing Duck, Richie Rich). The first volume, entitled, “Snakes Alive!” catches up with Blu and Jewel, the last surviving Blue Spix Macaws, as they raise their kids in the Blu Bird Sanctuary near Rio de Janeiro. When the sanctuary is threatened by financial trouble, Blu and the gang embark on a quest deep into the jungle to find an ancient treasure that may save their home.
“Movie-goers around the world, both young and old, fell in love with Blu and Jewel. Through this special partnership with Papercutz, “RIO”will take on a new form for fans to enjoy in graphic novels,” said Roz Nowicki, Executive Vice President of Global Sales & Retail, Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products. “The creative team behind this series and the trusted publishing team at Papercutz will no doubt treat audiences to engaging and fun adventures with the lovable characters of the film franchise.”
ABOUT RIO 2
The entire cast of the animated smash RIO returns in RIO 2, and they are joined by a new flock of top actors and musical talents. Rich with grandeur, character, color and music, RIO 2 finds Jewel (Anne Hathaway), Blu (Jesse Eisenberg) and their three kids leaving their domesticated life in that magical city for a journey to the Amazon. They encounter a menagerie of characters who are born to be wild, voiced by Oscar nominee Andy Garcia, Oscar/Emmy/Tony-winner Rita Moreno, Grammy winner Bruno Mars, and Tony winner Kristin Chenoweth.ABOUT PAPERCUTZ
Popular with reluctant readers and gifted readers alike, Papercutz graphic novels cover a wide range of genres, reading levels, and favorite characters including The Smurfs, LEGO® NINJAGO, Geronimo Stilton, Nancy Drew, and many more. Papercutz is proud to be the largest standalone publisher exclusively dedicated to children’s graphic novels, with books available at all major retailers, bookstores, and comic book stores, and e-books available on comiXology, iVerse, and all e-reader devices.ABOUT TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX CONSUMER PRODUCTS
A recognized industry leader, Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products licenses and markets properties worldwide on behalf of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, Twentieth Television and Fox Broadcasting Company, as well as third party lines. The division is aligned with Twentieth Century Fox Television, one of the top suppliers of prime time entertainment programming to the broadcast networks.
Filed under: All Ages, Graphic Novels
About Brigid Alverson
Brigid Alverson, the editor of the Good Comics for Kids blog, has been reading comics since she was 4. She has an MFA in printmaking and has worked as a book editor and a newspaper reporter; now she is assistant to the mayor of Melrose, Massachusetts. In addition to editing GC4K, she writes about comics and graphic novels at MangaBlog, SLJTeen, Publishers Weekly Comics World, Comic Book Resources, MTV Geek, and Good E-Reader.com. Brigid is married to a physicist and has two daughters in college, which is why she writes so much. She was a judge for the 2012 Eisner Awards.
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