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IDW to Create Marvel Comics for Kids – Because They Are for Them, After All

Published Tue, 17 Jul 2018 08:59:38 -0500

Last updated Tue, 17 Jul 2018 15:29:22 -0500

IDW has already worked with Marvel Comics to place their comic book stories in IDW's foil packs, sold in chain stores nationwide.

But now IDW, who also license a number of Disney titles as well, are to publish a new Marvel Comics line featuring Spider-Man, the Avengers, and Black Panther for November.

The two publishers will develop middle-grade comic books designed for younger readers. Featuring some of Marvel's most popular characters, the monthly issues and trade paperback collections, published by IDW, will be available for sale at local comic book shops and book retailers across the country. This follows DC Comics move with DC Zoom — although they kept that all in house.

New IDW EIC John Barber is quoted as saying:

"From Iron Man to Captain Marvel, from the Hulk to Shuri — the Marvel pantheon has something for everyone. With this team-up, Marvel and IDW aim to bring exciting, all-new comics to a generation growing up in a Marvel world."

Launching in November 2018, the Marvel and IDW collaboration will begin with a Spider-Man series featuring both Peter Parker and Miles Morales, followed by an Avengers series beginning in December and a Black Panther series in January. Each of these titles will serve as an easily-accessible jumping-on point for younger readers to follow the adventures of their favorite characters.

New Marvel EIC C.B. Cebulski is quoted as saying:

"Marvel is excited to work with IDW to share these brand-new stories with our younger fans. Characters like Spider-Man, Black Panther, and the Avengers inspire us through their strength and determination, but they resonate with readers because of the struggles they face and the challenges they overcome. We want to share their journeys with our younger fans first-hand."

While Sven Larsen, director, licensed publishing of Marvel is quoted as saying:

"Marvel is committed to delivering unique and accessible content for our younger audiences and fans. As one of our most valued partners, IDW is the right fit to help us feature some of our most popular characters and publish stories created especially for the next generation of Super Heroes."

And president and publisher of IDW Greg Goldstein is quoted as saying:

"This partnership reflects the true spirit of collaboration at work. As comic book publishers, IDW and Marvel are able to produce high-quality visual storytelling experiences for fans both young and old. By combining our efforts, along with Marvel's ever-increasing presence in popular culture, the results will be spectacular."

This will naturally ask questions of Marvel as to why they don't do this themselves. But IDW will be paying Marvel for the privilege and have a better route into traditional bookstores than Marvel appears to, as well as their toy store line of comic books.

It does, of course, raise many questions regarding how much outsourcing Disney — and Marvel — can do.