By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
Mattel is launching a publishing program for its Monster High franchise with publishers ABRAMS and IDW.
The Monster High publishing program will launch with two novels from ABRAMS and a comic book series by IDW, following years of demand from the brand’s dedicated fan base.
Founded in 1949, ABRAMS was the first company in the United States to specialize in publishing art and illustrated books. Today ABRAMS publishes a wide range of books, including children’s books ranging from middle grade to young adult fiction. IDW is a leading media company with a strong focus on creating compelling stories in comics and graphic novels for a wide variety of brand franchises.
This new program with the two companies will feature new artwork and stories to bring the Monster High brand to audiences through new formats.
“Ever since Monster High’s original launch in 2010, the franchise has been rooted in storytelling,” said Ryan Ferguson, Global Head of Publishing at Mattel. “We’re so ‘hexcited’ to continue this tradition by partnering with Abrams to extend the world of Monster High with a new original middle-grade novel. Regarding our alumni characters, the ultra-engaged Monster High fangdom has had a common ask… ’What happened next?’ We’re thrilled to partner with ABRAMS and IDW to answer that question.”
The program kicks off this Halloween with A Fright to Remember (Monster High School Spirits #1), a middle grade novel written by Adrianna Cuevas in an all-new, original middle grade series. A Fright to Remember has already received critical acclaim from Kirkus Reviews.
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Monster High will continue the story in Spring 2024 with a second novel based on the original Monster High alumni charactersTitled Once Bitten, Twice Dead, the novel offers a darker spin on the familiar Monster High universe, with unexpected twists and turns featuring fan-favorite character Draculaura. Written by Tiffany Schmidt, author of nine acclaimed young adult novels, Mattel says this release addresses demand from the alumni audience for more stories featuring the original alumni Monster High characters.
In Once Bitten, Twice Dead, Draculaura’s world is turned upside down when the unthinkable happens, and the teenage vampire is forced to navigate grief, love, and the meaning of true friendship while uncovering secrets long buried.
Monster High’s comics partnership with IDW will launch on Free Comic Book Day on May 4, when fans will have the chance to get an exclusive, brand-new story in a 32-page comic, plus an extended preview of IDW’s new series, Monster High: New Scaremester.
Set in the Monster High alumni world, IDW’s monthly comic book series will further extend stories for fans of the original Monster High brand across 10 comic books with more to come. Free Comic Book Day is an annual event where participating comic book specialty shops across North America give away comic books absolutely free.
The Monster High publishing program is part of Mattel’s ongoing efforts to further engage its fans through storytelling.
Earlier this year, Mattel announced its own publishing imprint with Simon & Schuster as its sales and distribution partner.
Mattel first introduced Monster High in 2010, and it quickly became one of the most successful and beloved kids’ properties of all time. Based on the children of famous monsters, the franchise seeks to foster a more accepting world where everyone is proud to be their authentic self, which is more relevant than ever.
The stories also tie in to a wide range of products designed to delight Monster High fans, including a new set of dolls, accessories, apparel, costumes and more.