Scholastic Plans DC Comics Novels

WBCP inks deal to take DC superheroes back to middle school.

Scholastic has acquired rights to publish three DC Comics: Secret Hero Society illustrated novels based on DC Comics superheroes.

The books are being developed in partnership with Warner Bros Consumer Products.

“Scholastic has been a long-standing partner and we’re excited to expand our collaboration to bring the DC Comics superheroes to young fans in this new book series set in middle school,” says Karen McTier, executive vice president, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. “This charming, visually driven, comedic series will allow the readers to explore and experience the mysteries, adventures and mishaps of middle school alongside their favorite DC Comics characters.”

The first book in the series, Study Hall of Justice, will be published in February 2016 and presents a twist on the idea of junior sleuths, using comics, journal entries, newspaper articles and doodles to re-imagine Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman as middle-grade students in a mysterious school. Study Hall of Justice will be published in hardcover simultaneously in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

The second book in the series will be released in spring 2017, with the third following in spring 2018.

“Scholastic and Warner Bros. Consumer Products have been publishing collaborators for more than 20 years, and we couldn’t be more excited that they’ve entrusted us to take some of their most iconic DC Comics characters on an adventure to a place that still strikes fear in the hearts of adults … middle school,” says Samantha Schutz, associate publisher, licensing and non-fiction, Scholastic. “What makes this series especially appealing is that it’s perfect for new fans to the franchise, but will still delight veterans who will pick up on subtle references and ‘Easter eggs’ throughout the books.”